Best Home Renovations For Big Returns When You Sell Your Home

Many people with property for sale in Nanaimo wonder how to increase the value of their home before putting it on the market. Here’s our top list of the best home renovations that provide the biggest returns when you sell your home in Nanaimo.

#1. Improve curb appeal

The first impression a buyer has when pulling up to your home can make or break the deal. If they don’t like what they see on the outside, odds are they’ll never get out of the car to see the inside. The good news is that making minor exterior changes to improve the curb appeal of your home don’t have to cost a lot. Little things like painting the front door, trimming the bushes and shrubs, and planting seasonal colorful flowers can easily return more than the time and money you spend doing the work.

#2. Garage door installation or replacement

Right after curb appeal, installing a new garage door or replacing an existing one ranks right at the top of the list for best home renovations. Installing a new motorized and remote controlled garage door will get you an almost 1:1 return for each dollar you spend. As an extra bonus, a great-looking garage door helps to boost curb appeal even more.

#3. Front door replacement

Another way you can improve the first impression your property for sale in Nanaimo makes on a buyer is by replacing the front door. This home renovation doesn’t have to cost a lot of money either. Choosing a door that looks expensive lets you recover practically every penny you spend on buying it.

#4. Outside deck or patio addition

Many home buyers in Nanaimo think of outside space as extra square footage they can use for entertaining and relaxing outdoors. Installing or expanding an outside deck or patio isn’t cheap. But, because of the impression it makes on buyers, you can get back almost all of the money you invest on this home renovation.

#5. Kitchen remodel

If you only have the budget to renovate one room, the kitchen is the place to choose. That’s because the kitchen area is where most people spend their time and list as their favorite room. In fact, most real estate agents will tell you that kitchens are the focal point when showing a home. So, the more impressive the kitchen is the more impressive a potential offer on the house will be.

#6. Bathroom remodel

Bathrooms are the 2nd-most important selling point in a home, right after the kitchen. This is another home renovation you can make that yields at least a 1:1 return on the money you spend. Many bathroom renovations are also budget-friendly. Re-grouting or caulking, updating the fixtures on the sink, shower, and tub, and replacing the toilet and lighting fixtures are some of the ways to improve the look and feel of a bathroom without breaking the bank.

#7. Flooring repairs

Renovating the flooring can instantly brighten up your home and also let a buyer know your place is well maintained. Today’s buyers often place a premium on hardwood floors because they last a long time and are easy to maintain. If you don’t have the funds to replace the entire floor, simply focus on the high-traffic areas like the entry, hallways, kitchen and living areas. Then, use less expensive carpeting for the bedrooms and tile for the baths.

#8. Energy efficient improvements

Improving the energy efficiency is a home renovation you can make that will recoup more than you spend and also help you save on utility bills while your property is on the market for sale. Upgrading the furnace and air conditioning, water heater, and window are some of the energy efficient renovations that today’s buyers are looking for.

Choose the right renovations for big returns

Where your house is located and who your likely buyer is also affects which home renovations you should and shouldn’t make. Before you hire a contractor or spend your weekends on DIY projects get advice from your real estate agent. She’ll know exactly what today’s buyers are willing to pay more for, and help you choose the best renovations for the biggest returns when you sell your home in Nanaimo.