When reaching life's milestone of buying a home or just after purchase, new homeowners often run across a few surprises at the new property. While changes and upgrades are expected when one buys a home previously lived in, these necessary changes can sometimes come as a challenge. It is prudent to consider repairs or upgrades before the purchase, but not something that always happens.
If the consumer is thinking of buying a home or has one that is relatively new to them, they should consider changes that will make their home increase in value. This way the new homeowner is aware of where money is best spent and other areas where it is best to closely stick to the budget.
If something is broken, it must be fixed to take advantage of the new place. But one does not have to go above and beyond on every project. Keep remodels to one room at a time.
1. Bathroom
Bathroom: One of the most necessary rooms in the home, there is a certain level of functionality that is a must here. Water must run and drain properly from sinks, tubs, showers, and commodes. No leaks are acceptable. Before purchasing, a thorough check of these issues in all bathrooms is a must. Bathroom leaks are often a deal-breaker if not adequately corrected promptly. If you’re in a home with such issues, this is a top priority improvement. Include some upgrades while you’re dealing with the plumber, if desired. Perhaps you want a new tub or shower or want to replace the water chamber. Include this when getting the pipes replaced or repaired. If the new homeowner will DIY paint and wallpaper, do that first when possible. Of course, they don’t want to do this work while standing in a puddle. Conversely, they don’t wish to splash paint on new fixtures, either.
2. Kitchen
Kitchen: Hopefully, new homeowners can do most of the remodeling before moving in. Not everyone has that luxury though. A little more valuable than a bathroom upgrade, modernizing and improving the kitchen can add to the value of the home. Keep the upgrade minor, though, under $15,000.00 is recommended by Remodeling Magazine, with a 92.9 percent return on your investment. That may not allow for those granite counterops the occupant desires, but it does afford a cheerful and comfortable kitchen with modern appliances.
3. Roof
Roof: This is not an improvement one wants to spend money on or even think of, most likely. The only time most usually think about the roof is when it is leaking. Don’t keep patching it, just budget or start saving for a new one, especially if selling the home is in the near future. ROI on this type of investment varies greatly, depending on the neighborhood and area of the country, but most buyers won’t even consider purchasing a home with a patched or leaky roof.
4. Basement
Basement: Perhaps the basement did not get a proper evaluation before the purchase of the home. How does one miss that musty, dank smell? Or how did it get past the Home Inspector? Maybe it truly is a new issue, however, it occurred, that wet basement cannot remain. First, determine where the humidity is coming from. Perhaps recent rain or snow is the culprit. Or maybe the humidity is coming from inside the home. Find out with this test described by the Family Handyman, so you will know how to proceed. Whatever, the issue making the basement damp and musty might be a DIY fix. If necessary, call a professional. A damp basement will quickly curtail the sale of a home but is also dangerous for the occupants.
5. Heat Pump
Heat Pump: Heating and Air conditioning are must-haves in many areas of the country, few places can do without either and most need both. On par with the roof and the basement, potential home buyers don’t want to deal with a system that is faulty or old. Unless the old system works perfectly and there is no chance of selling the home in the foreseeable future, plan to replace aged units.
6. Landscaping
Landscaping: Curb appeal is one of the most valuable improvements for any home. No matter how wonderfully designed and updated the inside, nobody will see it if they’re not enticed to come have a look. A bland or unkempt outdoors sends buyers on down the road. Curb appeal comes from a range of hardscapes and soft materials. A hardscape is adding a porch or wall in the yard, while softscapes use plant material to enhance the yard with interest, blooms, fragrance, as well as different colors, and textures. Experienced gardeners might be able to successfully DIY a front landscape; most others should turn to professionals. Landscape the outdoors to maximize enjoyment for the family and do it professionally for potential buyers. Often, the result is the same. Adding a pool is not necessarily the best ROI, but if it is something that would bring the family together, it might be justified.
Improvements to the home are expensive and inconvenient, but often necessary. Usually, the results are worth the expense and time and are something to enjoy for many years to come. Get several estimates, at least more than one, and make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured. Above all, make sure the improvement is done in the best way to add value to the home.
