9 Small Home Improvements with Big Impact

Replacing an existing entry door with a steel one has recovered anywhere from 65% to 91% at resale over the past four years, statistics show. Buyers appreciate the energy efficiency, low maintenance, and cold-blocking powers of metal. People need dedicated space to work, but they still want to enjoy family time and entertain. Even among homes ranging from $250,000 to $400,000 in Georgia, an unfinished basement can add about $15,000 to $20,000, Russell says. If finished, a basement can add even more — up to $40,000 or $50,000 to the asking price. Home buyers always appreciate ample space, yet over the past year, they want even more than they currently have.

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• They are pricey, they last much longer than incandescent or CFLs and they are more energy efficient…

For example, HomeAdvisor pegs painting a bathroom — usually the smallest room in the house — somewhere between $150 and $350, while a 330-square-foot living room might cost as much as $2,000. Homes are valued and priced by the livable square feet they contain, House & Home Improvement and the more livable square feet, the better, says Benjamin Ross, a Realtor and real estate investor based in Corpus Christi, Texas. As a result, adding a bathroom, a great room or another needed space to a home can increase function and add value.

Another option is to add wallpaper or fabric to your ceiling. This can give a room an old-world flair, and it’s also very inexpensive. Another great thing this idea offers is that you can make it yourself without much trouble. If you want your room to include a dramatic look, one idea is to add lighting fixtures to your ceiling.

How Much Value Does Living the Lakefront Dream Add to a Property?

So, if you’re rattling around in a big house after your children have left home, you may consider downsizing, especially if you’re getting less mobile as you grow older. Although renovations can make houses more accessible, moving to a smaller and more manageable property could end up being better value for money. We look at what home improvements are possible and how they could add value to your property, comparing this to the pros and cons of moving house to help you decide on what the best option is for you. Use wallpapers- If you can’t afford to paint the entire house, you can use wallpapers for the walls in your bedroom or living room and paint the ceiling with a matching shade.

Transform the mood of the kitchen with a bold new backsplash in ceramic or glass tile. Just make sure the wall is sound before you start the installation. Choosing one color and clean-lined tile for the backsplash in a small kitchen keeps the look uncluttered and roomy. With flagstone or cement pavers, you can easily make an outdoor patio in a weekend, no mortar required. Add potted plants and outdoor seating, such as a bistro set or an eclectic mix of colorful chairs, to create a quaint backyard escape.

With the right planning and pieces, even a small space can become an outdoor retreat. Look for nooks in your yard where you can put a bench and a small side table and make a mini patio to enjoy your landscape. If you have a window that faces frigid winter winds, replace it with a high-efficiency unit. If your home has single-pane windows, they could be wasting up to 25% of your energy costs. Improve your home’s energy efficiency by replacing single-pane windows with high-performance double-pane Energy Star-rated windows.