When you upgrade your home, you want it to be beautiful, but you also want to make smart decisions. There are many ways to upgrade home values in Florida for every budget level.
Whether you plan to enjoy the updates yourself or sell your home, you want to consider what upgrades will pay off in the long run. Any changes you make now should increase the value of your home later.
If you are thinking of updating your Florida home, here are 7 smart ways to help increase your home’s value.
Refresh With Painting
Painting the interior of your home can make a drastic difference with little investment. If you have experience painting and can do it yourself, you can save a lot of money.
You want it to look clean and smooth, so if you aren’t good at painting, it’s better to hire a pro. Be sure to ask around and read reviews before hiring a painter.
Some Florida homeowners are using darker, bold colors right now. But if you are planning on selling your home now or in the next few years, it is a good idea to use lighter, neutral paint colors on your interior walls.
Lighter colors make a room seem larger and airier. Bold colors could turn potential buyers away.
Update Your Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home and, for many, the room where their family spends the most time. You want to choose features that are beautiful but also functional.
If you can afford it, it’s best to use high-quality fixtures. Choosing stainless steel and granite countertops will increase your home’s value.
There are many less expensive fixtures that still look good. If you can’t afford new wood or tile flooring, there are many new laminate options that look great.
If you have a small home or cottage, you want to consider the overall value of your home and the value of similar homes in your neighborhood. Sometimes buying high-end finishings and appliances doesn’t make sense.
If a total kitchen update isn’t in the cards, there are cosmetic updates you can make. If your appliances are in good working order, you can paint them with a metallic or enamel based paint.
Painting existing cabinets can brighten up your kitchen as well.
Bathroom Upgrades
People love a pretty, relaxing bathroom. Updating your bathroom will increase your home’s value.
If your bathroom countertops are outdated, consider replacing them. There are so many options at every budget level.
It’s best to avoid anything overly trendy and stick with classic features.
Replacing floor or shower tiles will modernize your bathroom and adds value. But there are other options.
You can hire someone to recoat your ceramic or porcelain bathtub with a beautiful result. Even replacing or touching up toilets and sinks can improve the look of your bathroom.
Adding a Deck
A deck is a wonderful spot to gather with family and enjoy the outdoors. It’s also a seamless transition from your home to your backyard, and it will add to your home’s value.
Home buyers love a home with a deck. They imagine their own family grilling and spending time together on the deck of their new home.
So, if you are thinking of selling in the future, it’s something to consider. It’s better to choose natural or rustic wood rather than composite or concrete material for your deck.
If you are thinking of selling your home, learn more about the next best steps.
Curb Appeal
The first thing people notice about your home is the curb appeal.
Take a good look at the flowers and shrubbery surrounding your home. If they are dead or sparse, you may want to consider adding some new shrubs and flowers.
Perennials are a good investment because they come back year after year. Properties with beautiful, established trees are popular with homebuyers.
Good landscaping will increase the value and curb appeal of your home.
If your front door is in bad shape, consider painting or replacing it. A striking front door adds to the curb appeal of your home as well.
Putting in a Pool
In hot and humid areas like Florida, adding a swimming pool can increase your home’s value by up to 8 percent. It’s wonderful to have a cool, relaxing pool, but there is an expense to keep it up.
If you plan to stay in the home and have been wanting a pool, go for it. It’s a great way to exercise, and if you have kids, they will love it.
If you decide to sell later, it’s a plus for a Florida homebuyer and you. Pools in more temperate areas can be a turnoff for homebuyers, but that’s not the case in Florida.
Lighting Matters
Sometimes homeowners overlook the value of beautiful lighting. It can make a difference in the look and value of your home.
Consider replacing recessed lighting in the dining or living room with a modern, eye-catching chandelier. Replacing worn out ceiling fans or blades is a good idea too.
Home stores or specialty lighting stores have many options for lighting and ceiling fans to choose from.
If your lighting fixtures look outdated, these are easy to replace and are inexpensive. Installing indoor track lighting looks beautiful and can help highlight a mantel or artwork.
Using outdoor lighting will highlight your homes architectural features. If you will be making major lighting updates, be sure to hire a professional.
Electrical DIY is never good unless you are an expert.
Home Values in Florida
These are just a few of the many upgrades you can do to increase home values in Florida. Whether you want to upgrade your home to enjoy for years to come or you are considering selling, you want to make smart choices.
The upgrades you make should now increase the value of your home later. You want to invest in upgrades that you love but that also allow you to recoup your investment.
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