The Best Home Improvements to Increase Home Value

05 May The Best Home Improvements to Increase Home Value

All home improvements bring a return on investment, but some can pay for themselves or even add value. It’s worth thinking about projects that will bring value to your everyday life as well as the investments you can make that will reward you at selling time.

Think about the improvements you wish you had, and the improvements that simply cannot wait. Then put yourself in a buyer’s shoes. What would transform your house into something more functional and more luxurious?

Top Home Improvements

The following home improvements tend to have the best results in terms of increased home value, especially in the San Francisco area.

Add a Bedroom

Your property moves up a tier in the real estate market with an additional bedroom. Both property value and the number of potential buyers increases.

You can add a bedroom through a variety of home improvements. The space just needs to meet the California Building Code’s requirements for space, natural light, and a means of egress.

Almost any house can add a bedroom:

• Convert attic or basement space
• Turn a spare room into a legal bedroom
• Vertical or horizontal home addition

Home Improvements: Finished Basement

Basements offer a great opportunity for adding livable space. Compared to the zoning and HOA regulations that affect a home addition, basement remodels are simpler home improvements. The total cost for a completely unfinished basement can be steep, but the ROI is often over 100% in the San Francisco area.

Simple basement projects include finishing the walls, ceiling and floors to create a living room. You can get much fancier with bedrooms, guest suites, home theater rooms or other specialty rooms.

Kitchen Renovation

A smart kitchen remodel is one of the best home improvements. You enjoy it while still in the house, and many buyers have an updated kitchen at the top of their wishlists.

Rule of thumb: if you intend to sell soon, stick with a simple makeover of countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Go big with a complete kitchen renovation if you won’t sell for a few years (or if the current kitchen desperately needs it).

New Siding and Exterior Upgrades

Weathered or damaged siding turns off home buyers before they step inside. Bad exteriors aren’t just ugly; they make your home look like a money pit. Among all home improvements, new siding adds some of the highest value.

Replace or repair your siding or stucco, and also take a look at your front door and garage door. These exterior home improvements add curb appeal and signal to home buyers that few basic repairs will be necessary — and that means higher offers when you sell.

Outdoor Living Areas

The Bay Area weather makes outdoor living spaces among the most attractive property features. Consider a finished wood deck on the front of the home and/or a beautiful patio in the back. Depending on your property and neighborhood, a number of outdoor projects can add value and bring you plenty of enjoyment, too.

Among your options for outdoor home improvements:

• Covered patios
• Screened porch or sunroom
• Outdoor kitchen & bar
• Patio dining room
• Backyard fireplace & seating

We know the local real estate market, and we know how to renovate and add features that bring ongoing enjoyment for you now — and ROI later. Contact us today to discuss your options for home improvements.