In my constant search for great ideas for my clients, I came across a great article from Realtor magazine that I wanted to share with all of you. Here are ten big impact, low cost remodeling projects that can help you maintain or possibly increase your asking price on the sale of your home according to a recent cost vs. value report.
1. Tidy Up Kitchen Cabinets: Believe it or not, potential buyers do look in your kitchen cabinets. You can add roll out trays to create more space in your cabinets.
2. Add or Replace Tile: This is a great option to upgrade a kitchen or bathroom. Many home improvement stores offer clearance tile for $1-$2 each. You could add a tile backsplash in a kitchen or even tile a bathroom floor.
3. Add A Breakfast Bar: If you have a wall separating a kitchen and a living room, you could cut out an opening to create a bar. This could cost as little as $600 to cut the opening, add a granite counter top and add a couple of bar stools.
4. Install granite tile instead of a slab: Where a slab of granite might cost up to $5,000, granite tiles could cost as little as $300 in materials to cover the same space.
5. Freshen up the Bathroom: Try adding a new medicine cabinet, light fixtures, faucet and a vanity. If you already have tile, you can scrape out the old grout and re-grout for very little money.
6. Freshen Up the Basement: If you have cement block or poured concrete walls. Pay a contractor to fill in the cracks with hydraulic cement and then paint with waterproofing paint. You can then add a top coat for color. You could also paint the floor or even do an acid etched treatment on the concrete floors.
7. Add a Room: Look for large spaces that can be split in two. You could add a wall and a door for about $400 - $600 and potentially net $20,000 - $30,000 in price.
8. Spruce Up Cabinet Fronts: Try replacing the hardware on your cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen. This is a very inexpensive but highly effective option.
9. Replace Light Fixtures: Look in each room and foyer to see if updating your light fixtures will add to your home. Pay special attention to your kitchen. Adding recessed lighting in your kitchen will add lots of perceived value to your home.
10. Tech Up the Garage: Try replacing your garage door opener with a remote touch pad entry system. This costs about $425 and makes it look like a high-end system.
So, there you have it. 10 very solid ideas to increase the value of your home without breaking the bank!
Steve Blair, SFR
Affiliate Broker / Realtor
SilverPointe Properties
7105 Crossroads Blvd. Ste 102
Brentwood, TN 37027
Cell: 615-479-1639
Office: 615-377-6330
Email: Steve@SteveBlair.net
Website: www.SteveBlair.net
Twitter: www.Twiter.com/blairtweets
