5 Small Home Improvements With Big Value

Many home upgrades are worth your time and money, even if the result isn’t a dollar-for-dollar gain. It’s true that spending $25,000 on a project doesn’t mean you can in good faith boost your home’s asking price by that amount when you’re ready to sell. However, consider how the improvements will enhance your home’s overall appeal to potential buyers—or provide enjoyment for you if you decide to stay.

1. Updating the home with paint refreshes your rooms.

Painting takes little money and effort yet packs a powerful punch. The ambiance can instantly change with a new wall color. Consider how you can electrify the ambiance with a bold hue, such as Pantone’s Color of the Year 2023, Viva Magenta. For those DIYers more inclined to a subtle approach, select warm neutrals. For the exterior, which everyone sees first, use no more than three colors because too many hues can be distracting.

2. Home remodels brighten with the right lighting.

The latest energy-saving, atmosphere-enhancing LED light bulbs can make almost any space feel larger, cleaner and more inviting. In addition, consider adding inset lighting to rooms that only have overhead lighting, or updating old fixtures for a more contemporary look and feel.

3. Consider a kitchen renovation (minor or major) home remodel.

A minor kitchen redo might include new cabinet fronts and hardware, granite or quartz countertops, a new backsplash, matching major appliances, fresh paint and perhaps new flooring.

A major kitchen home remodel typically involves overhauling the entire space, including designing a new layout to improve functionality. Specific additions might include an island counter, custom wood cabinets, energy-efficient appliances and new flooring.

4. Home improvements often include the bathroom (midrange or upscale).

For a midrange bathroom conversion, you might add ceramic tile floors, chrome fixtures, a ceramic tile surround, a standard white toilet and a simple solid-surface vanity counter. The finishes are functional and nice, but not top of the line.

Taking that bathroom to a new level will involve expanding or adjusting the layout. Finishes may include large ceramic floor tiles, high-end faucets, new lighting and stone countertops with double sinks. Showers may have frameless glass doors, rain shower fixtures, niches and tiled walls. A freestanding tub is also a popular addition.

5. Upgrade outside with landscaping.

Curb appeal is what potential homebuyers notice first. You can tackle many of these projects yourself if you have the desire and ability. Here are just a few landscaping projects that will add value to your home.

• Install landscape lighting.
• Construct a fire pit.
• Add a water feature.
• Plant flowers.
• Convert to drought-resistant landscaping.