Are you selling your home and on a budget for ways to add value to your home for sale (or even if not selling your home, to add value to it)? The ideas below could be just what you're looking for. These unique ideas are easy to implement and won't break the bank. Many of these home improvement projects are do-it-yourself, so you won't have to spend money on a professional.
Power Wash
Power wash your home. Give the outside of your home a good cleaning. You can hire a local company or individual to power wash your house at a very reasonable rate. You will be surprised how much dirt settles on the outside of your house. Getting rid of that layer of dirt will make a major difference in the outside appearance of your home. Don't just power wash the house though. Go ahead and clean the driveway while you're at it. Removing old oil stains from the driveway will have a big impact on your curb appeal. Speaking of curb appeal, that's next on our list.
Landscaping
Sure, you can spend thousands of dollars on landscaping but you don't have to. There are many simple and inexpensive landscaping ideas that will have a major impact on the curb appeal of your home. Here are a few easy landscaping ideas:
• Mulch flower beds and trees
• Plant a tree
• Plant vibrant colored flowers
• Lay down some pavers
• Add solar lighting to flowerbeds
Paint
Giving your whole house a fresh coat of paint does not have to cost an arm and a leg if you do it one section at a time. Consider starting on the front porch since that will have the most effect on your curb appeal. Don't forget to paint the front door. After the porch, paint the rest of the outside. Once you move inside, start with the kitchen before moving on. Most of the time, the experts at your local paint store are happy to help you select colors. Remember to bring along some pictures of your house when you go to the paint store. This will help them as they assist you in selecting colors. Here's a bonus tip. Paint the floor in your garage. It will look amazing and give your whole garage a facelift.
Kitchen Faucet
Upgrading to a modern faucet with a bold new look will make a huge impact on your kitchen's appearance. When choosing your new faucet, make sure you select one with a modern design. You want a faucet that makes people say "Wow!" when they walk into your kitchen. Spend a few extra dollars for that trendy new faucet. You won't regret it.
Water Purifier
A water purification system can be added to your kitchen for a very reasonable price. These units are typically installed under your sink and add a filtered water tap to your sink. This means no more buying bottled water. The only drawback is that you will need to hire someone to install this system.
Cabinet Hardware
The next best thing to upgrading your cabinets is to upgrade the cabinet pulls and knobs. This project is so simple that almost anyone can do it. It's also very inexpensive. Pulls and knobs are surprisingly affordable. If you only have time or money to make one change in your kitchen let this be the one.
Garbage Disposal
If you don't already have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, you should add one. They are very inexpensive and will definitely add value to your home. These days, not having a garbage disposal will actually detract value from your home.
Smart Technology
Adding smart technology to your house has never been easier. Even something as simple as adding a digital thermostat will give you that "smart-house" vibe. You can start slow and add one piece of technology at a time. After the thermostat, consider starting with a smart garage door opener. Other things to consider are smart power outlets and light fixtures.
Switch Faceplates
Depending on the age of your home, the faceplates for the light switches may be very dated. Take a picture of your current light switch faceplates then go to a hardware store. Compare your faceplates with the modern ones they have for sale. If yours seem dated, buy new ones. They are very inexpensive and easy to change out.
Security System
There are many options for adding a home security system these days. The new trend in home security is a wireless system that you can install yourself. These modern security systems allow you to purchase each of the components separately. For example, you could simply start by protecting one door. Then, over time you could protect more entry points. A security system adds value as well as a layer of protection to your home.
As you see, there are many inexpensive things that can be done to add value to a home, whether selling it or not. The ideas above are by no means an exhaustive list. As you work your way through our list, you will most likely come up with many new and creative ideas of your own. Best of luck to you on your home improvement journey.
About Main Line Homes
Janis Peterson, Realtor®, GRI, ABR, SRES, CSP, www.mainlinehomes.com, is an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR). The process of preparing, listing, and selling your home has many complicated steps for you to navigate along the way. If you are considering selling your Main Line home, contact Janis, and she can help guide you through all the steps of selling your home, including determining how much your Main Line home is worth, staging, listing your home for sale, and advertising, to maximize the sale price of your home and to minimize the hassle and inconvenience. Janis Peterson has been helping Main Line home Sellers and Buyers since 1994. Areas in which she specializes include homes and real estate for sale in Montgomery, Delaware County, and Chester County, PA, Pennsylvania, including Lower Merion Township, Narberth Borough, Haverford Township, Radnor Township, Newtown Township, Easttown Township, Tredyffrin Township, Willistown Township, Malvern Borough, and Marple Township. Contact Janis at Tel: 610-642-3744 or e-mail her at janis@mainlinehomes.com, and she will help you create a winning strategy to sell your home!
Janis Peterson, REALTOR®, GRI, ABR, SRES, CSP
Main Line Homes Luxury Real Estate Agent
Keller Williams Main Line
Suburban Square
6 Coulter Ave
Ardmore, PA 19003
Direct: (610) 642-3744
www.mainlinehomes.com
Janis@mainlinehomes.com