It’s a question many homeowners struggle to answer, in part because renovations are frequently put off until we look at our home through a potential buyer’s eyes and realize it needs some work.
Sprucing up is always a good idea before putting your house on the market. Simple and inexpensive fixes, such as a new door or fresh paint, can go a long way in drawing a higher sale price. If you are considering a more significant renovation, however, you may want to plan ahead so you can enjoy that improvement a few years before selling.
Many homeowners find themselves avoiding larger investments in renovations because they anticipate moving, but they don’t know exactly when that will be. If your house is not your forever home, keeping a few things in mind with regard to renovations and an impending sale will allow you to enjoy your home and make the most of those investments you choose to make.
Kitchens and bathrooms continue to make the biggest impressions
They also can be the most pricey of remodels and depending on how much you spend, can be harder to recoup in your sale. If you anticipate selling in a few months, keep your kitchen or bath project at $5,000 or less to maximize your ROI.
If your moving plans are farther out, don’t delay that remodel! Make your investment in your kitchen or bath an investment in yourself. These are rooms you and your family spend time in, so focus on conveniences and designs you like. You can keep certain elements relatively neutral for future buyers and still make these spaces your own.
Consider buyer expectations in your neighborhood
Chatting with neighbors is a good idea, especially if you haven’t lived in your neighborhood for very long. If a first-floor laundry or an extra half bath is pretty common among your neighbors but not in your home, either would be a worthwhile investment.
Plan ahead on these remodels, with an eye for a sale being a couple of years out. An addition off your kitchen that provides a state of the art laundry facility with a half bath is an investment worth making for your own family’s enjoyment before selling.
You can put yourself first
Flooring and walls are among the most inexpensive renovations that can have the biggest impact on buyers, so don’t be afraid to choose colors and styles you like knowing you would change them to sell your home. Refinishing a hardwood floor, replacing a bold tile choice, or painting feature walls with a neutral shade of paint are all relatively inexpensive and easy to take care of just before listing your home.
If you are uncertain about investing in a renovation project in your home, contact the professionals at Precision Siding & Construction. Our team can help you design a remodel that fits your plans and your budget so you can enjoy your home for as long as you live in it.