Top 10 Home Improvements That Pay Off
Below we have listed the top home improvements that will pay off when you decide to resell your home. The Information below was provided from HGTV.com.
#1 Minor Bathroom Remodel
It costs about $10,500 to replace the tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity and fixtures. You’ll get back an average of 102 percent at resale. If your old tub is too large to fit out the door, re-glaze it for a like-new finish the cost of this is may range from $300 to $400. Remove out dated wall coverings and add a fresh coat of paint. For damaged walls, use a spray-on texture, this may provide quick coverage. Replacing old shower doors or removing them will give the illusion of space.
#2 Landscaping
On average homeowners spend about $3,502 for landscaping and $1,465 on a designer, according to the American Nursery Landscape Association. Sod can cost about 30 to 35 cents a square foot, so a 5,000 sq. ft. yard would cost about $1,500 to sod. Introducing a splash of color at the front of the house is an eye-catching bonus. For best results, use one color and vary the height of plants. Replace overgrown shrubbery with flowering foundation plants, mixing heights and colors. A charming focal point like a walkway and fountain cab add major value to your property.
#3 Minor Kitchen Remodel
A minor kitchen remodel averages $14,913 with a recoup rate of 98.5 percent. A $15,000 kitchen update may cover 30 feet of re-facing for cabinets and drawers, a new wall oven, cooktop, sink and fixtures, laminate countertops and resilient flooring. Put recessed lights 3’ to 5’ apart on center and 18″ from cabinets to light the countertops.
#4 – Exterior Improvements
The average national cost to replace 1,250 sq. ft. of vinyl siding: $7,239 with a recoup rate of 95.5 percent. A gallon of paint covers 400 sq. ft. of house. Paint color cards take the guesswork out of choosing the right color combination for doors, trim and siding. Upscale, fiber-cement siding costs around $10,393 and returns $10,771 at resale, an even better recoup rate of 103.6 percent. For an updated look, remove old awnings from windows and doors. Give a bare, charmless porch a dramatic makeover by adding a pergola and columns.
#5 Major Bathroom Remodel
A major bathroom remodel involves expanding an existing bathroom, relocating and replacing the tub and toilet and adding designer sinks and faucets, a linen closet, lighting, a ceramic tile floor and exhaust fan for a cost of $26,052, which brings in 93.2 percent at resale. Replace old floors with fresh tile in ceramic or stone for a great payoff. Buy extra tiles in case any break during installation. Set some tiles aside at the end of the job for future repairs. Update an old vanity with a new countertop for a clean, fresh look. A new pedestal sink is a good replacement for an old cabinet. The smaller footprint gives the illusion of space.
#6 Major Kitchen Remodel
A complete kitchen remodel in a midrange home averages $43,862 and returns 91 percent at resale. The cost of this can buy 30 ft. of cabinets, an island, laminate countertops, stainless sink, wall oven, cook top, vinyl flooring and appliances. Budget 10 to 15 percent of your home’s value remodeling the kitchen. Remove over-counter cabinets and make countertops truly useful by creating an eating bar. An eat-in kitchen is a big plus. Stick with neutral colors for walls and window treatments. Remodeling to please yourself? Choose colors you love.
#7 Replacement Windows
Replacing ten 3×5 ft. windows runs about $9,700. On average nationally, you’ll get back nearly 90 percent. Big city window replacements pay off. For hot climates, there’s low-e glass that reflects heat. And for maximum efficiency, add argon gas inside the pane to prevent heat and cold transference within the window.
#8 Bedroom Updates
Cost for new lighting can vary from $100 – $500. For a romantic design touch, change your old light fixture for an elegant chandelier. When doing dry wall repair, less is more. Scale your window treatments to your room size. Cost of new bedding and window treatments are around $300.Hardwood floors are currently trending. Pull up worn carpeting and add wood flooring.
#9 Living Room Updates – Walls and Floors
Freshen the living room walls with a coat of paint in a light, neutral color. And don’t forget the trim — brighten with a high-gloss white paint and caulk any open seams between the molding and ceiling and baseboard and wall.On average, quality hardwood flooring ranges from $3-$8 per square foot. For a 200 square foot area, expect to spend about $1,200, add another $3 per square foot if you have it professionally installed. If you have carpet in the living room, either have it professionally cleaned ($100-$150) or replaced if it’s torn, stained or has an unrelenting odor (on average $10-$30 per square foot).
#10 Bonus Room Updates
Converting a 12×12 ft. bonus room into a home office costs on average $13,143 and brings in 72.8 percent at closing. If you’re selling, know your target market; families use bonus rooms differently than empty-nesters. Add electric outlets for your computer and recessed lights. Kitchen cabinets or bookshelves organize the space above your desk. Put a rolling file cabinet underneath.
As seen on HGTV.com.