Fresh Paint
Paint is a relatively inexpensive project considering the impact it can make, especially if you choose to do it yourself. Take the time to pick the right colors by painting samples on your walls. Colors will look different at different times of day too. Professionals at high quality paint stores can help you find just the right look and coordinate colors throughout your home.

Egress Windows
Drive the gloom out of your basement and add value to your home by switching out small basement windows for egress windows. Not only will they bring safety and more light into a dark space, the price for below-grade square feet will likely go up.

Garage Door
Curb appeal is one of the biggest factors when it comes to selling a home. Make a big impact by updating your garage door. If all the mechanism are in good shape, it may be an even cheaper fix than you imagined. This project is often cited by real estate professionals as one of the highest returns on investment.

Landscape
All homeowners appreciate perennials. It’s almost time to start planting bulbs. For just a few dollars and some elbow grease you can enjoy pops of spring color for years to come. Considering spring is the most popular time to list a home, those tulips should be blooming just in time for the photo shoot.

Front Door
First impressions are difficult to overcome, especially since most home Buyers decide in the first few seconds if a home feels right for them. Did you know research has shown that homes with red doors often sell faster than similar homes in the neighborhood? And colors like red and orange bring more chi energy into a space. Also, consider adding a door with glass to bring more light into your entryway.

Popcorn Ceilings
This can be a do it yourself project, though it can also be messy. Relative to the impact it makes however; it’s a project homeowners should seriously consider. Nothing says “dated” like bad texture. If you’ve got funky texture in your home, it will be worth updating to contemporary clean textures and putting a bright white color on. Good news is that there are sanders with vacuum bags attached to make the job easy to clean up or DIY instructions here.

Hardware
From the front door handle, house numbers to kitchen and bathroom cabinet and drawer pulls, updated hardware is relatively easy and inexpensive to install. Many companies provide these, from Restoration Hardware to Lowe’s and Home Depot to Pier One.

Decks & Patios
Vastly improved by adding an easy to maintain deck or patio of weather resistant material. Compared to the national average of $85 per square foot for additional indoor space, the construction of a deck is often less than $35 per square foot. There are many materials to chose from to make an outdoor living space add to the enjoyment of your home.

Light Fixtures
Just like hardware, light fixtures show the age of a home. This is one place where spending a few more dollars can really pay off. Think of great lighting fixtures as the jeweled accessories of a home. Not only do they improve the ambiance, they can add a bit of sparkle. Don’t overlook options like low-voltage accent lighting and outdoor landscape lighting.

Fencing
In a state where dogs rule the heart of many residents, it’s not just families with children looking for a secure place for their loved ones to play. A new fence is a cost that can often be shared with neighbors, making it an even more affordable improvement.

Before budgeting home improvement projects, contact me. I’m happy to give you guidance on the projects that will give you the best return on your investment for the future value of your home.

Warmly,

Mary Hostetter