Recently we wrote about Sunrooms and how they affect the sale price. “The 2013 Hanley Wood Remodeling Cost vs. Value report suggests nationally homeowners recoup an average of 47 percent on a sunroom addition as one their home improvement projects. With an average cost of about $73,000 returning a value of $34,000 upon resale. a sunroom addition adds to the enjoyment of your home through all seasons. However, it does not return the full project cost to the homeowner.
When it comes to making changes to your home, there are many Home Improvement Projects that add value. We are not opposed to adding a swimming pool, or new windows to the entire house, or even upscale landscaping, but you won’t get the money you spend back out in a higher price for your house. What home improvement projects add value to your house?
How’s Your Brush Stroke? The cheapest move you can make is paint. Either do it yourself or hire it done. Paint every surface that has been painted and use neutral colors. Everything goes with white, off-white or light grey.
Welcome Me! Your front door is the first thing most of us see when we are invited in. It creates a first impression. Out of the Home Improvement Projects, this idea costs very little money, you can paint the door, update the hardware, or add a bronze kick plate. While we are at the front door, make sure the doorbell and porch light work,
Upgrade Appliances. Home buyers want stainless steel. Some sizzle factors that home buyers want are an under cabinet wine rack that keeps wine chilled or at an even temperature, granite countertops, under cabinet lighting, and tiled backsplashes.
Curb Appeal. First impressions are important. You can invest in some landscaping, but a mowed and edged lawn is first. Then a new lawn could be considered. Also, have the trees pruned by a professional and flower beds mulched and add some new flowers.
Kitchens and Bathrooms. These two rooms return the highest money return for money spent on home improvement projects. Adding a bathroom makes the highest-yielding addition and adding square footage via a sunroom will be one of the best investments you can make.
Energy-Efficiency Projects Pay Back. The last three years, home improvement projects have changed from ‘I want’ to ‘I need’ upgrades, because of the energy upgrade rebates. Homeowners are doing energy-efficient projects like replacing siding and windows and installing efficient heating systems. Replacing windows and doors generally recoups little of a job’s cost at resale, but improvements that up the Energy Star level of a home by one full step – say, from 3.5 stars to 4.5 – means a tidy rebate check from the government and lower energy bills over time.
According to U.S. News, the following Renovations bring the greatest percentage return on investment:
- Entry door replacement: 96.6 percent
- Deck addition (wood): 87.4 percent
- Attic bedroom: 84.3 percent
- Garage door replacement: 83.7 percent
- A minor kitchen remodel: 82.7 percent
Renovations that yield the smallest return:
- Home office remodel: 48.9 percent
- Sunroom addition: 51.7 percent
- Bathroom addition: 60.1 percent
- Backup power generation: 67.5 percent
- Master suite addition: 67.5 percent
In summary, there are some great home improvement projects you can add to your home to make it more comfortable and save energy, Don’t think all improvements will add value to your home when you are ready to sell. That shouldn’t stop you from doing things that will add to your pleasure.