Improving the appearance of your home doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. Some of the best repairs you can make to your house can be done on a budget. Below are 5 DIY home repairs that will increase your home’s value without breaking the bank.
- Paint the walls
But what color should you choose? Top real estate agents suggest painting your walls in neutral colors. Whites, beiges, soft grays, or muted greens are always a hit with buyers.
Painting the walls is an improvement that nearly every homeowner can do. While painting the entire interior of your home, it will pay off in the end. Freshly painted walls can significantly increase your home’s selling power and final sale price. If you do not have the time or the budget to paint your entire house, focus on the most important rooms: the living room, kitchen, entryway, and main bedroom.
- Spruce up the bathroom
No, we aren’t talking about a complete bathroom renovation. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on a complete bathroom renovation, focus on minor, manageable, DIY bathroom repairs that will drastically improve the appearance of your bathroom. To begin, look at the caulk around your shower or bathtub. Over the years, caulk can become discolored and cracked, making your bathroom look old. Remove the old caulk from around your battery and bathtub, and lay a new caulk line. The new caulk will give your bathroom a more polished look.
While you are in the bathroom, take the time to switch up your cabinet hardware, faucet, and showerhead. Most homes on the market that are popular among buyers incorporate classic finishes such as chrome, nickel, or matte black. Dual shower heads are always a hit with buyers, as are rain showerheads. Keep your cabinet hardware standard and avoid anything too personal or flashy that might deter buyers.
- Tidy up the landscaping
Curb appeal might not seem like a big deal, but it can make or break a home sale. Take the time to tidy up your house, especially the front. Start by power washing the exterior of your home to remove dirt, mildew, and debris. Next, tidy up the landscaping by removing old leaves and branches. You should also plant a few easy-to-care-for perennial flowers and bushes in your landscaped areas. Finish off by adding a layer of mulch around your newly planted blooms.
When you have finished touching up your landscaping, take the time to thoroughly remove excess leaves, branches, and twigs from your lawn. Then cut and trim the grass. Repair any bald spots and pull weeds.
- Paint your front door
In addition to a fresh coat of paint on your walls, adding color to your front door will significantly increase your home’s value. Top San Francisco, California natural agents agree that painting your front door before selling should be a priority, especially if your front door is old, dented, or has chipping or fading paint. Choose a front door color that coordinates with the color of your home’s exterior but is also popular among buyers. The colors most popular are black, blue, green, and red.
- Update the kitchen
A full kitchen remodel is costly and takes much time to complete. But you can update the appearance of your kitchen with a few simple DIY improvements. Most importantly, change out the cabinet hardware in your kitchen. A new set of hardware will immediately make your cabinets look more polished and newer. Popular hardware finishes are nickel, chrome, and brass. Stick with classic hardware shapes, and don’t choose anything overly personal.
If you are concerned that your DIY home improvements will hurt your chances of selling, reach out to a trusted real estate agent. They can help you find the most popular choices that add beauty and value to your home.