Home Improvements that Increase the Value of Your Home

Home Improvements that Increase the Value of Your Home

Maintaining your home is the most important thing that you can do to ensure it retains its value. Although it will take some effort on your part, making timely and necessary home improvements will make your home comfortable for you and your family while adding to your property’s value.

Use this worksheet to evaluate whether it’s time to do some home improvement projects:

The view from the street Go outside to the street and look at your property critically. Write down any areas that you notice are not becoming to your property and need your attention. This may include the condition of your fence, yards, guttering and the overall image of your property. Document what you plan to do to each of the property’s areas to increase your home’s value.

An affordable option is to update your house numbers Most of us are used to living in a space where our home numbers are probably pre-existing, whether they're on the front of our apartment door or a standalone home. But changing your home or apartment numbers is a quick way to set the tone for your homes style. Modern and DIY options are always great, but this is a nice place to get creative and work in things like plants or antique hardware.


Add some metallic detailing to your home numbers It's hard to beat the shimmer of a little bit of gold or silver at home. By adding gold or silver you can make your space feel luxe.

Add a door knocker The front door is the first thing you (and your guests) see when coming home and it's your first chance to make a big impact. While re-painting your door in a bold colour is a great option, it's much easier and faster to add new hardware, like a decorative door knocker. There are a wide range of new and antique options available to spruce up any doorway.

Change your doorknob We all use doorknobs and door handles dozens of times a day. Whether it's the front door, bedroom, kitchen or bathroom, adding something unexpected and special is a great way to make an everyday function a lot more fun. Of course, function is important, so be sure to choose something that's easy to hold and use as it is lovely to see.

Evaluate your home’s lighting Do you have rooms that are dim and don’t have enough light? What about rooms where you’ve overdone the lighting? To change the lighting consider starting with simple fixes, such as changing your lamps or using a lower wattage light bulb.

Change your light fixtures Swapping your lighting (whether it's an overhead pendant or table lamp) makes a huge change in any room, both in terms of style and overall lighting. Choosing soft white bulbs and adding a dimmer can make a big difference, too.

The kitchen Since the kitchen is one of the most important room of the house, how does your kitchen look? What changes, if any, would you like to make to each of these aspects of your kitchen? Do you want more space? Would you like to lighten the colour of the kitchen? Do you want to add space-saving options, like a kitchen island bench?

Change your kitchen faucets Whether you visit your local salvage yard, resale website, it's easier than ever to find beautiful faucets that you can use to upgrade your bath and kitchen sinks. These changes can make a big difference. Be sure they fit your sink before buying!

Countertops Examine countertops for orderliness, chips, scratches or other types of wear from frequent use. You may feel like replacing the countertop with something more modern or more in line with your own personal taste. You may choose space-saving options like a kitchen island bench.

Rooms Looking at each room in your home, how do the walls and floors appear? Are they marked up, faded, or even peeling? Do a walkthrough to determine which rooms need to be painted. The good news is that paint is an inexpensive way to bring out the best in your home.

Bathroom How do the cabinets, sink, countertops, and bathtub look? Do you need to change or remodel any of these elements? Another good tip to make your bathroom pop is to use space-saving cabinets.

Line your bathroom cabinets and bookcases with wallpaper Wallpaper isn't just for walls - and it is much less of a risk when you only use it on a small piece of furniture instead of a full room. Lining the back of your bookshelves, your dresser drawers or the inside of a small cabinet is a great way to give your space a totally new look.

Add window treatments Even the simplest window treatments can have a grand impact on a space. Adding simple curtain panels or a Roman shade can completely dress-up a room and add warmth. Inexpensive window coverings and fresh shower curtains also spruce up your bathroom.

These tips demonstrate it is possible to make affordable home improvements that appreciate the value of your property. It is a good idea to review your home and assess its improvement needs on a regular basis. This will help you retain the value of your property and add personal touches that reflect your own personal style.