Real Estate Marketing & Beyond
Older homes that are well maintained can carry a higher value than newer homes, simply because they are tested and unique. That additional value, however, can be negated if certain features are old or outdated. Here are five simple and relatively inexpensive steps you can take to add value to an older home.
Update Fixtures and Appliances
Modern track lighting and sink fixtures in a more modern finish provide a streamlined look to older and even vintage kitchens and baths. Appliances are not a major expense, but can add up a fresh and updated look to your older kitchen. They can be well worth the investment when you find an interested buyer.
Install New Garage Doors
Modern garage doors come in a number of styles and finishes you can use to accentuate the style of your home. Some with frosted glass panels or rustic wooden door with barn door fixtures are just a few of the new styles to choose from that can provide an updated, modern, and charming accent to any home.
Refinish Wood or Bamboo Flooring
If you are lucky enough to have vintage wooden flooring, it only adds value to the home if it is either well maintained or refinished. Hardwood floor refinishing, stripping, sanding will increase any home's value exponentially. If yours is not old enough to have wood flooring, stripping up old, outdated carpet and installing bamboo flooring is not only inexpensive, but will provide a surface that is much more durable and easy to care for. Bamboo flooring comes in a number of different styles and colors and is easy enough to install, that anyone with even the most basic carpentry skills can do it quickly and easily.
Refinish Popcorn Ceilings
Removing a popcorn ceiling is a fairly easy and inexpensive process, but does require rooms have all the furniture removed and quite a bit of elbow grease. Be aware that many popcorn ceilings applied before 1980 contain asbestos. If your home was built before 1980, you'll need to have a small portion of the ceiling tested. If it contains more than 1% asbestos, you'll need to have it professionally removed, but that alone will also increase the value of your home.
Install Energy Efficient Windows and Doors
Not only will these new fixtures add value to your home, but will also bring down your utility bills, which will add extra value to you.
Increasing the value of your home does not have to be a lengthy and expensive process. There are many relatively simple tasks you can undertake to increase your home's value, and many of them you can accomplish with very little skill. Sometimes, a few hundred dollars in supplies and some elbow grease can add thousands of extra dollars in value.
About the author: Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information on getting the right supplies for your renovation check out places like J & D Door Sales Inc. or contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
