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What Adds Value To Your Home?

You want to take advantage of the booming housing market. But, how do you make sure you’re getting in with the best chance of selling your home? How do you even know what the value of your house is?

People who flip houses for a living all know the right secrets to use when selling a house, and you should know them too. Specifically, they know how to work smarter and what adds value to a home.

With the median home sales price in December 2020 being almost $360,000, this is the perfect time to learn the right way to sell your house. But, first, you’ll need to understand the number one strategy is the right way to handle home improvements that add real value.

But how do you know which home improvements add value to your home and which are just cosmetic? Several home improvements work well for adding value to your home but don’t need to break the bank.

This guide will take you through all the most common home improvements, their potential value, and pros and cons. We’ll also go through some of the best tools to find your home value and get easy assistance with selling.

Read on to discover all you need to know about Home Improvements and sell your house the right way.

Home Improvement Ideas

If you’ve been looking at improving your home, you will have noticed that there are almost infinite possibilities. They generally fall into a few categories, but it’s easiest to think of inside, outside, and building work.

How Much Do Renovations Increase Home Value?

It’s tough to figure out exactly how much value a particular renovation will add to your home, but you can make some educated guesses. There are several websites that can provide some insight into the average cost and return of popular renovations.

You should use a spreadsheet or a similar tool to keep track of your home renovation and improvements, as well as what your real return on investment is. That will help you make sure you end up ahead rather than sinking more and more money into renovations that don’t do you any good.

What Adds Value to a Home

Let’s talk about Return on Investment or ROI. Very simply, ROI is the percentage of your spending (investment) you will get back when selling (Return). It’s easy to calculate this and useful to know when looking for cheap ways to increase home value.

You will want to aim for improvements that have the highest return-on-investment percentage. A good percentage is usually over 45% – anything lower, and you should consider carefully.

What Does Not Add Value

Some aspects of your home won’t add any sales value but are, unfortunately, essential. Invisible or unseen parts of your home usually fall in this category. They are also usually items you will need to disclose when selling.

These are usually things like heating and cooling, water heaters, and even septic systems. Although they’re unlikely to add a great deal of value, you should definitely make sure they’re all in working order or risk a knock to your sales price.

Inside

Inside or interior improvements encompass anything that’s going to be going on inside your house or a building attached to it. If the outside of your house is in good condition, it makes sense to start with the inside and work your way out.

Replace Your Front Door

Strangely, the number-one improvement that has the best ROI is just replacing your front door. It’s the first thing potential buyers see about your home, so it’s clear that the front door deserves some attention.

So replacing your old wooden door with a steel unit is easy to improve your home value quickly. Typically costing around $1,900, you’re looking at a return of about 70%.

Interior Paint

Painting the inside of your house can make a huge difference to how buyers perceive it. A well-painted interior makes a room look purposeful and well put together.

If possible, you should choose warm neutral colors for the interior. Neutral colors mean it’s easier for potential buyers to see themselves in the space and mentally place their own furniture in your home.

Painting is one of the highest return items and costs very little, relatively speaking. It takes just as much planning as any of the other items on our list, though.

Which Rooms to Paint

You should try to prioritize rooms that are going to be common areas. This means painting kitchens, bathrooms, and foyers. More personal rooms like bedrooms don’t need much work and can probably survive with some touchups and cleaning.

Kinds of Paint

Using the correct kind of paint can make a big difference to how good a room looks. The finishes and sheen you choose can make a wall stand out or make it easier to clean and change how easily it fits in with the other walls in the room.

You should stick to flat paints on large walls as this sheen won’t show imperfections in the wall as much as a satin finish might. High impact areas like a kitchen would benefit from satin finishes to make cleaning easier.

New Flooring

One of the first things that prospective buyers look for in a house is good flooring. It’s the most obvious sight when walking through the front door. You should definitely consider replacing your old flooring if it’s starting to show wear and tear. 

Hardwood flooring makes a great addition to living areas and is surprisingly affordable. It’s natural-looking, very appealing to buyers who love the dark wood aesthetic and only needs to be replaced every 10 years.

If you look after your hardwood floors, they will last your entire life. They generally only require a little regular maintenance to keep them looking almost perfect.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can consider putting in engineered wood. Engineered wood is a hardwood veneer that goes on top of a plywood layer. It looks like wood, and though it’s not as durable as the Hardwood option, it’s definitely better than worn floors.

If your floor condition isn’t too bad (some light wear and tear), you may be able to spruce them up simply by polishing and conditioning the existing wood. For a more in-depth view of the importance of flooring, check out our companion article.

Fireplace

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace in your home, you’re already ahead of the game. Especially in colder climates, a fireplace can add a charming and functional bonus. More than 50% of potential buyers find fireplaces an attractive part of a new home.

You should pay attention to the parts of your fireplace that might need some work and can be easily fixed. This includes parts such as the mantle and the surroundings.

Generally speaking, the grander your fireplace looks, the better. Buyers tend to see a fireplace as a dominating aspect of a room, so it’s important to update it before selling your house.

Be sure to style your fireplace surroundings appropriately. You can easily add some tiling or replace your old mantel to make a plain fireplace really draw attention.

Make sure you hire someone who has a demonstrated history of remodeling fireplaces. The ideal person will agree to consult with you throughout the process and make sure that you are happy with the result. Sometimes, you can get away with simple plastering and tiling, but if you’re going for a larger scale change, it pays to get someone reliable.

Kitchen Remodel

Remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances

If you’ve been looking at what renovations increase home value the most, you’ll have seen a kitchen remodel come up often. First, you will need to decide whether you’re going to go for a full-scale remodel or something smaller.

While major operations may seem attractive, buyers have indicated that the best value for money comes from simple kitchen remodels. For a remodel costing approximately $22,000, you’re likely to see about an 80% return on investment.

You should look at replacing old appliances, putting new faces on your cabinets, and adding new hardware. Also, pay some attention to your counter-tops. You can simply and cheaply replace them with better-looking laminate or even marble.

If you don’t have the budget for a minor remodel, you can simply replace your old sink with a new, modern one. Sinks typically cost less than $600 and will go a long way to making your kitchen look modern. While you’re replacing your sink, take a look at the walls and ceiling as well – replace old light fittings and throw a coat of new paint on the walls to bring everything together.

Crown Molding

In the last few years, Crown Molding has seen a major resurgence. It makes sense – it adds instant appeal and a sense of elegance to a room. There is almost no room that won’t be improved by adding crown molding.

