It doesn’t really matter if you plan on selling your home in the near future or have no intentions of ever leaving your abode, it’s important to keep up your property value by making improvements over the years. If you have a home that is declining in property value due to neglect (either due to your own actions or that of your neighbors’), this can put you underwater on your mortgage, chip away at your net worth and make it difficult or impossible to relocate for a new job or adapt to household income changes, says Bankrate.
That’s why it’s so important to keep up with the improvements to your home and yard so as to avoid property value loss. According to US News and World Report, the top five renovations that bring the greatest percentage return on investment are:
- New front door
- Deck addition
- Attic bedroom
- Garage door replacement
- Kitchen remodel
Updated kitchens and baths go over well in the eyes of potential buyers, but even if you’re not looking to sell right now, they can certainly boost your comfort, giving you more space and luxury. Deck additions, especially wooden ones, expand outdoor living space that can be used all year round. Living in San Diego, this is certainly a perk, featuring a much higher return on investment than other regions like, say, the Northeast, where decks can only be used for half the year.
A new front door can add 96 percent of the amount you spent to the value to your home, but it has to be the right one. Investing time and money on the front door, with high-quality features and a bold color, can make or break the entryway. However, you don’t always have to spend a fortune. If your door is in basic good shape, adding a coat of paint can revitalize the whole exterior.
Same goes for the rest of the interior. Painting the walls can liven up any space, providing you use the right complementary colors. Go through the rest of the home to tackle all the small details that really make a difference. Install new fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen, replace the hardware, add crown molding, and re-grout the shower.
Room additions are yet another way to add value to your home, whether you’re looking to add a granny flat, expand the master suite, add a home office or put on a sunroom. Even garages with lofts are a popular option that increase your living space while adding to its value. Man caves and game rooms are all the rage, too. Not only do they give homeowners a place to relax and kick back, they give your home instant equity and square footage.
The kitchen is where it’s at, though, if you’re looking to get the best return on your money, especially if you plan to sell somewhere down the line. However, just including all the latest gadgets and appliances isn’t going to cut it. You need a kitchen with plenty of space and a good flow or else it’s all for naught.
If you’ve been thinking of any of these home improvements, it’s time to call AOC Construction at 619-226-0772. We can make the magic happen.
