5 Easy Cosmetic Improvements That Can Increase the Value of Your Home

Generally speaking, you’re going to see the best return on investment when you undertake major home renovations like kitchen and bathroom upgrades, but these changes can cost you a lot of money up front. If you’re working with a relatively small budget, you may be more interested in low-cost, cosmetic upgrades that will make your home more appealing to the average buyer. Although this type of remodeling project may not net you the same bump in value as, say, a gourmet kitchen or a spa-like master bath, the right cosmetic improvements can certainly interest more buyers when it comes time to sell, which could, in turn, improve your home value, especially if your property looks nicer than others in your area. Here are just a few easy upgrades you should be able to afford that can not only improve the look of your home, but increase the value in the process.

1. Replace fixtures. Although replacing lighting and plumbing fixtures can cost you quite a bit, depending on what products you choose to install, you don’t necessarily have to go to great lengths or spend a ton of money to improve the look of the little touches in your home. For example, you can replace an outdated, fluorescent box light in the kitchen with halogen track lighting for little expense and effort. Or if you wanted to spend a bit more and perhaps hire some help, you could install recessed lighting instead. As for bathroom fixtures, replacing outdated brass with trendy brushed nickel faucets and knobs is easier than you think. With some help from a home repair guide or online tutorial, you can give your lighting and plumbing fixtures simple updates that will change the whole look of your home.
2. Paint cabinets and upgrade hardware. If you simply haven’t got several thousand dollars on hand to replace ugly cabinetry, your best bet is to slap a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware on it. The task can certainly be time-consuming, especially if you have to sand first. But with a little elbow grease and a relatively small expenditure, you can make your kitchen, bathroom, or other cabinetry look brand new.
3. Flooring. There’s no denying that flooring can be both expensive and difficult to install. However, there are some easy upgrades in this area that don’t have to cost you a ton of money or require you to rent specialized equipment. While putting in hardwood or tile could entail a great deal of time, expense, and skill, you might consider simply installing new carpeting. You can get remnants on the cheap to improve the look of most living spaces in your home. Or if you’ve got your heart set on upgrading from linoleum in the kitchen and bathrooms, you might consider the possibility of laminate, faux stone, or ceramic tile flooring. All entail less expense than the real deal, and with help from online tutorials you should be able to figure out how to install them on your own.
4. Storage. Many homeowners have more stuff than they can reasonably store, and for this reason, sufficient storage solutions are a major bonus. So even if you have closet space, you may want to install units that include shelving, bins, drawers, rods, and other options for organization. However, if available storage is limited or otherwise lacking, you should consider installing shelving units and cabinetry that fit your space, although not necessarily custom built-ins. With storage solutions from discount stores like IKEA or even from hardware stores, you can find the scalable solutions you need to make your house more functional.
5. Curb appeal. Your exterior provides the first impression of your home and it can set the tone with prospective buyers, so curb appeal is an important cosmetic upgrade. Seeding the lawn is a cheap and easy process if you’ve got the time. And it doesn’t take much to spruce up your façade, especially if you hire a company like Sergios painting to get the job done for you. Then it’s just a matter of filling cracks in the concrete, upgrading house numbers and the mailbox, and adding some color with fresh blooms. A good first impression can make all the difference when it comes to raising interest in your home and perhaps increasing the sale price.