There are many different patterns you can choose from, so you can express yourself through how you choose to decorate each room. Don’t be afraid to change the pattern depending on the room. You can give each room its own distinct personality quickly this way.

You can easily fit crown molding yourself with the arrival on the market of polystyrene models. It’s simply a matter of giving it a coat of paint once it’s in place and you will have transformed your room.

Even though there’s no physical value to crown molding, it has a very noticeable impact on perceived value. The higher the molding is, the higher the cost is thought to be.

Ceiling Beams

Whether functional or purely decorative, ceiling beams give a home a grander, richer feel and always impress buyers. There has been a noticeable rise in the number of people looking for a more rustic look when choosing a house and exposed beams do this effortlessly.

If you’re not a great fan of crown molding, ceiling beams can be an excellent alternative and go a long way to making a room look classy without making buyers feel claustrophobic.

In particular, you should consider installing box-beam ceilings in rooms that may not have as much physical size. Done properly, they will give a sense of movement to a room and can draw focus to features you’d like to highlight. Matching the style of your box-beam installation to the decor in the rest of the house will help to give a sense of purpose to your newly finished room.

You will find beams more commonly as you look at the higher end of the housing market. It’s really about the desirability of the ceiling beams and what they project as a meaning. Tie them together with some tasteful decor and finishings, and a room will seem much richer than it did before.

New Windows

Replacing your windows is one of the best home improvements to increase value, and it’s not even challenging to have done. In 2020, a window replacement cost on average $17,000 and returned more than 70% of its value.

In recent years, the market for replacement windows has expanded, and there are many more options than there have been before. You can now replace your old wooden windows with Aluminium, Steel, or even Vinyl.

More than 80% of buyers say that it’s important for them when considering whether or not to buy a house that the windows are in good condition. But, even more than that, buyers are looking for energy-efficient windows.

If you’d like to improve the energy efficiency of your home, you should consider vinyl. Not only do vinyl windows last more than 20 years, but they have built-in insulation. They also never need painting.

Given that good energy-star qualified windows can cut your heating and cooling costs by a significant amount, it makes sense that you would look at replacing your old wooden frames.

Decorative wooden framings for your windows will give them another boost and can be done cheaply and easily. A little custom woodwork gives instant personality to a room and rounds out the improvements.

Finished Basement

Your basement may be cold and empty right now, but it may be time for a small bit of renovation. Unfortunately, many people overlook the usefulness of a basement when they’re getting ready to sell a house.

When you think of your basement, consider it the same as the other rooms in the house. It may be below the floor, but it’s still a valuable space. Fixing up your basement will also cost far less than adding on an additional room.

Before you start renovating, figure out what purpose you want it to serve. Are you looking for an extra bedroom? An entertainment area?

If you’re looking at creating an entertainment area, make sure you arrange the space so that everyone gathers in the most comfortable spot. That’s usually wherever the most natural light comes in.

For a bedroom, remember that you’ll need to have at least one window that’s openable, so plan accordingly. Also, remember that soundproofing may be particularly important in a bedroom as noise from above can easily disturb people in the new area.

Remember to inspect all the potential problem areas in your basement before going forward with any renovations. That means checking on moisture, probing for insect damage or rot in joists or wooden window frames. You should also check that none of your joists are sagging and get a professional to check any heating or cooling systems.

Outside

house with beautiful landscape and sidings

The outside of your house has a lasting impact on buyers. Before they even get to your front door, buyers are looking at the roof, the walls, the fence, the paint job, and even how your garden is managed. Some buyers might be looking for a fixer-upper, but many are looking for a more finished house, and there are quite a few things you can do to make the sale faster.

Landscaping

Not only is it enjoyable to landscape your outdoor space, but it’s a great value-add to your home. You can add plants, trees, and bushes or put in some beautiful walkways. Even some new furniture will make a difference to the perceived value of your home.

Hardscaping vs. Softscaping

Hardscaping and softscaping are two terms that you’ll often hear when planning for your renovation. Softscaping typically means flowers, trees, and your garden. Hardscaping refers to paths, benches and chairs, and anything solid.

Climate Tolerant

In areas with more extreme weather that is either very dry or very cold, you should look for landscaping that will use plants and features that fit the area. Low-flow water features and drought-tolerant plants

Ground Cover

This means anything that covers a larger area in your yard than typical plants. As a result, they usually need less work to grow and use less water.

Terraces

If your yard has steep hills, you can use terraces to soften and open up the yard. The whole idea of terraces is to divide your land into separate, flatter areas and make your home look better as well.

Outdoor Living

It’s becoming more and more common to have comfortable outside furniture in yards. You can go a long way to making things feel more comfortable by carefully placing furniture in the right place.

Most people want to spend more time outside, and buyers are no different. If your home already has a patio, converting it into a place to sit and relax.

Check Local Laws

Remember that, depending on your location, there might be certain landscaping that is restricted. For example, some areas don’t allow rainwater collection, while others restrict which plants can be brought in. Check with your landscaping company and be sure they’re considering all the local rules.

Solar Panels

It’s no secret that the world is moving towards sustainable energy. You would likely welcome a cut in your bill as well. Buyers notice when a home has a solar installation, and it can push up your valuation.

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy found that homes with a solar solution typically sold for around $15,000 more than those without. But, of course, this will depend on the area that you live in. Some places don’t have much in the way of solar presence.

Grid-Connected vs. Off-Grid

Off-grid solar installations are not connected to the local grid at all. They make sense for homes in areas that don’t have a good, regular power supply. Rural locations often benefit from Off-Grid installations as they are cheaper to install than getting traditional power installed.

Grid-Connected systems are more common in areas that have decent energy infrastructure. They typically cost less than their Off-Grid counterparts and feed extra energy back into the local grid.

Costs

How much a solar system costs will vary depending on the size of your property, what your needs are, and your location. It’s a good idea to find out if your area provides any incentives or rebates for solar installations.

Solar panels used to take much longer to break even in terms of cost vs. benefit, but as technology keeps improving, the time to pay back reduces. Payback periods have dropped as low as 10 years for some systems, and this is likely to decrease over time.

Pool

beautiful home with clean pool

Pools can be one of the most contentious subjects when discussing home value. Some experts say that adding a pool will not change the overall value but will increase the house’s saleability. But, as always, the real answer is all about context.

Who Are the Buyers?

