Which inexpensive (under $1000) fixes to my home will add the most value to it?

Question

We want to make improvements that will add value to our home, but we don't have a lot of cash to spare, and we do not want to take out a home equity loan to do the repairs.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

Answer 1

Curb appeal....make your yard look clean and neat, as well as the inside of the house. As far as inexpensive fixes~paint! Cheap and will give a new clean look, be sure to go with a neutral color. Flooring: especially kitchen/bathroom, entry way---those 12 X 12 stick on tiles are inexpensive and will do wonders if your floors are looking worn. And then fixtures: faucets, lighting, cabinet handles, etc. in the bathrooms and kitchen. Those are the 2 main areas to focus on, that's the 1st the buyers will check out!!! Also while you are doing all of this, if your house is cluttered or you've "out grown" it, get rid of stuff or store it somewhere......you want the house to look as big as possible and the less, the better in the buyers eyes. Oh, and don't forget to clean the carpet if it needs it. I always tell sellers to get rid of stuff sitting on kitchen counters, put away the toaster, coffee maker....clear it off! Hope I gave you some good suggestions that will help! One more thing: if you have wall paper~take it down and paint!!! Especially if it's old or ugly (no offense!) Good luck!!!!

Answer 2

You can re-do the flooring in the kitchens or bathrooms, or re-carpet one or two of the rooms (probably living room or other main common room). You can also paint one or two of the rooms if you don't want to pay for repainting the whole house. Do you have kids? Adding a small concrete pad and a basketball hoop can increase value, as can a well-maintained swing set in the backyard (both could be done cheaply if you are willing to do the work yourself). Gardening is always good but real landscaping is better; the downside is that you have to maintain it. The real question is, why are you asking? If you want the house to look good when you sell it, so that you can get more money, then some of these might work. If you just want the value to be higher in the abstract, it's less relevant, the overall trends in the housing market matter more.

Answer 3

I've been in the remodeling business, along with Real Estate for many years now.
Most people think that painting, remodeling, repairing, will do it but, it doesn't.

When people move into a new home, the first thing most do is paint, whether it's newly painted or not. They want their own colors in.
What might be new cabinets for you, at a major expense, might be an eyesore to someone who just bought it.
That's the way it goes.

Clean, clean, clean. Make sure everything is spotlessly clean, sanitized clean. The fridge, under it, around it, in back of it. The same with the toilets and the furthest back closet, clean.

Torn wall paper, repair it, Bruised paint, scuff marks, repaint these areas. Traffic areas that show wear. But, don't go to any lengths to repaint entire rooms, they may move in a repaint, turning their noses up at your colors.

Repair any landscaping that needs it, re-sod bad areas, trim trees, show that you care.

If you put on a show like this, it would be probably more appreciated then an entire remake.

Answer 4

Cosmetic fixes like paint etc do not really change the value. Permanent hard surface changes will. If you are handy and are able to say...tile a new back splash, or maybe invest in a new kitchen appliance or bathroom vanity it will upgrade the value. We were surprised that just putting in updated faucets and sinks was noticed by a bank appraiser. If you are looking to sell or if you are just looking to increase the appraised value for equity purposes it makes a difference as to what do do first. Hard surface updates make the most sense, just don't get too bold with your decisions. For resale also make sure that the yard is nice and neat , take out any overgrown bushes or trees so you have curb appeal. Hope this helps..

Answer 5

The best bang for the buck always comes from a coat of fresh paint. Paint is relatively inexpensive and freshens the appearance quickly.

If you want to change the look of the house, vinyl shutters also go a long way in appearance.

Kitchens are eye catchers. If the cabinetry is a bit dated, paint goes a long way on those cabinets as well. New laminate countertops (if you can do it yourself) really updates the look, as well as new cabinet hardware.

Just look around the house and see what needs freshening.

As far as actual 'improvements, the real value adders, such as new kitchens and baths, will run far more than your $1000 budget. For that amount of money, you will be limited to 'updating' only.

Answer 6

You have to make repairs just to sell a home, if its in bad condition you won't get the money you could.
At the very least a fresh coat of paint and patch the walls. Get rid of any animal or smoking odors. Wash the windows
Fresh blinds and clean, clean, clean.
Adding value requires some outlay, a bit of landscaping, or a new sink and countertop. You have to put some money in to get some money out, and all you have the money to do is paint it yourself. Don't use a harsh white, use a cream or soft light tan. No bright strong colors.
I have to disagree with Cowboy, if a woman looks at two homes, exactly the same, and one of them is painted garishly she won't buy it in the first place. Men even react more strongly but they just say they don't like the house.
You want them to find the house unobjectionable and turquoise walls with peach trim might be turning away a buyer and you wouldn't even know that was the problem.

Answer 7

I've read that bathrooms and kitchens can make or break home sales. As most of the other respondents have said, clean clean clean these areas. Bathroom: make sure the faucet and sink are in good condition, no stains, toilet not rust-stained, toilet seat and lid are both in tact, caulk around tub/shower and sink in good repair without mildew, curtains/blinds and windows (if you have them) clean and curtains open if possible. "Hide" as many personal items as possible. Kitchen: again, sink and faucet clean, shiny, and in good repair, countertops free of unused appliances, caulk/grout clean and mildew-free, refrigerator clean and free of personal magnets, pictures, children's artwork, etc., floors clean, windows and curtains/blinds (if you have them) clean and curtains open if possible. Hope this helps, and good luck to you!

Answer 8

Clean and freshen. Paint/neutral throughout

Answer 9

a new storm door. Make sure ts energy efficient.

Answer 10

you keep your house clean & tidy .
what ever thing you have in house change the position
see that you dont mess