Improvements To Increase Your Home's Value: Top DIY Options

Planning home improvement projects but stuck on what will add the most value? When it comes to upgrading your home, there are many options ranging from complete remodels to simply changing the wall plates on your outlets to something more modern.

It’s always wise to keep your property's value in mind when working through renovations, especially if you’re looking to sell in the future. While certain projects have a habit of racking up your bill, there are many projects that can be cost-effective DIY style.

If you’re looking for improvement options that won’t break the bank or want to add to your home’s value before selling, we’ve got you covered! Or, if you want to focus on budgeting and proper savings tactics before diving in, we can help with that too.

Jump Ahead:

• Low Budget Projects
• High Budget Projects


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Budgeting and Ways to Save

The best way to start any project is to lay out your potential plans and set your budget. It’s easy to get excited about tearing down a wall to expand your closed-off living room into an open concept living room and kitchen. But without proper planning, you may find out that that wall is load bearing and will cost a pretty penny to fix.

Make sure you take note of every feature you want to fix or change and consult an expert before beginning any major demolition projects. 

Additionally, a proper budgeting strategy not only helps with renovations, but keeps your finances in order before and after projects. Look through our free budgeting tools within Digital Banking to help you stay on track.

Once you know what project you want to tackle first, it’s time to start saving! Establish what funds you need and figure out what resources can get you there. You may find certain types of savings accounts like a money market or certificate are the best route to reach your savings goal.

You could also try one of many proven budgeting strategies that exist today. Check out one of our latest articles on a new budgeting strategy called “loud budgeting” to learn more about budgeting strategy.

Funding Your Floor Plan

While padding your saving can get you started, some projects cost more than others. Trying to tighten up your budget or finding different ways to quickly save during those projects can be stressful. Take stress out of the equation with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). A HELOC functions similarly to a credit card but with a much lower interest rate and the ability to draw funds for up to 10 years¹, making it perfect for home improvement projects, repairs and added expenses.

If you’re ready to take on your next project, let us help with the financing! Our HELOC is an affordable, flexible borrowing choice. If you’re still not sure about it, check out our article What is a HELOC to learn everything you need to know on the subject.

Low-cost Aesthetic Updates

Now that you have a proper savings and funding plan, let’s go over the different types of changes you can make to your home. While some upgrades can be costly, there are plenty that are very cost effective. With a little research and a design eye, you can change a couple small pieces to make any room come to life!  Check out some of these simple changes that won’t exhaust your budget.

• Fresh Paint: Whether it’s an accent color on one wall or the whole room, one of the most common ways to improve any room is to add a fresh coat of paint. Covering up chipped or scuffed walls can make a room look brand new and paint supplies can be reused multiple times if needed.




• Wall Plates: Often overlooked, wall plates are a hidden detail in most rooms. Spending a couple extra bucks on high end wall plates can add a unique flair to any room.




• Flooring: While brand new flooring can get expensive, there are plenty of new options that provide a lot of bang for your buck! All it takes is a couple of tools and a little elbow grease and you could replace the flooring in your entire house for half the cost a floor installer would charge. If you are up to the DIY task, new styles of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring can run as low as $2 per square foot!




• Fixtures and Hardware: Replacing the hardware or fixtures in your home can be done all at once or over time to save money. Replace doorknobs, cabinet handles or drawer pulls to accent furniture, doors and wall color. If you’re worried about the price of buying new fixtures, you could take another route. There are special types of paints and spray paints that can easily change the color or add a new sheen to your hardware.




• Front Door: The front of your house is the first thing friends, family and buyers will see. Having a standout front door can add a big impact to your residence. As we mentioned, a fresh coat of paint as well as hardware can provide a boost. You can also look into the addition of a storm door or simply update your front stoop with nice plants, flowers or shrubs.

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Higher Cost Updates

If you’re serious about making your home the place of your dreams, small improvements may not cut it. Here are some suggestions on bigger updates you can make that can create your personal oasis or entice future buyers. Before you begin, make sure to consult a professional and get any necessary permits as well as proper funding for any significant remodels.