If you make contact with experts who can advise you on how to sell your house, they will likely be able to tell you what type of buyers are typically active in your area. Families with very small children may not be interested in one, but older couples or families with teens might be actively looking for a property that already has a pool.

The Neighborhood

If every other house in your neighborhood has a pool, the chances are good that potential buyers will be less interested in your home if you don’t have one. Buyers in the market for higher-end houses may also not be put off by the idea of pool maintenance.

Pool Type Matters

Depending on the area, the type of pool that you install may make a big difference to the saleability of your property. Buyers typically prefer in-ground pools to above-ground and may make buying decisions based on the perceived level of maintenance for the pool.

New Roof

Installing a new roof can be a powerful way of increasing the value of your home. Of course, if your roof is damaged or visibly worn, that will bring down the sale value of your home, as buyers will not want to be saddled with the potentially high cost of fixing the roof. But, if you take the time to either fix or replace your roof entirely, you will likely see a ROI of around 60%.

There are a few factors that influence whether replacing your roof is a good investment:

  • Condition of the current roof
  • Housing Market
  • Replacement type

Condition

If your old roof is not very old and is in generally good condition, it’s unlikely to be worth it to replace it. If you replaced your roof less than 10 years ago, it would be obvious to appraisers and buyers alike that the roof is in good enough condition to last for a long while.

If your roof is in bad condition, it will either need to be repaired or replaced. You will likely recoup the cost to replace the roof at your higher purchase price, and you won’t risk losing buyers due to a bad roof.

Housing Market

Whether or not adding a new roof will actually increase your home’s value depends on the local market and how it is performing. Particularly, there may be large differences between regions in how much return a new roof will bring when you’re selling.

Replacement Type

Replacing your old roof with an asphalt roof typically brings much more value than replacing it with a metal roof. Metal roof replacements usually cost far more than asphalt types and don’t have as high a return on investment.

If you’re looking at replacing your roof with new shingles, you should also consider what the rest of the neighborhood has and whether your new shingles will match the exterior of your house. If you have gone for an upmarket appearance on the outside of your house, you may need to choose upmarket shingles to match.

Siding

Siding replacement carries a very high return on investment and is one of the most popular ways of increasing value. There are many reasons you might want to replace your siding – there might be cracks or marks, or you may just wish to change your home’s appearance quickly and easily.

New siding can immediately improve the look of a house and is often one of the elements that stand out the most. Beautiful siding can be the difference between a buyer stopping to visit for an open house or driving on down the street.

There are many options for siding material that you can use to replace your old siding. The options available cover a wide range of budgets and practicality.

Vinyl

Vinyl siding is made up of at least two layers. A layer that provides UV shielding and a core that prevents damage.

Vinyl siding is typically on the more affordable end of the spectrum. It is lightweight and needs no maintenance. Vinyl can be a reasonable way to protect your house by providing more insulation.

Fiber Cement

Fiber Cement has resistance to fire, termites, rot, and moisture and is known not to flex as vinyl might. Fiber Cement is usually a mid-way point between Vinyl and Foam Vinyl.

Foam Vinyl

Foam Vinyl also provides protection to your house. It consists of either foam backing or a foam core wrapped with vinyl and lies flat against your house.

Exterior Paint

Depending on the type of house you have, you may not even have to consider painting. For example, if your home has exposed brick walls, you don’t need to worry about painting them; however, that doesn’t mean there isn’t something else outside that needs work.

Make sure you check under eaves and at any exposed boards or areas that may have flaking paint and would draw a buyer’s eye. Nobody wants to buy a home with chipped, peeling, or cracked paint.

You should try to stick to no more than three colors for the exterior of your home. The recommended ratio is 60:30:10.

This means that you should use one color for 60% of the exterior – usually bricks or stucco. In the next round of painting, 30% should go to things like garage doors, window trims, and other small items. The last 10% is for shutters and the front of the house – this is your chance to make it special.

Again, neutral colors are the safest to use when painting the exterior of your house. They should be safe for at least 10 years, which will reassure the buyer that they won’t need to paint anytime soon.

Unlike interior painting, exterior work requires some specialized equipment. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to get a professional company in to do the work.

Garage Doors

Garage doors are seldom thought of, and yet, they can provide a boost in home value. Given their size, they usually make up a large part of the visible part of your house, and they provide an excellent opportunity for something unique and interesting.

Even from a pure safety perspective, having a functioning, new garage door is an obvious good choice. If your garage door is not opening, making noises when opening, or sagging, it’s time to look at replacing it.

The next consideration is security. A garage door that doesn’t work to keep people out of your home is not a good garage door. Potential thieves are likely to view your house as hard to break into if your garage door looks secure. Of course, you will also have replaced your front door so this will further enhance security.

Finally, energy-efficient garage doors are a great way to easily insulate your home. Each door receives an R-Value which is an indicator of how well it resists thermal influences. The higher the R-Value, the better the door will do against heat or cold.

Replacing an old, worn garage door can go a long way to giving your house a fresh look and enhance its style. And, it gives the buyer one less thing to think about replacing so it’s well worth it.

Deck

deck with two chairs to relax

When thinking about what home improvements add the most value, it’s unlikely that a deck was high up on your list of priorities. A deck improves a home owner’s ability to relax outside and makes a house look far more attractive.

The average cost of a deck is around $10,000 using traditional wooden materials. If you’re looking at composite decks, the figure is closer to $17,000. Although this seems expensive at first, consider how much a deck increases the value of your home.

Homebuyers are usually willing to spend more on a home that has a deck. This is especially true of houses that are in warmer areas or have long, outdoor-friendly summers.

Wood vs Composite

If all you are considering is a return on your investment and increasing the value of your home, a wooden deck is the way to go. Wooden decks cost far less than composite structures but carry a higher burden of maintenance.

Composite decks are usually higher quality than their wooden counterparts and carry the cost to prove it. They are able to withstand most weather as well as extreme temperature changes.

If you are planning on keeping your home for some years and want to put in a deck for a future sale, consider putting in a composite deck. If you are likely to sell your home within a year, a wooden deck may well be the wiser choice.

Fence

house with little white fence

We all know the saying “Good fences make good neighbors” but this extends to good buyers as well. A well-planned and built fence can make a difference to the perceived value of your home.

Whether you’re installing a white picket or wrought-iron fence, you should consider a few factors before going ahead.

Costs

A fence might cost you anywhere from $1 – $45 per foot. Your back yard is likely larger than your front yard. You will also need to consider how high you want your fence to be before going ahead and planning.

