There is nothing quite like the feeling of a job well done, but that good feeling is amplified if the job also makes you some money. When you are a homeowner, there is no point in doing any upgrades if they don’t improve the house’s resale value. If you end up selling, it’s best to be sitting on as much equity as possible so you don’t end up netting a loss. Before making any upgrades, it’s a good idea to figure out how much your home is worth so you can get a better idea of how much value you can add.
If you are a handy DIYer looking for some home projects, consider the following to make your place more valuable for you and whoever ends up living there in the future.
Update Your Baseboards
When it comes to dings and scuffs, they are always more apparent on the baseboards than anywhere else on the walls. It’s where the eye is naturally drawn because we expect the damage to be there. Replacing old, dinged-up baseboards with something modern gives an entire room a facelift.
- Applied bases have balanced finishes and transition into details, but they also play with size and proportion to add interest.
- Flush-base designs provide the look of a baseboard with the benefits of no baseboard. They typically integrate into a larger design element in the room, such as the flooring or wall material.
- A reveal baseboard separates different materials and can make a wall look like it is floating. Try painting the reveal a contrasting color for an interesting look.
- Consider removing them altogether. This leaves the wall base more susceptible to damage, but the overall look is cleaner and makes a room look larger.
Change Sink Faucets
An old sink faucet is another way to date a room, specifically a kitchen or bathroom. You can keep an old sink and simply replace the faucets, which can update the entire unit’s look and function. For instance, a touch-activated faucet is easy to use when you have dirty hands while adding a bit of futuristic flare. Plus, installing a new sink faucet is easy. It’s definitely one of those home repairs that do not require a handyman.
Plant More Shade Trees
Shade trees look great and help keep your heating and cooling costs down, but the benefits do not end there. Adding trees to your yard cuts down on the amount of turf you have to maintain, so that means less wasted water and more free afternoons you don’t have to spend mowing. Furthermore, mature trees add value to your home. Homebuyers love landscaping, and some additional trees may be the key that helps your property stand out from others in your area.
Picking out which shade trees depends a lot on your zone or region, but some popular options include:
- Gingko
- Oak
- Hornbeam
- Kentucky coffee tree
- Linden
- Maple
- Tulip tree
- Tupelo
- Zelkova
- Elm
Remove Popcorn from a Ceiling
If you have an older home with a popcorn-ceiling detail, you can remove this 20th century design relic yourself as long as it does not contain asbestos. The effort the project takes gives your arms and back a decent workout, but you can use a sander attachment for your electric drill to make it a bit easier. In the end, having a smooth ceiling adds value to your home and looks great. Get the DIY project details on how to update a popcorn ceiling here.
Tear Up Carpet
Carpet is another home detail that went of style with the turn of the century. If the carpet in your house is old, it’s not just unappealing visually, it’s also unsanitary. Over the years, carpet traps dirt, dust, dead skin cells, pet dander and unhealthy microbes.
Hard surface floors are easier when it comes to sanitation and upkeep. Plus, they look great. Tear your carpets up yourself to reveal the hardwood underneath. If your home’s floors are concrete, you can stain them for a sleek and minimalist look. Check out this tutorial on the best ways to remove carpet.
Why waste time on DIY home repairs if they don’t add to your home’s value as well as function and appearance? Even the smallest projects can mean big bucks when it’s time to put the place on the market. Try out one of these home projects yourself to start improving your house resale value today.