• Bathroom Remodel Ideas: You can upgrade your small or large bathroom with a new vanity, shower or tile to add more style. You could focus on increasing functionality with a better vent fan to reduce moisture build-up and increase air flow or add a medicine cabinet for extra storage. You can also make your house more water efficient by replacing your toilet, showerhead and faucet.
  
  Use the WaterSense Calculator to see how much water, energy and money you can save by switching to products with a WaterSense label. WaterSense rated products meet EPA criteria for efficiency to help you save money in the long run. Use these tips to turn your dull bathroom into the master bathroom you’ve always wanted.

• Kitchen Remodel Ideas: A kitchen renovation can increase your properties overall value and can be a great way to draw in buyers. If your kitchen needs more workspace, consider building an island. Want to freshen up the cabinets? Give them a new coat of paint and switch out the hardware. Replace dated light fixtures and add an attractive backsplash. Update appliances for a cohesive look.



• Exterior Updates: Make curb appeal improvements to create a lasting first impression. Buyers will be more inclined to look at the inside of your house if they like what they see on the outside. You can paint or replace your front door to make your entry more aesthetically pleasing.
  
  Depending on its condition, you may want to paint your siding as well. Add shutters if you don’t currently have any for a nice accent. Lastly, make your yard more charming by improving the landscaping with shrubs, bushes, trees or flowers. Creating an enhanced home exterior can set your home up for success now and in the future.

• New Deck: Build a deck to increase your home’s entertaining space. They provide a great spot to host family and friends as well as a fantastic spot to enjoy pleasant weather. When picking out your deck material, be sure to consider what will stand up to the elements and how much maintenance you’re willing to do.
   

• Garage Door Replacement: It might be surprising, but a new garage door has one of the highest returns on investment, according to Remodeling Magazine. A stylish garage door can contribute to the overall style of your house. Upgrading to an insulated garage door can also increase your home’s efficiency and reduce your energy bill if it’s an attached garage.
   

• Benefits of New Windows: Replacing old windows with more efficient ones can increase your property value, offer greater efficiency and make it look nicer. According to the EPA, people in our region can save an average of $568 a year when they upgrade from single-pane windows to energy-efficient windows.
   

• Performing Necessary Repairs: Some improvements may be flashier and more exciting than others, like a kitchen or a large bathroom remodel, but make sure to start with the basics. If there is a problem impacting the function of your house like a sagging roof or water in the basement, take care of that first. For both you and future buyers, having a house that keeps you safe and dry is the most important. Buyers may be reluctant to make an offer on a house with structural issues.
   

• Energy Efficient Upgrades: If you feel like your energy bills are rising during colder temperatures, or if your rooms are simply not holding the cool air in the summertime it may be time to look into some energy saving enhancements. Become an eco-expert by looking over some of our recent articles like, seven ideas to make your home eco-friendly or ways to lower your energy bill.

Common Home Improvement Questions:

Q: What home improvement enhancements are in high demand?
A: The top home improvement updates include gardening, landscaping, interior and exterior painting. But many people plan to remodel their bathroom, kitchen or flooring when ready.

Q: What home improvement upgrades provide the most value?
A: The top three improvements that provide the most ROI (return on investment) for your home are major kitchen remodels, repairing and replacing your roof and a garage door replacement. On the more cost-effective side, an updated front door or added storm door provides near instant value and curb appeal.

Q: Should I renovate before selling?
A: If you feel you can get high value for your home as is, there is no reason you have to set your sights on remodeling. However, if you think some minor upgrades will increase your resell value you should consider your options. Some lower cost DIY projects could be the difference between one offer on your home and multiple offers over asking. Sometimes ascetics can play a larger role than you thought.
 

Bottom Line

Today, saving money and proper budgeting is a must, and it’s important to approach any major expense with a plan. Making even minor upgrades to your kitchen, a bathroom or curb appeal can provide a huge boost to the value of your property without spending too much. Even if you plan on staying in your current place for a while, considering the appeal of your home for future buyers may help you with selling one day.

Fund Your Projects