Materials

Wood is a common material for both back and front fences. It’s reasonably cheap and excellent for privacy. Vinyl is making inroads into the market and is appearing more and more often. Vinyl is relatively expensive but needs almost no maintenance, and is easy to clean.

Property Lines

Before you start planning your fence and buying material, make sure you confirm your property lines. Many people have forgotten this crucial step. You don’t want to have to dig up your new fence because you discovered that you were a foot over your neighbor’s line.

Planning

The best way to plan for a new fence is to get your utility company to come out and survey the area for you. They should be able to tell you about any cables or lines for gas, power or water.

Curb Appeal

Some of the items in this list have already touched on curb appeal. In a general sense, your home’s curb appeal is a combination of all the factors that people are able to see from the curb.

When you’re planning your home improvements, you should constantly think about your overall curb appeal. You want every change you make to increase your curb appeal while not conflicting with anything else.

A good practical example of this is to consider the front door and garage door we dealt with earlier. You can easily imagine that your curb appeal will be affected by shoddy-looking doors. If you plan your doors badly and the style clashes, you will also detract from your curb appeal.

Landscaping, cleaning your driveway, and even revamping your porch make a difference in how appealing your house is to potential buyers.

Building Work

Often the most complex home improvements, building work can be daunting but it’s what increases home value. However, if you make sure that you consult with your local authorities and get a reputable company to help you with construction, it will be worth your while.

New Bedroom

newly added bedroom

A new bedroom is likely to increase your home value by up to $50,000, and while there are diminishing returns the more bedrooms you add on, it’s well worth it to take your home from a single bedroom to 2, 3, or even 4.

Consider making use of a loft or basement to build a new bedroom space. This has the bonus of not needing exterior brickwork and still carries significant resale value.

The median price of houses rises with each bedroom added. A 3 bedroom home tends to sell for almost $70,000 more than a 2 bedroom.

New Bathroom

Whether you’re adding in a half bath for your friends and guests to use or bringing in a full additional bathroom, it’s clear that adding extra bathrooms to your home increases your resale value.

If you already have enough bathrooms, consider renovating an existing space to bring it up to date. After kitchens, bathrooms are one of the most popular improvements to make.

Taking the Next Steps

Now that you know all about home improvement and you understand what adds value to a home, you can put everything together. You may be wondering – “How do I know the value of my home?” Fortunately, we have the best home value estimator tool that you can use to get a quick valuation and an obligation-free cash offer.
Whether you’re looking to sell your home now or want to know how to increase the appraised value of your home for a refinance application, we’ve got the answers.

The post What Adds Value To Your Home? appeared first on iBuyer Blog.

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Add Curb Appeal: Investing in Landscaping

The first impression homebuyers get as they come up to your house is from your yard and landscaping. The consensus amongst garners and landscapers is that the more attention you put into the landscape, the higher the value potential buyers place on your home. But, it’s essential to know which improvements will boost your home’s value and which may not.

A recent study shows that $268 of lawn care services adds about $1,200 in value to your home— a 352% ROI. Additionally, plant size and “the landscape design sophistication” that goes beyond hedges and flower beds, incorporating islands of plants and shade trees, or a focal point, also impact the home’s perceived value.

Generally, the more expensive your home and property, the more attention and money should be invested into your landscape. The more curb appeal your property has, the more attractive the property and the better the chances of getting your asking price.

Landscaping shouldn’t cost you a small fortune; with a bit of planning and a well-thought-out design, you can create striking curb appeal well within your budget!

Landscape maintenance costs

Based on square footage, the average cost for mowing ranges from about $30-$80/visit. Edging incurs extra fees. With a mower and edger, you can DIY. Make sure you don’t cut your grass too short or too often—only mow when the grass to avoid clumping; leave the clippings on the lawn to return nitrogen to the soil.

Trees

If you’re looking to add trees, opt for a 15-gallon pot—this typically holds an 8′ tall tree and costs $50-$150, depending on the variety.

If there are trees that need trimming, hire a professional landscaper to prune them. They not only have the skills and the tools, but they can also haul it off and finish the job much more quickly. Depending on how much trimming they do, the average cost runs $750-$1,000, depending on height).

Irrigation system

Today’s homebuyers tend to love landscaping, but either don’t have the time or inclination to maintain it. For a fully automated irrigation system, expect to pay at least $3,000–but buyers will love it! Today’s sprinkler systems can be equipped with sensors that monitor the water level and air in your landscape and water as needed.

Lighting

Outdoor lighting options are available within any homeowner’s budget. They can showcase your flower gardens and silhouette your trees at night, keep passages well-lit and even discourage would-be burglars. Buyers appreciate yards that provide additional security. Solar-powered and LED lighting products offer even greater appeal for those trying to “go green.”

Freshen up the mulch

A simple trick to giving your beds a fresh look is to mulch them generously; this also helps retain moisture and reduces weeds. By spending $340 on mulch recoups about 126% upon closing. To help you calculate how much you’ll need, Lowes and Home Depot have an online calculator

Choose your mulch color carefully—brown is an excellent universal color making plants appear more vibrant; opt for black in colder regions–it retains sunlight and heat better. If you like red, make sure the color scheme of the house matches. However, red mulch decomposes the quickest. 

Use flower groupings  

For less than $100, buy potted flowers or plants that will intrigue buyers with color—use them around the front porch area to make the entry ‘pop’ with color, setting the stage. Try grouping clusters of specific types or colors of plants together to create a “drift” of plants, adding flow to your landscape and making a more substantial impact.

Power wash the exterior

For added curb appeal that takes minimal time yet maximizes your return, sweep off any cobwebs, especially around the entry and under the eaves. Power wash your brick, siding, garage door, and walkways for a clean, crisp, well-maintained appearance. You can rent a power washer for about $39 per day.

Your backyard—an outdoor paradise

Buyers fall in love with features that backyards have to offer—backyard landscaping has taken on new importance for buyers over the last year; highlight this prime area as an oasis. 

The gardens

When designing your backyard gardens, try landscaping with varying height and depth; planters with multiple tiers and plants of varying sizes add visual interest, and the landscape won’t appear flat.

Vertical gardens create an excellent focal point in any garden.

