Home Upgrades That Payoff

Where Do I Even Start?

Once you’re looking at your home with a critical eye, it's easy to find flaws everywhere. Here are some ideas for where to spend your time and money so it will pay off:

Update Bathroom

Everyone wants a sparkling, clean bathroom. And simple tiles and fixtures can appeal to different tastes. For quick touch-ups on existing sinks, toilets, and tubs, consider hiring Miracle Method, a surface-restoration company that recoats ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass fixtures with a chemical bonding agent that looks like shiny new porcelain. (miraclemethod.com.)

Photo credit: Diva of DIY

Kitchen

Change the curtains and window trim or sand down your old cabinets and give them a fresh coat of paint. Again, go with light colors. Energy-efficient appliances can help you if you’re thinking of selling your home and will save you money on your energy bill in the meantime.

Photo credit: Domestic Imperfection

Landscaping

This is all about making a good first impression. Perennial flowers will come back year after year and some trees can grow about a foot each year. And properties with gorgeous, established trees are even more attractive to potential home buyers down the road.

Photo credit: Sahifa

Front door

This is one of our favorites. Painting your front door a bright color brings a smile to your face each time you walk inside and helps your house stand out in the neighborhood.

Photo credit: Bren Did

General upkeep

Make sure your electrical wiring is updated with current safety codes.
Inspect your roof for damage after a hailstorm.
Monitor that your plumbing that it works the way it's supposed to. Fix leaky faucets and p traps under sinks. Call a plumber to inspect slow draining drains.
Paint your interior walls get a new coat of paint every few years. Check out this video from Sherwin Williams and Pottery Barn describe popular neutral paint colors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiBGBfuOrCw

I Have a Small Budget, Can I Still Do This?

Yes, absolutely. Here are some ideas that pack a big punch but won’t burn a hole in your pocket:

Instead of painting the whole exterior of the house, just paint the door and trim
Instead of renovating the whole bathroom or kitchen, just replace the hardware and match with new door handles, drawer pulls, etc. A cohesive look will elevate the room.
Instead of replacing your carpet entirely, just have it professionally cleaned (especially if you have pets or a carpet in the dining area where food has fallen on the floor). Groupon often has deals you can buy.
Install a smart thermostat. Like energy-efficient appliances, this is a high tech upgrade that will serve you well in the present and the future.