3 Home upgrades to invest in, and 3 to not do
When people begin thinking about selling their home in Prince William County, upgrades can be a first step many people take. However doing too much, or upgrading things that don’t provide much return can be a waste of time and money.
We have put together a short list: of 3 upgrades to invest in and 3 to forget about.
A fresh coat of paint can easily brighten up and revive an entire room. Try to stick with neutral colors and add in pops of color elsewhere, such as throw pillows or artwork. Painting is a relatively low-cost renovation that can have a Huge impact.
Plus a fresh coat of paint will cover blemishes and dings in the wall, nail holes, etc.
Do: A Kitchen & Bath Face lift
You might have heard that a renovated kitchen and bathroom are two of the best areas to focus on when upgrading your home. However, you can do some smaller upgrades that will make as big an impact without costing a fortune.
New faucets, drawer pulls and resurfacing your cabinets are a few affordable ways to revitalize the space. Some appliance manufacturers sell new and alternate colored face plates.
For example, swapping out just the front of your dishwasher to match the other appliances is a great way to save money and tie things together.
You can take the same principles to give your bathroom a quick makeover. For example, Vinyl tiles can go on the floor, right over what you currently have. Do a deep cleaning of the grout, and re-grout if needed.
Fix any cracked tiles or broken hardware. (Wobbly towel racks, etc.) Another option to complete a shower renovation is to install a pre-fab cover. This is much cheaper than doing a whole shower overhaul.
Planting a few flowers out front or covering dirt with a pretty, fast spreading ground cover will give your home instant curb appeal. If needed, have trees and bushes trimmed and keep the lawn mowed nicely. Maybe even go as far as to rid a few lingering weeds from the lawn if time allows you.
Depending on your climate, you can plant succulents or lay down pretty rocks to keep the space well maintained, but low-maintenance.
Maybe throw a fresh coat of paint on the mailbox or hang up a bird feeder and some hanging plants. Minor touch up's and a well-groomed yard will draw anyone in.
Don’t: Finish The Basement
This can turn into a major project that can be both expensive and time-consuming. The numbers show you won’t end up getting back anywhere close to what you put into it.
Overall, most homebuyers will want to fix up the space to their unique taste anyhow. Maybe they want an open game room, or to add an extra bedroom or two.
When pricing the home, account for the unfinished space and let buyers know that is reflected in your pricing.
Don’t: Add a Patio, Deck or Pool
Again, this can be very pricey, without very much return. If you have an open area, use plants or paver stones to tidy up and beautify the space. If the new homeowners want to build a deck, they can do so, but with their tastes and specifications in mind.
Adding a pool can cost a fortune, without providing a huge increase in what you will be able to ask for the home. In addition, a pool may ultimately deter buyers.
Prospective buyers with small children may worry about safety and many people may not want to worry about the hassle and upkeep of maintaining their own pool.
Don’t: Do A Major Renovation to The Kitchen or Bathrooms
Don’t waste your time and money with a complete overhaul unless it is absolutely necessary due to water and or fire damage. The cost does not make profitable sense, especially when home buyers will have their own tastes. Many homeowners would prefer a credit to the home price allowing them to upgrade on their terms.
In summary: Don’t over-improve… remember the K.I.S.S method keep it simple stupid! No offense