  • Build a terra cotta planter wall on your fence 
  • Use wrought iron flower pot rings to elevate planters

 Repurposing items in a garden is excellent to give new life to old objects. These items add an eclectic touch, from teapots to cracked birdbaths, old rakes, old china, colored bottles, crystal plates, and so much more. A popular color that creates a calming effect is cobalt blue. Be sure to include delphinium, grape hyacinth, globe thistle, hydrangea, and blue fortune for sparks of color.

The deck

Nature wreaks havoc on decks and patios, causing them to look old and faded. You can rent a power washer (which costs about $39 per day) or buy one, to clean and brighten your deck—apply at least two new coats of stain (about $25 to $30 per gallon) to freshen up the deck’s look and integrity. Or you can hire a professional handyman service (about $2 per square foot) to power wash it for you.

The patio

If you have a patio, you can also power wash it as well as any seating to remove dirt and cobwebs. 

Consider redoing or installing a walkway with pavers (about $1,700 depending on size and materials), or use concrete stain to paint a pattern on the existing walkway or patio. 

Add privacy–reduce noise 

If buyers think they’ll hear road noise from a high-traffic road or on a corner lot—enhance the oasis feeling by placing garden containers strategically around your deck or patio. If you don’t have many established trees and bushes to act as noise barriers and don’t want to invest in plants that won’t move with you, place some junipers ($19) or Japanese maples ($20) in containers along the walkway, deck, and patio.

Water features

Fountains and other water features provide “white noise” and help mask traffic and different annoying sounds. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Smartphone apps that control these features add additional appeal. A small backyard water feature can cost as little as $50 if you DIY. Professional design and construction will naturally cost more depending on size, materials, and complexity.

 High appeal, low maintenance

Buyers appreciate a low-maintenance landscape, especially if they:

  • don’t have a green thumb
  • interested in water conservation
  • worried about upkeep 

Low-maintenance landscapes include a combination of hardscaping, i.e., walkways, retaining walls or xeriscaping (“ZEH-ri-skaping”). This concept relies on drought-friendly plants typical for your area that reduce the need for frequent watering.

Landscaping projects pitfalls

Before you start browsing the local landscape or hardware stores, be careful not to get ahead of yourself. First, consider that projects that don’t provide a good ROI, or appeal to a narrow audience, or that you won’t get to enjoy may not be something you want to invest in when trying to sell your home. Take, for example:

Outdoor kitchens

A full-blown kitchen on the patio costs about $12,000 to $20,000 to install: estimated ROI 71%.

Fire features

Installing an outdoor fireplace or a fire pit will cost around $6,000: estimated ROI 67%.

Pools

Pools are hefty investments–an 18×36-foot in-ground pool 3-7′ feet deep costs about $58,000: estimated ROI 43%. You may be eliminating buyers who don’t want the maintenance.

The post Add Curb Appeal: Investing in Landscaping appeared first on iBuyer Blog.

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Adding a Bathroom Can Increase Home Value

Adding a new bathroom can make your home feel more spacious and give you significantly more privacy. A cluttered, overcrowded bathroom can negatively impact your life by:

  • Adding unnecessary, unwanted stress to your life
  • Making your home feel much smaller than it actually is
  • Preventing guests from feeling as comfortable as possible in your home
    H2 Benefits of Adding a Bathroom
    Adding an extra bathroom can improve your life and make guests more comfortable as well. Not to mention, there are notable financial benefits to adding an extra bathroom. While adding an extra bathroom costs money, it also increases your home value, and if the bathroom is built well, then it can pay for itself with money left over. Read on to learn more about the benefits and aspects to consider before building an extra bathroom in your home.

How Adding a Bathroom Can Increase Your Home’s Value

Here at iBuyer, we strive to give you as much information as you need to make informed decisions about your house. Since many home buyers consider extra bathroom space to be a positive trait in a home, it makes sense that adding a bathroom, or even a half bath/powder room, would boost its value. In fact, an average bathroom addition allows you to increase the value of your home anywhere from about $20,000 to $50,000 which is well over half of what it usually costs to build an extra bathroom.

The Costs Associated with Adding a New Bathroom

The cost of adding a bathroom, both in terms of money and space, does not have to be incredibly steep. There is a lot of variation depending on what type of bathroom you are adding. Here are the average costs associated with building different types of bathrooms.

  • $47,000 for an average, mid-range bathroom
  • $87,000 for a nicer, upscale bathroom
  • $15,000 for a smaller half-bath
  • $5,000-$10,000 for a powder room with no shower

With all of that being said, the average cost of adding a medium-sized extra bathroom to a home is generally between $40,000 and $50,000, and depends a lot on your personal choices and style. Choosing more expensive materials or deciding to build a larger bathroom is obviously more costly than alternatives.

The cost of space associated with adding a bathroom is also not huge, as a space as small as 3 x 5 feet could be converted into a half bath, and a full bathroom including a bath and shower only requires about 30 square feet. The average bathroom does not have to be particularly large, and a space about 6 x 8 feet would suffice for a proper bathroom.

Much of the cost can be made up for in terms of home value when it comes time to sell it. Notably, the increase in home value can make up for up to about 70% of the costs associated with building the bathroom in the first place. If you choose to add a powder room, or a half bath, that can increase overall home value by about 10%. This is a significant increase, especially considering the costs for adding a powder room are much less than the costs of adding a full bathroom.

What to Consider Before Adding a Bathroom

Adding a bathroom to your home can be a great decision for you, both in terms of your comfort and financial value. However, it is important to put thought into the project before embarking on a home-improvement project. In order to maximize your home value and comfort as well as reduce costs, factors such as size, location and quality need to be taken into account.

In terms of size, the question of whether to build a half bath or full bath should come first. Determining what kind of space you have to work with is important. While bathrooms do not require a large amount of space, using space efficiently can make a huge difference in building a navigable, useful bathroom that does not feel cramped. Putting extra effort into the layout of the sink, toilet and shower can save you money when it comes to building and plumbing.

Another point of consideration is the number of bathrooms you already have in your home. If you wind up having significantly more bathrooms than bedrooms, the addition of each subsequent bathroom will increase the value of your home by less, making the investment less worth your while. 

Where to Place Your Bathroom in Your Home

Determining where to build your bathroom is also crucial. A poorly placed bathroom not only causes you inconvenience, but it makes your home less valuable, costing you financially. Using an existing, unused space in your home can help cut costs.

Closets, especially walk-in closets, can easily be converted into bathrooms. A storage space at the end of a hallway makes for a great bathroom or powder room for guests. You can also divide a large bathroom into two smaller bathrooms relatively easily, which can give you more privacy and, likewise, increase the value of your home.

