Projects and Improvements to Increase Home Value

Projects and Improvements to Increase Home Value

Posted on November 22, 2016 in Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen, Remodeling

Everyone wants to increase the value of their home. Whether you intend to stay put, or plan to have it on the market soon, home improvements and upgrades can go a long way in boosting value. But not every project provides as good of a return as you might think. As a rule of thumb it’s good to steer clear of projects that are either very expensive, too specific in taste and style, or those involving an infrequently used room of the home. That is unless you are certain this is your lifelong home, and in that case, do whatever you want!

As one of Richmond’s home remodeling experts, we love what we do, and always say go for remodeling if it’s in your budget. Data from the 2016 Cost vs. Value report lists at least a minimum 65% return on investment for most kitchen and bathroom remodels, but a remodel done right can recoup much more.

However, remodeling isn’t for everyone. If you just want to refresh your home to boost resale, you can make smaller, less expensive improvements. Here are a few areas you can focus your attention on:

Kitchen Remodeling

Naturally, when talking about home improvements, many of us gravitate to the. This is the heart of the home, where you likely spend a great deal of time. Maybe you’ve updated portions of your kitchen over time, or are considering a full remodel. Either way, it’s important to be practical so you don’t forfeit the ROI. Make sure the style, size, and quality of the kitchen compliment the rest of your home. Of course if this is your forever home, do whatever you desire! But if you plan to sell remember most buyers won’t pay for deluxe, over-the-top kitchens that are too custom to appeal to the masses.

If you have the guts of a great kitchen, some of the biggest returns are offered by making simple, inexpensive enhancements like:

  • recessed or task lighting
  • updated knobs and pulls
  • modern fixtures
  • Backsplashes
  • solid surface countertops
  • and tile flooring

Related: Kitchen and bath plumbing trends

FYI – The team at RJ Tilley is skilled in all kinds of kitchen remodeling projects. If you’re going to be redoing a kitchen soon, be sure to talk to our team. Our service area for kitchen remodeling jobs includes the following areas:

Ashland
Glen Allen
Innsbrook
Chesterfield
Bon Air
Goochland
Northside
Powhatan
Chester
Lakeside
Matoaca
Studley
Winterpock
Colonial Heights
Tuckahoe
Hopewell
Richmond
Mechanicsville
Midlothian
Elmont
Doswell
Hanover
Moseley
Henrico
Short Pump
Sandston
Wyndham
Manakin-Sabot
Rockville
Montpelier
Atlee
Old Church

Bathroom Remodeling

Bathrooms may be small in comparison to the kitchen, but they are the workhorse of the house. According to a survey by American Standard, the average American is in their bathroom for 30 minutes a day, and about ¼ are in there for more than an hour. For a room that gets so much wear and tear, any improvement should improve functionality and durability. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with spa-like showers and expensive freestanding tubs. If the sky’s the limit, by all means go all out, but you can still transform your bath with cost-effective upgrades. Forget rearranging the plumbing (unless it’s in your budget!), instead install new fixtures, refresh paint and add tub/shower tile surrounds and new flooring.

If you’re happy with the fixtures, concentrate on the details:

  • Faucets
  • Knobs
  • Pulls
  • Lighting
  • mirrors
  • and smart storage solutions

Plumbing Replacements

You can’t undervalue a healthy, solid, safe home. And in that regard, your plumbing system is a key player. Although out of sight, plumbing makes up the core of your home. While it’s a totally different project than renovating or landscaping in that it offers no cosmetic benefits, Re/Max real estate experts say an appraiser takes the plumbing into heavy consideration when assessing the value of your home. A kitchen or bathroom remodel will expose the plumbing lines running behind walls and under floors. This is a good opportunity to inspect and replace pipes that appear damaged, or those that are just plain old.

It’s never a bad idea to have your plumbing inspected. Some of us have lived in our home for decades and gotten used to the quirks and sounds of our system, but this doesn’t mean what you’ve experienced all these years is normal. Maintain plumbing to retain home value—it’s just that simple.

Related: Seasonal home maintenance tips

Landscaping

No matter how much money you’ve put into interior upgrades and remodeling, if the outside of your home looks bad, people will assume the same goes for inside. With the right landscaping, you can turn a boring home into one that really stands out. As for homes with messy lawns, those tangled trees, uneven hedges and wild shrubs aren’t only devaluing your home, they’re obstructing views, darkening your interior, promoting pests and encouraging moisture growth. Luckily, with a little bit of money, you can return some great value. HouseLogic estimates that good landscaping can add up to 28% to the overall value of your home.

Fall is a great time of year to clean up your landscaping, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune or take too much of your time. Prune shrubs and small trees, trim hedges, remove leaves and plant some color around the front entrance. Want to go the extra mile? Swap out old house numbers, consider a front door replacement (or paint it!) and add new lighting to brighten your exterior.

Your partner in home improvement

R.J. Tilley can help with all of your home improvement and remodeling needs whether you’re gearing up to sell or simply want to make your home more livable. Our team of master plumbers, craftsmen carpenters and skilled designers are here to assist in everything from minor upgrades to major renovations. Looking for ideas? Stop by our showroom to browse products and chat with us!

For more information on home remodeling and plumbing system replacements, contact R.J. Tilley today.