We’re often asked about what ‘smaller’ home improvements yield the biggest returns so here, HGTV has put together a mind-blowingly comprehensive list sure to get your creative juices flowing – and your weekend-warrior motor humming.
- Bathroom Facelift
Average return: 102 percent
What it costs: $10,500
What it includes:
- Replace or reglaze the tub
- Replace tile, floor, toilet, sink, vanity and fixtures
- Re-caulk your tub
- Remove dated wall coverings
- Apply a fresh coat of paint
- Remove old shower doors
For perspective, a major bathroom remodel – think: relocating and replacing the tub and toilet, adding designer sinks and faucets, a linen closet, lighting, a ceramic tile floor and exhaust fan – boasts an average return of 93.2 percent.
- Landscaping
Average return: 100 percent
What it costs: $3,500
What it includes:
- Sod
- One color and vary the height of plants near front door
- Replace overgrown shrubbery with flowering foundation plants mixing heights and colors
- A charming focal point like a walkway and fountain to add major value to your property
- Roll a sealant on flagstones to enhances color
- Kitchen Facelift
Average return: 98.5 percent
What it costs: $14,913
What it takes:
- 30 feet of re-facing for cabinets and drawers
- Replace wall oven, cooktop, sink and fixtures, laminate countertops and resilient flooring
- Recessed lights 3’ to 5’ apart on center and 18″ from cabinets to light the countertops
- Change drapes and window molding to add decorator detail
For perspective, a major kitchen remodel – think: 30 ft. of cabinets, an island, laminate countertops, stainless sink, wall oven, cook top, vinyl flooring and appliances – boasts an average return of 91 percent.
- Exterior Improvements
Average return: 95.5 percent
What it costs: $7,240
What it takes:
- Repaint exterior or replace vinyl
- Update or replace load-bearing pergola columns
- Remove old awnings from over windows and doors
- Replace damaged wrought iron railings for real wood supports
- Deck, Patio or Porch Addition
Average return: 90.3 percent
What it costs: $11,000
What it takes:
- Add a 16×20 ft. pressure-treated wood deck with a simple pattern costs
- Add decorative planters on the front porch, patio and decks
- Add inviting gate, lighting and mature plantings
- Choose bold plantings to emphasize features
- Make sure porch railings are safe and attractive
- Hide unattractive air conditioning units with wooden trellis
- Replacement Windows
Average return: 89.6 percent
What it costs: $9,700
What it takes:
- Replace with low-E glass that reflects heat
- Add argon gas inside the pane to prevent heat and cold transference within the window.
- Living Room Updates – Decor
Average return: 66 percent
What it costs: $1,350
What it takes:
- Replace light switches, outlet covers, floor registers, crown molding, chair rails and drapes
- Add fresh flowers or live plants and accessories
- Consider crown molding for a crisp, clean finish that complements window trim and floorboards
- Shift furniture away from walls to make living rooms feel larger and more contemporary
- Create a seating area around a feature you want emphasize, like a fireplace
- Update window treatments
For perspective, a living room update to the walls and floors alone – think: fresh paint, new flooring, and retouched ceilings – boasts an average return of 40 percent.
- Bedroom Updates
Average return: 52 percent
What it costs: $1,200
What it takes:
- Replace lighting
- Touch-up drywall
- Update window treatments
- Replace bedding
- Update flooring by replacing old flooring or refinishing existing
Whether you’re planning on staying put and just want to give your home a sprucing or plan to sell your home soon, the experienced real estate professionals at DeLeon Sheffield are ready to help you plan for your next step.
Because at DeLeon Sheffield Company, ‘We’re More Than Realty; We’re Family.’