Partitioning space off from a larger bedroom, such as the master bedroom, can also make space for a private bathroom. Adding a bathroom to a bedroom can allow more privacy, which increases home value as well as your quality of life. 

Features to Include in Your Bathroom

The amount that your bathroom increases your home value will depend significantly on the features you choose to include in your newly-built bathroom. Stone sink countertops are usually ideal for bathrooms, and standard chrome faucets work for an average bathroom.
For a Nicer Bathrooms:

  • Consider investing in a double-sink with custom faucet and handles
  • Match the floor and the wall tile to ensure the design looks cohesive and upscale
  • Include a tub as well as a shower to elevate the bathroom

For More Modest Bathrooms:

  • Choose more affordable materials such as fiberglass for tubs and showers
  • Spend less on tile
  • Be open to alternatives to full bathrooms that may be more space-efficient

Remodeling Your Bathroom

Of course, you will not need to take certain factors, such as location, into account if you elect to remodel an existing bathroom in your home instead of building a new one. Remodeling can help you increase home value while also reducing the costs normally associated with building a new bathroom.
While building a new bathroom can cost upwards of $50,000, remodeling can cost under $10,000 while still increasing the value of your home. Remodeling can require a lot of work and planning from start to finish, but putting in the work to plan and select affordable, aesthetically-pleasing materials can significantly reduce costs.
Remodeling usually requires replacing tile, sinks, counters, showers, shower doors, and can even require reworking plumbing and wiring to accommodate new sinks and electrical appliances. While some of these changes might require the help of an expert, with sufficient research, many people are able to accomplish an at-home bathroom remodel on their own. The nice part about remodeling yourself is that you can design a bathroom exactly to your tastes, whether your tastes include a double-sink, rain shower or custom cabinetry. Overall, remodeling is a great alternative to building a new bathroom.

Powder Rooms Versus Full Bathrooms

Powder rooms

  • Require much less space than full bathrooms
  • Do not include a shower or bath normally included in full bathrooms
  • Are ideal on the main floor near the living room, as opposed to in bedrooms
  • Are typically built and used for the comfort of guests
  • Cost significantly less money than traditional bathrooms due to reduced building materials and plumbing
  • May take up about 15 square feet of space, meaning even small closets can be converted into powder rooms

Full Bathrooms

  • Include a shower and sometimes a full bath, depending on the size
  • Are more useful for day-to-day use, rather than guest use, given their higher function
  • Tend to be located off of a bedroom for private or semi-private use

Making Up for Remodeling or Building Costs

As mentioned previously, the cost of remodeling and building can be made up for, in part, by the increase in the value of your home. Making smart decisions when it comes to building materials, location and which features to include can allow you to reduce your costs while maximizing the usage and increase and value you get from your remodeled or newly built bathroom. Overall, building or remodeling a bathroom can lead to a 10% to 20% increase in the value of your home. 

How We Can Help

Use our valuation page to calculate the value of your home, and you can receive a no-obligation cash offer for your home. You can use the tips and information about remodeling and building a new bathroom to maximize the value of your home.

Adding a bathroom is an efficient and effective way to increase the value of your home while also adding to your own quality of life. We strive to help you make educated, well-informed and well-thought out decisions about your own home. 

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How Much Does Adding a Bedroom Increase Home Value?

With the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, many American families found themselves spending a lot more time at home than usual. With parents working remotely and children attending school from home, all of a sudden they found that their homes weren’t quite as large as they thought they were.

This encouraged many families to look for homes with more space both inside and out.

At the same time, the housing market in many regions across the country was cut-throat and competitive. Many people opted to improve their existing homes rather than jumping into the firey pandemic real estate market.

One way to help make more space in your home is to add an additional bedroom. How much does adding a bedroom increase home value, though? Let’s take a look at what you need to know.

What Are Your Options When It Comes to Adding a Bedroom?

There isn’t just one way to add a bedroom to your home. There is a range of options that span from relatively low-cost and low-impact to high-cost and high-impact.

Designing a Bedroom in an Existing Space

Some people might find that turning an existing space into an additional bedroom is the best choice for them. This might mean using the basement or the attic as the square footage for your new room.

It is generally fairly inexpensive to convert an existing space into a bedroom. So long as the converted space qualifies legally as a bedroom, you will likely make extra money when you sell your home.

The laws about what legally constitutes a bedroom differ between states. For example, a bedroom conversion or addition in the state of Texas must have a closet and a window to be considered a bedroom. This is along with having a certain amount of square footage.

While the laws are not the same between states, it is common for there to be a requirement for bedrooms being at least 70 ft.² It is common to also require a window in order to provide ventilation, lighting, and an additional escape route is an emergency were to occur.

(Wondering how to stage a bedroom to encourage a quick sale? Check out this article.)

Building an Addition on the Ground-Floor

When most homeowners think about building an addition they usually think about building on the ground-floor. This is a way for people to add square footage to their property which typically means that value will be added to the home.

However, it’s important to think about where that extra square footage is coming from when you built an addition. You’ll want to think about how it will impact the size of your yard and whether this could be detrimental to your home’s value.

While more square footage typically means that your home has more value, properties with small yards can be more difficult to market.

You’ll also want to be thoughtful when it comes to your bedroom design. You’ll want to make sure that the house still flows in a natural way and that the addition is not awkward.

Expanding the Second Story or Adding a Second Story

Your last option is to either add a second story or expand the existing second story. If you have a single-story home, it is a major undertaking to do in addition in this way.

You will likely have to reinforce the foundation and the walls of your single-story home in order to build or expand the second story. This is because most single stories simply aren’t built to support that much weight.

This type of renovation requires that you move out for a period of time. This makes it a lot more disruptive to your life than the other two options. (Click here to learn how to sell a house while living in it.)

While it is inconvenient and expensive to expand or add a second story, the good thing about it is that it allows you to expand the square footage of your home without making your yard any smaller.

How Much Does Adding a Bedroom Increase Home Value?

Adding a bedroom can affect your home’s value in two different ways. These are the list price value and the appraised value.

Many people who are selling their homes focus on how much they can list their homes for. However, the appraisal value is actually the most important thing when it’s time to close the sale.

Both of these numbers are calculated using the same information. This includes comparing similar nearby properties. Appraisers and real estate agents, however, approach this information differently.

How Does an Additional Bedroom Affect the Listing Price?

