Adding Value to Your Property Four Home Improvement Projects to Increase the Value of Any Home

 

The housing market is more competitive than ever thanks to the introduction of the internet. Less home sellers and buyers are consulting with real estate agents, as they can simply post and view photos of homes on the internet. Unfortunately for home sellers, this means that they are less likely to get views and feedback in person as there is an abundance of houses posted for sale for interested home buyers to view. In order to stay competitive on the net, many homeowners have little choice but to invest in home improvement projects to increase the value of a home and increase its appeal — homeowners that focus on the exterior of a home are able to increase a home’s curb appeal which can directly correlate with increased viewership and value. Here are four elements of a home’s exterior that has been shown to increase value and decrease the time it takes for a home to sell.

Updated Windows and Doors

Security, aesthetics, and value are all significant elements for homeowners; focusing on replacing outdated doors and windows could be a good way to satisfy all three of these fields. Old windows can provide an entrance for burglars, look out of place, and can even increase heating and cooling costs — there are high-impact windows that can resist category 5 wind conditions and energy efficient windows that help keep heating and cooling costs low. Likewise, many homeowners have invested in heavy steel doors to ensure that their homes are fortified from natural and human elements; these steel doors come in a variety of styles as well to help beautify any home.

Unique Siding and Roofs

So many roofing and siding options are now available to homeowners to create a completely unique home; utilizing these elements in a meaningful and interesting way can change the entire exterior look of a home. Replacing old roofing can not only update the look of a home, it can also help homeowners cut down on heating and cooling losses. Along the same line, replacing old siding can help barricade a home from harsh winds that can cause furnaces to work harder in the winter time.

Decks and Patios

One of the best outdoor projects one can invest in is a wooden deck or a patio area. Many homeowners view their yards as an extension of their living space; underutilized backyards are seen as a missed opportunity that can be corrected with a deck addition. Since there are around 40 million decks in the United States that are over 20 years old, homeowners with existing decks ought to consider restoring a deck to increase a home’s value. Studies have shown that a wood deck addition boasts a return on investment of around 87%, making it one of the safest and effective investments for any homeowner.

New Fencing

Many home buyers enjoy the privacy and security of a fence for their new homes; there are a number of different fence styles, materials, and designs to compliment any home. Those looking to designate property can benefit from chain link fence types; a classy aluminum fence can improve the curb appeal of a home while simultaneously offering a return on investment of around 65%. According to zoning committee experts across the United States, around 80 to 90% of applicants for fences are stockade fence types designed with privacy in mind. Privacy fence types are typically constructed with pressure treated fence posts which cost an average of $10 a piece in the U.S. making it one of the most cost effective fence types available. There a number of unique wood fence designs including picket, panel, shadow box, concave, and convex fence types that can compliment nearly every style of home.