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6 Upgrades to Improve the Value of Your Home


Basement Finishing, Energy-Efficient Windows, Home Automation, and More

© 2014 Jayla Barnsen; all rights reserved; content may not be copied, rewritten, or republished without written permission.

A worker replacing garage door spring pulley; image courtesy Jayla Barnsen






This article was updated on 01/21/19. Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Your home represents a significant investment. The place where you live and raise your family should be cared for with pride. Some home improvements go farther than others toward improving your homes overall value (your equity).

Consider these six improvements that will greatly increase your property value. Of course, you should prioritize and consider your budget.

  1. Add Living or Entertainment Space by Finishing Your Basement


    No one wants to live in a crowded home. One of the best ways to add value to your home and make it more comfortable for your growing family is by making better use of the space you already have. Finish the basement, and add new space for your entire family to enjoy.

  2. Replace Your Garage Door for Beauty and Security


    Add curb appeal as well as security to your home with a new garage. Having a place to store your car that can double for storage is a big win.

    The color you choose for your new garage door should complement your home. That does not mean it has to match the color of your siding but it should not clash with it either. Keep in mind that homeowner associations may mandate the color.

  3. Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Save Money


    New windows add a lot of value and home equity for little expense or hassle. As an added bonus, high-quality double or triple-pane windows also provide energy savings, lowering your energy bills year-round.

    Many homeowners find that replacing old contractor-grade windows actually pays for itself within a couple of years. There’s no doubt that you will save money right off the bat. Some windows qualify for a federal energy tax credit when you file your federal tax return. Be sure to research your location and window construction to determine eligibility.

  4. Upgrade Home Systems and Perform Regular Maintenance


    Up-to-date heating and cooling systems not only help to keep your home more comfortable but also result in big savings since they operate much more efficiently than old, worn out systems.

    You might also look into the various ways you can move up to the evolving technology of home automation. For example, you may have heard of the Nest Learning Thermostat on TV or in the news. It learns your preferences and programs itself and you can adjust it remotely via Wi-Fi with your smartphone, tablet, etc.

    Plumbing, sewage, and electrical systems all require regular maintenance and updates as well. If you update your home systems when necessary and regularly attend to routine maintenance, your home will be easier to sell and hold its value well.

  5. Add Curb Appeal by Landscaping Your Lawn


    Landscaping is an inexpensive way to improve or maintain your home’s value. In addition to planting and maintaining gardens, shrubbery and other plants, add a few decorative touches as well.

    Your plants do not necessarily have to be purely decorative. Consider adding a raised bed garden to grow your own organic produce.

    LED lighting along the sidewalk up to your home adds beauty to the home’s exterior as well as extra safety for visitors coming or going after dark.

  6. Install New Cabinetry for an Affordable Upgrade


    Kitchens and bathrooms are the two most important rooms in any home. Add value to either of these rooms by installing additional cabinetry.

    You can install new cabinetry and countertops in your kitchen. Save money by buying new doors and hardware but doing the installation yourself as a weekend project. Check out Rockler's exclusive Custom Cabinet Door and Drawer program for inspiring ideas. Improvements can even be accomplished by simply sanding and refinishing cabinetry that already exists in a home.

These 6 upgrades to improve the value of your home are just a few to consider to not only keep your residence up to date but also increase its value. There are always more DIY projects to consider. Got more tips? Share them with other readers in the comment section below!

I hope you found this home improvement article helpful. If so, please pass it along to your friends. Comments or ideas? Add them in the comment section below. Thanks for visiting.

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About the Webmaster:

Photo of Kelly R. SmithKelly R. Smith was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation and financial and energy trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at I Can Fix Up My Home Blog where he muses on many different topics.

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