Home Improvement Services and Contractors – City Search

When making improvements to put your house on the market, you don't want to spend money that you won't get back. If there are house flippers in your neighborhood, check out what they have done with the homes. Compare the sales prices of homes with older kitchens to homes with updated kitchens. If you see about a $50,000 difference, then a $25,000 remodel is probably a good investment. If homes with older kitchens are still getting around the same price as those with renovated ones, then save your money. Sometimes, it just depends on how hot the market is.

Since every dollar counts, hold off on pet projects and only devote your time and money to renovations that'll bring you a return. If you’re looking to sell, do not make the improvements that you’ve always wanted to do. If, like most sellers, you have a limited budget, here are many home improvements you can make to sell your house for top dollar. Here are some simple, low-cost, yet very effective ways to improve your space when you are planning to sell.

Improve your landscape: Put down fresh sod, re-mulch, replace old bushes with new ones and add some color, either with flower beds or potted flowers. Even just a little bit goes a long way.

Spruce up your entranceway: Buy a new front door or paint the old one. If your house number and mailbox look worn, buy, and install new ones.

Change light fixtures and plumbing fixtures: Gold light fixtures are long outdated, and brass is less popular than brushed nickel. Replacing outdated ceiling fixtures and bathroom faucets can give your home a more modern touch for a minimal amount of money.

Define any spaces that may confuse buyers: If you have an odd alcove, add a desk or a dresser – something that will suggest how the space could be used. Many homes have some funky or dysfunctional things that can be easily corrected. Don’t keep buyers guessing.

Do some partial renovations: Rather than gutting an old bathroom, for example, consider refacing the existing tub, getting a new vanity and mirror. In the kitchen, keep the old cabinets but replace the countertops and the hardware.

Remove window treatments, unless they are current and high end: That cuts the risk of turning off would be buyers who don’t share your taste. Uncovered windows also let more light into the rooms. You can never outguess buyers on window coverings. Once you’ve got a contract, you can always offer buyers the ones you took down.

Return rooms to their original uses: If you’re using your dining room as an office, turn it back into a dining room. If your third bedroom is an office, turn it back into a bedroom. You can, however, display a photo of the room’s other potential use.

Replace dirty or worn carpet: You might try cleaning it first, but dirty carpet is always a turnoff for buyers. In some markets, you’re better off removing the carpet if there are hardwood floors underneath.

Depersonalize: That means packing away family photos and taking the children’s drawings (and everything else) off the refrigerator. You want a new family to envision themselves living in the home.

Clean thoroughly: Do a deep cleaning before you put your home on the market so everything shines. Be sure to wash the windows.

Paint: Your daughter may love her purple room, but a prospective buyer probably won’t. Repaint all rooms in neutral colors. A fresh coat of paint also makes the house look newer and more modern.