Expert Tip Monday: 6 Affordable Ways to Add Value To Your Home

Today's expert tips come from Elizabeth Dodson, the co-founder of HomeZada, a cloud-based home improvement and organizational software tool. She's got some ingenious ways we can update our homes and make them more valuable, all without spending a lot of money!

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How Homeowners Can Add Value to Their Home Without Breaking the Bank

Adding value to your home can be done with some simple tasks that do not require a lot of money. Some tasks require no money at all but a little effort and time on the homeowner’s part. 

With a little time and some elbow grease, keeping a home fresh can be simple.  

1.  Start by clearing the clutter.  Put away the contents on counters in kitchens and bathrooms that are not used every day and for the items that are, add some organizing tools to get those items looking neat on counters.  To show that a home does have enough storage make sure you remove items in your closets that you are no longer using.  If closets look too full, then it appears as if the house does not have enough storage, plus this could be a good time to rethink what you really need.  Donate away. 

2.  To make a home look brand new, clean tile grout throughout the home.  You can do this yourself or you can hire a professional to steam-clean your grout.  It is amazing how fresh tile will look and bring new life to rooms.  The same holds true with cleaning windows and getting carpets cleaned.  Cleaning the windows or hiring professionals to do this work is a fantastic way to create a feeling of space in your home.  Clean windows can open up a home. Cleaning carpets will make them look fresh and also remove the dust and dirt that may have built up in them creating a healthier home. 

3.  Next, get the front and back yards organized.  Making sure the lawn is mowed, the bushes are trimmed and planting some flowers can go a long way to getting a home in tip top shape.  Get a fresh coat of paint or a new seal on a front door can really brighten a front entrance.  Additionally, add some new house numbers and door knobs to make the front door pop.  Adding some potted plants can also brighten a welcome.  If your yard really needs an overhaul, this is a great investment to get the home’s appearance improved as a value enhancer.  This also applies to the back yard.  Adding a deck or refreshing it with some sealant gives a look of ready to play in your yard.

4.  Adding value can be as simple as adding the accessories.  Add new hardware to kitchen and bathroom cabinets.  Knobs and drawer pulls go a long way.  In a similar fashion, for $200 – $300 updating faucets is an inexpensive way to add value.   Even new towel bars in bathrooms can add more style to the existing room.

5.  Repainting your house not only gives a home a fresh look, but can add character by choosing a few bold colors to add to a few rooms.  Remember to refresh the ceilings while you are painting your home. No one wants grey walls and dingy ceilings.  Further, consider repainting or pressure-washing the outside of the house for a fresh look making the house’s first impression even more welcoming. 

6.  Stay up-to-date on your home maintenance. The overall function of your home must continue to work in order to maintain your home’s value.  Have your HVAC equipment serviced regularly, check your home for plumbing leaks and check to make sure all your lights are working properly. Maintaining your home regularly will help with the home’s overall value but will also keep from breaking the bank when something in the home does go wrong. 

Performing these simple tasks will help maintain and add value to your home without spending a lot of money. 

HomeZada strives to educate and provide resources for homeowners in all areas of home management, including home improvement projects, maintenance, inventory, property information, and property value.