Top 10 Home Upgrades Before Selling: Here’s How to Do Them

An important thing to consider before selling your home is whether or not it needs a touch up. Certain home upgrades can raise your home’s value and increase the listing price. These upgrades don’t have to be big remodels or renovations either. A fresh coat of paint, new fixtures or some strategic landscaping can all help to increase the value of your home. Most of these upgrades can be done on your own, but our Home Installs service is here to help too. So, which home upgrades are best when it comes to seeing a return on your investment? Read on to learn more about how to increase your home value before selling.

#1 Paint it Pretty

Refreshing the interior paint is a cost-effective way to give your home a whole new look. Repainting the outside will increase the curb appeal and help create that initial “wow” factor. Here’s some paint-refresh tips to keep in mind: 

• Use light, neutral shades on walls so potential buyers can picture their décor and furniture in the space 

• Sand over areas that have suffered wear and tear over the years 

• Re-painting or replacing trims and moulding can also make a noticeable difference 

• Natural colour palettes look best on exterior homes and can help increase curb appeal 

• Power or pressure washing the exterior can remove dirt and grime for a fresh look without painting

#2 Create More Curb Appeal

There’s nothing like a great first impression. Upgrading your home’s curb appeal can help attract buyers before they even set foot in your home. Here’s how: 

• Outdoor lighting creates a pleasing aesthetic and lets buyers know they can host parties or invite guests over right away 

• Curb appeal landscaping can be as simple as removing weeds, debris and unruly plants, or can include planting fresh flowers and pruning shrubs, trees, and bushes 

• Adding potted plants or plant hangers is an easy way to create a welcoming ambience, especially if you don’t have a green thumb or a lot of garden space 

• A new garage door will also increase curb appeal, and eliminate any maintenance worries for potential buyers

#3 Finish Your Basement

A finished basement adds more value to a home than almost any other type of upgrade, which makes it a great investment: 

• Use hard flooring like ceramic, porcelain or stone to protect against flooding, mildew and moisture 

• Update the lighting to create a brighter and more welcoming space 

• Be sure to install good insulation before finishing the walls and ceiling 

• Add an extra bedroom or bathroom if the space and your budget allow

#4 Open Up Your Floor Plan

Open floor plans are increasingly popular in new home construction. Creating an open floor plan in your home will help it compete in the marketplace. The benefits are both functional and aesthetic, including: 

• Opening up the space and allowing in more natural light 

• Makes homes with small square footage appear larger 

• Creates a natural flow and more welcoming atmosphere 

• Allows for the installation of a kitchen island, ceiling range hood and other larger appliances

#5 Refresh Your Kitchen

A full kitchen reno isn’t always necessary to increase home value, and it may not always be available in your budget. These cost-effective kitchen refreshes can add almost as much value: 

• Replace damaged or sagging pantry shelving and cabinetry 

• If your cabinetry is solid, swap out the knobs, pulls and handles 

• Repaint or re-stain your cabinets to add some pop to their appearance 

• Replace outdated lighting with more modern light fixtures 

•  Swap out your old faucet with a new, eye-catching pullout faucet

#6 Refresh Your Bathroom

Just like a kitchen refresh, a bathroom refresh can be almost as valuable as a full-on bathroom reno: 

• Re-caulk your tub or shower to cover up worn-in dirt and grime 

• Add a new shower curtain and bath mat 

• Swap out your old soap dish, towel bar and other bathroom accessories 

• Update your faucet and showerhead to create a striking focal point 

• Install new bathroom lighting to ensure a fresh, bright appearance 

• Replace your vanity or countertop for a fresh, new look

#7 Install Hardwood Floors

A hardwood floor is one of the first things potential buyers notice when they enter your home. It’s a clean, elegant look that is also extremely durable and long-lasting: 

• Replace carpet with hardwood flooring where time and budget will allow 

• If you already have an older hardwood floor, consider refinishing it 

• If your existing flooring is a bit worn out, consider installing hardwood flooring If you do decide on a new installation, consider upgrading to heated flooring in high-traffic rooms to add even more value

#8 Upgrade the Windows

Older windows are a red flag to potential buyers. Rickety frame and poor seals make for increased heating and cooling costs, so a new owner knows they’ll eventually have to replace the windows. Here’s some window-shopping tips to add value to your home. 

• Select quality replacement home windows that will prevent drafts and are easy to install 

• Modern window designs boost the look of your home from the street to increase curb appeal If you don’t have the budget for a full upgrade, simply replace windows with visible warping and rot 

• Also in lieu of a full upgrade: reseal all your windows to eliminate drafts and cover over dirt and grime 

• If you updated your windows recently, be sure to clean them before buyers arrive to keep your home looking like new

#9 Add a Deck or Patio

Entertaining is an important feature for home buyers, so having an outdoor space that allows for that can help increase home value: 

• Add a backyard deck: you can choose between slightly raised or fully raised to suit your home’s layout and budget If you already have a deck, consider adding a privacy fence, deck skirt or other decking accessories 

• Refreshing an existing deck with a new stain can also update the look of your backyard 

• Add a backyard patio: it’s less work than a deck and will still add value to your home If you already have a patio, be sure to replace worn out or broken stones 

• Enhance your deck or patio with landscape or outdoor lighting

#10 New Front Door

A small change such as updating your front door can also increase your home value by adding curb appeal and style: 

• A new, well-styled door creates a welcoming atmosphere and adds aesthetic to your home’s exterior 

• Upgrade with a durable steel door for added safety and protection 

• Choose a modern glass door for a more contemporary look Paint your front door a bright, welcoming color to make a statement

You don’t have to renovate your entire home before listing it to increase its value. A few well-thought-out changes and fresh features can create a new look, provide a friendly atmosphere and make your home more memorable to potential buyers.