Sellers and agents will consider how much-added value they can receive from a buyer due to the addition of the bedroom. This has a lot to do with the state of the local real estate market as well as what type of property buyers are typically looking for.

By some estimates, the price of a home can go up between $30,000 and $50,000 with each additional bedroom. However, this is incredibly location-specific. This means you’ll definitely want to talk to a real estate agent before making an investment expecting this kind of ROI.

How Does an Additional Bedroom Affect the Appraisal Value?

An appraiser is focused on the amount of square footage in a house, not how many bedrooms there are. This means that the appraisal value will usually only go up with an additional bedroom if it comes in the form of additional square footage. This can depend on the market, though.

The value of a home will go up when you expand the square footage. This means that remodeling an existing room might not have much impact on the appraised value.

There can be a big difference when it comes to urban and rural markets, though. Increasing a bedroom count in an urban area can be more meaningful than in a rural market.

Additionally, adding a bedroom might mean that the appraiser compares your home to different comps which can change the appraised value of your house.

(Did you buy a house that ended up not being the right fit for you? Take a look at this article to learn how soon you can sell it.)

How Much Does It Usually Cost to Add a Bedroom?

The different types of bedroom additions have very different price tags associated with them. Let’s take a look at the average cost you can expect to pay for each option.

Cost to Convert Existing Space

The current condition and location will impact how much it costs to convert an existing space into a bedroom. For example, if you are just turning a bonus room in a house with an open layout into an extra bedroom, not very much work is required. All that will need to be done is building a non-load-bearing interior wall, electrical work, a built-in closet, and a door.

On average, a conversion of that type will cost roughly $3300. If you need to add a window in order to ensure that the room qualifies as a bedroom this will cost an additional $1000-$5000.

If the space you are converting is unfinished that it will cost a little bit more. If you are converting a basement or attic, you will need to convert the entire area so that people don’t have to pass through an unfinished space to get to the new bedroom.

If you are converting a full basement, it costs on average between $18,000 and $21,350 for a basement measuring between 1200 and 1500 ft.²

Cost to Add Addition on Ground Floor

Estimating how much it will cost to add a ground-floor bedroom is more straightforward. For this type of addition, you can use a price per square foot model to estimate the cost. It usually costs between $80 and $200 per square foot depending on your local construction costs.

It will usually cost between $10,300 and $24,900 to build a bedroom addition. How expensive this job is can depend on a number of factors, such as the grading of the land and how easy it is to create access to the space.

Cost to Expand or Add a Second Story

This is definitely going to be the most expensive option when it comes to building an additional bedroom. Depending on your area, you might find that it costs about the same amount to add an upstairs to your existing home as it does to buy a new house entirely.

It typically costs between $150,000 and $200,000 to add a full second story to a house that is 2000 ft.² If you are adding 500 to 700 ft.² to an existing second story then you can still expect to pay between $90,000 and $120,000.

Those numbers are enough to make many homeowners walk away from the idea forever. However, depending on your circumstance, you might find that it’s still the right choice for you.

Does Having an Extra Bedroom Attract More Buyers?

There are other advantages to adding a bedroom beyond the monetary value of your home. You might find that adding another bedroom is a worthwhile investment because it makes your home more competitive in the market. This might be particularly true right now as the pandemic has left many families feeling like they’d rather have more space at home.

On the flip side, sometimes it actually isn’t a good idea to add another bedroom. If you have the only five-bedroom house in a community of three-bedroom houses, you might find that it doesn’t add as much value as you were hoping.

There is also generally a risk of what is known as “over” improvement. If you start going above and beyond what is normal in a neighborhood, it might not pay you back in the way you were hoping. You might find that the improvements you made are not something that buyers are interested in paying any more money for.

It Is a Good Investment to Add a Bedroom?

The answer to this question depends on your particular situation. Maybe your family could really benefit from having additional space and you aren’t planning on selling the home for several years. On the other hand, maybe you are hoping to increase the value of your home which you are planning to sell right away.

Adding another bedroom can be something that increases the value of your home but whether or not this is the case is very dependent on a number of different factors. For this reason, it’s a good idea to get the opinion of a local real estate agent to ask them how they think it could impact the value of your home. You can even ask for the advice of a real estate agent if you aren’t planning on selling.

Is It Time to Sell Your Home?

So, how much does adding a bedroom increase home value?

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. Whether or not significant value is added to your home has to do with a number of different interrelated factors. It is estimated that the average ROI for adding a bedroom by building out on the ground floor is 50%.

This means that you likely shouldn’t build an additional bedroom just to sell your home. However, if you are in need of an extra bedroom for several years before selling, you might find it a worthwhile investment.

Are you thinking about selling your home but don’t want to deal with all of the headaches associated with listing your house on the open market? If so, find out how much an iBuyer will pay for your house in cash here!

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How Much Does a Finished Basement Add to Home Value?

With the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, many American families found that they were spending a lot more time at home than usual. This led many of them to consider moving to more spacious properties or thinking about improvements they could make to their existing house to improve their quality of life during stay-at-home orders and social distancing.

At the same time, the housing market in many locations was incredibly competitive. Low interest rates, low inventory, and climbing prices led to bidding wars in markets across the country.

For many families, improving the home they already owned was a much more practical option than jumping into the insanity of this seller’s market. One way that you can add more living space to your home without physically adding to the structure is with a finished basement.

If you’re considering this type of project, you’re probably wondering about how much a finished basement adds to home value. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.

The Different Types of Finished Basements

There are three different main types of finished basements. The existing structure of your home as well as your budget will determine which of these styles makes sense for you.

Standard Lot Basement

This is most likely what first comes to your mind when you think of a regular old basement. Standard lot basements are underground and only get natural light through small windows that are up near the top of the concrete walls.

This type of basement usually extends above the ground by a few feet. This means that there can be a few steps to get from the backyard to the main floor of the house.

This particular type of basement is not usually as attractive to buyers as these other kinds when it’s time to sell your home.

Walk-Out Basement

Walk-out basements are usually the type of basements that buyers like the most. This is because they usually offer quite a bit of natural light and have a full-size door that leads to outdoor space. The door used is often a slider.

This kind of basement is actually more like a ground floor than a basement. They are typically found on properties where there is at least six feet of slope between the front of the property and the back of the property.

More natural light and bigger windows can be found in this type of basement versus a standard basement, which is usually very attractive to buyers.

