The housing market is in a constant state of fluctuation, making it hard for people to know what their real estate is worth. To make sure that your home is retaining its value, consider investing in a few upgrades. Here are five that are easy to maintain. They'll look fabulous too.
Paint
Home upgrades are usually pretty pricey, but paint offers real value because it provides major results with little investment on your part. This is especially the case if you're are the do-it-yourself type. If you hire a professional painter, then you'll pay anywhere from $3,600 to $6,000 depending on the size of your home. The exterior will run you about $5,000 or more.
Paint is easy to maintain both inside and out. If you have kids or pets, then be sure to keep a few small bottles on hand to take care of touch-ups. Also, spend time choosing the colors. It's important to go with something that appeals to you but works with your existing flooring and furniture. If it's in your budget, consider hiring a design expert to help you choose the shades.
When it comes to the exterior of your home, the experts say that pale colored homes tend to sell quicker and for more money. Pale yellow is a good color choice. The hue is optimistic. It provides curb appeal, and people feel inspired when they catch sight of it.
Landscaping
Landscaping is another upgrade that is easy to maintain. Once your landscaping upgrade is complete, you'll be surprised by how much it can change the look of your home. Quality synthetic turf is something to consider adding especially if you don't enjoy yard maintenance. Today's turf looks real, and the only care that it requires is to be hosed off once a month or so and a good occasional raking. Include large landscaping rocks in your flowerbeds. Along with giving your outdoor space another layer of design, they require no maintenance once they're in place. However, be sure to choose their spot wisely because they're tough to move.
Installing a small patio or seating area will make the exterior of your residence seem fresh without giving you something major to maintain. You'll want to wipe outdoor furniture down from time to time, and if you live in a place where it snows, you may need to bring it inside for the winter.
Upgrade your home's landscaping with plants that require little attention. If you live in a region where it rains, then plant flowers like the Jules Verne Peony and ornamental grass such as Elijah Blue Fescue. If your area is more desert-like, then go with xeriscaping. This type of landscaping requires little to no irrigation, making it environmentally conscious.
Windows
Installing new windows pays off in several ways. Updated windows will make your home look brighter both inside and out. They'll also improve the energy efficiency of your home, saving you money. Energy efficient windows also get rid of drafts, which will make your home feel warmer. According to energy saving estimations, a homeowner who spends just over $11,000 to replace 10 windows sized 3' by 5' will receive about an 81 percent return.
Along with improved energy efficiency, you can also get new windows that are easier to clean. For instance, they may slide down so that you can reach them. Clean windows provide a better view. Today's windows come with features like blinds and shades that are placed between the glass panes. This feature decreases allergens in your home because dust and debris won't be able to accumulate. Modern windows can even give you more peace and quiet. If you purchase windows that are insulated and triple pane, then traffic, lawn mower and dog noise will be reduced. New windows are also safer. Often, old windows have been painted shut, and this creates a safety hazard during a fire.
Basement
If your home has a basement, transforming it into livable space will make it easy to maintain. This is an upgrade that improves the look of the interior of your home while increasing its value. Be sure to include storage space in this kind of upgrade. Also, if you have one of those basements that emit a damp smell, then have an expert come out to assess the space's moisture levels. The last thing you want to do is spend money on an upgrade and then have to mitigate for mold.
When finishing a basement, use materials that are comparable to what you have upstairs. So, don't get flooring that's less expensive. If you finish a bathroom, then do the same. Remodeling a basement offers a return of anywhere from 50 to 100 percent depending on the quality of the materials that you use.
Kitchen
You'll love upgrading your kitchen whether you have the desire and budget to complete a big upgrade or just take on a small one. Offering a return of as much as 83 percent, you're sure to appreciate the modern amenities that are available with this home upgrade. These amenities include things like soft closing drawers and cabinets as well as cubbies for your garbage and those hard-to-store cookie sheets. For low maintenance and a high-end look, install stainless steel appliances. They have a timeless appearance, and the latest ones on the market are easy to keep clean.
If your budget is on the tight side, then go with upgrades like painting your current cabinets or adding a new countertop. A stone top like granite will cost more, but it is an upgrade that will increase the value of your home. Be sure to install a floor that can withstand traffic and spills. This is also a space that will benefit from a fresh coat of paint.
Home Upgrades Offer Value
With easy-to-maintain home upgrades that look amazing, you may feel as though you just moved into a new home. Along with improving the look of your home, the right upgrades can also save you money while making your home more comfortable.
