6 DIY Updates That Can Increase Your Home's Value by More Than $10,000

With the economy recovering slowly, many of us are looking for ways to increase the value of our homes without breaking the bank, especially if it's on the market.  So which simple do-it-yourself projects can be done to bring real value?  Check out this article from the Styled Staged Sold blog on Realtor.com. 

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine


Simple, affordable do-it-yourself projects such as cleaning and decluttering and just adding lighting can help increase a home’s resale value, according to HomeGain’s annual home improvement and staging survey.
HomeGain, an online real estate marketing resource, surveyed nearly 600 real estate professionals in creating a list of the top do-it-yourself home improvement projects that offer the biggest return for your buck.
Overall, the home improvement projects that boasted the highest price returns were updates to the kitchen and bathroom–an estimated $3,435 price increase for resale. Painting the outside of the home ($2,222 price increase) also offered one of the highest returns, according to HomeGain’s Home Sale Maximizer study.
Here are six do-it-yourself projects–all under $1,000–that made HomeGain’s list, as well as the estimated increase to the home’s price at resale for each project.

1. Cleaning and decluttering: Remove any personal items, unclutter countertops, organize closets and shelves, and make the home sparkling clean.
Cost: $290
Estimated return: $1,990

2. Light and bright: Clean all windows inside and out, replace old curtains, update lighting fixtures, and remove anything that blocks light from the windows.
Cost: $375 cost
Estimated return: $1,550

3. Staging: Rearrange furniture, bring in new accessories and furnishings to enhance rooms, including artwork and playing soft music in the background.
Cost: $550 cost
Estimated return: $2,194

4. Landscaping: Punch up the home’s curb appeal in the front and
backyards by adding bark mulch, bushes and flowers, and ensuring current plants and grass are well-cared for and manicured.
Cost: $540
Estimated return: $1,932


5. Repair electrical or plumbing: Repair any leaks under the bathroom or kitchen sinks, remove any mildew stains, and ensure all plumbing is in good working condition. Update the home’s electrical with new wiring for modern appliances, fix any lights or outlets that don’t work, and replace old plug points with new safety fixtures.
Cost: $535
Estimated return: $1,505

  

6. Replace or shampoo dirty carpets: Steam-clean or  replace any worn carpets, and repair any floor creaks.

Cost: $647

Estimated return: $1,739

If you would like to try some of these projects but need assistance, be sure to call us at (989)595-2970.  Our team of experts will be glad to advise you or do the work for you to help make your home more valuable and sell-able.