Usually, the main floor is at street level at the front of the house. In the back of the house, the main floor is elevated and often has a deck or a porch off the back. It’s worth noting that walk-out basements are counted as above-grade when it comes to determining square footage in some markets.

Garden-Level Lot Basement

This is basically the halfway point between a walk-out basement and a standard basement. Partially below ground and partially above ground due to a lot that slopes slightly, this is a middle-ground option. This type of basement doesn’t usually have a door to the backyard but might have a combination of small window wells and full-size windows.

Finished Basement ROI: How Much Does a Finished Basement Add to Home Value?

It is important to understand that you might not recoup all of the money you put into a basement renovation. This is the case with pretty much any big renovation you make.

The general advice given is that you should finish a basement if you want to for your own enjoyment and quality of life. It is then an added bonus that you can get some of that money back when you decide to sell sometime in the future.

There are some buyers, though, that do actively seek a house that has a finished basement. You might find that a finished basement add can help your house stand out in places that have a competitive buyers market if it is one of the only properties with such a feature.

If you are mostly interested in increasing home value rather than creating more living space for your own enjoyment, check out this guide for how to increase home value.

Factoring in Location When Thinking About Renovations For Basements

According to a report from Remodeling magazine, the average national cost for a midrange basement remodel in 2017 was $71,115. This same report stated that roughly 70% of this was recouped at resale (amounting to $49,768.)

A midrange basement is considered to be one that used materials that aren’t luxury but also aren’t basic or builder-grade.

Location is also an important factor when thinking about whether or not a finished basement will lead to increasing home value.

For example, the biggest finished basement ROI can be found in houses in the pacific region. This includes California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska. In this area, the average finished basement add can get an ROI of 86.4%, though the average cost of remodeling a basement is more expensive here than the national average ($84,062).

The second-highest return on investment for a finished basement can be found in the west south-central region of the U.S. This includes Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. The average return on investment is 80.8% with an average remodel cost of $64,827.

The lowest return on investment can be found in New England. This includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Rhode Island. The average return on investment is 52.8% and costs, on average, $76,429.

Midwestern states including Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin have the second-lowest return on investment at 53.3%.

(Are you interested in selling your house but you don’t want the process to take forever? Take a look at this article about how to sell your house fast.)

Appraisal Evaluation of Finished Basements

If you are thinking about finishing your basement strictly for resale value and not for your own enjoyment, you will want to learn more about how appraisers view finished basements.

There are three terms you will want to learn in order to understand how value is calculated by appraisers. These are:

  • Above-grade: This refers to living areas that aren’t in the basement and are above ground level
  • Below-grade: This refers to living areas that are below ground level or in the basement
  • Gross living area: This is the total amount of above-grade residential space that is finished

To determine the value of your home, an appraiser might start with a rough estimate of your home’s price per square foot. The amount of living space that is below-grade and above-grade will have an impact on this initial estimate. Above-grade living space is typically worth about twice as much as below-grade living space.

Basically, that means that if the price per square foot in your location is about $200, then the price per square foot of your basement would only be $100.

Sometimes appraisers will divide the price per square foot of the entire home by the gross living area.

Appraisers also look at comparable homes in your location to determine how much your home is worth. They will compare your home to other houses that have a similar square footage above-ground. This means that if you have 1,000 square feet of basement space and 1,000 square feet of above-ground space, they will compare your home to other 1,000 square foot homes, not 2,000 square foot homes.

This is simply something you will want to think about if you are trying to comp out your own property.

(Are you thinking about selling your house but don’t want to invest the money and time into making repairs? Learn more about selling your home as-is here.)

Finished Basement Add: Tips For Increasing Home Value

If you’re looking for a high resale value after you enjoy your basement addition for a few years, there are a number of things you’ll want to take into account. Here are some tips to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.

Make Sure You’re Complying With All Local Laws

In most locations, you will probably need to get a permit in order to finish your basement. You should definitely check into the costs of these permits before you jump into the process.

Don’t skip out on the part even though it might be tempting. You’ll have to pay a fine if you get caught and it can cause issues when it’s time to sell.

Decide What You Want to Use It For

Consider what types of rooms would add the most to your life and your family’s lives. Maybe you want to add a playroom for your children, a guest bedroom, or a bigger laundry room.

If selling is on your mind, though, you’ll want to think about what is most popular in your particular real estate market.

Also, be sure to think about your basement design looking like it matches the rest of your home.

Learn About Popular Layouts

Buyers are often looking for open floor plans but that isn’t always the case. One of the common challenges when it comes to a finished basement add is dealing with systems like the electrical box, water heater, and furnace as well as load-bearing walls.

Prioritize Incorporating Light

When you add natural light to your basement it can make the space a lot more enjoyable to be in. This also means you will likely have a lot more interest from buyers when it comes time to sell.

It’s no wonder that people are so drawn to spaces with natural light. There are countless health benefits to being exposed to natural light, both physical and mental.

Think About Flooring

You’ll definitely want to put some time into choosing the right flooring materials for your basement. You usually can’t use hardwood in basements because of concerns regarding moisture. Carpet tiles and high-quality carpet are reasonable choices in colder locations and quality vinyl is a good choice if your home is in a warmer climate.

Don’t Forget to Check the Height of Your Ceiling

Lastly, you will want to check the building code concerning ceiling height before you jump into your renovation. The standard building code states that ceilings must be at least 7 feet. If there isn’t much light in your basement, you typically want the ceilings to be as high as possible.

Both ductwork and pipes can make ceilings shorter in basements. You will want to talk to your contractor about what is possible when it comes to making your ceiling as tall as possible.

Is It Time For You to Sell Your Home?

If you are planning on selling your home and are looking for ways of increasing home value, a finished basement add probably isn’t worth doing. While it will most likely increase the value of your home, you won’t make back the money that you put into it.

If you are interested in finishing the basement in your home for your own enjoyment, though, that’s another story entirely. If it would improve your quality of life to have more finished living space, then finishing a basement can make a lot of sense. Since you can expect some finished basement ROI, you will likely be able to recoup some of the costs that you put into it when you finally do decide to sell down the road.

Are you thinking about selling your home soon but are concerned about dealing with all of the showings, staging, decluttering, and open houses? Are you frustrated by how much the process of listing your home for sale can interrupt your everyday life?

If so, don’t fret. There is another option! When you sell your home to an iBuyer, the process can be fast, simple, and stress-free.

Wondering how much money an iBuyer would purchase your home for? Check out our free home value estimator here!

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