When contemplating the sale of their home in Central Texas, many individuals consider making upgrades as a preliminary measure. Nevertheless, excessive improvements or enhancements that yield minimal returns can prove to be both time-consuming and financially inefficient. We have put together our list: of 3 upgrades to invest in and 3 to forget about in Central Texas.
3 Upgrades To Invest In:
Do: Paint
Applying a new layer of paint can effortlessly bring life and vibrancy to a room. Opt for neutral hues and introduce splashes of color through elements like throw pillows or artwork. Painting is a budget-friendly upgrade that can yield significant visual transformations.
Plus a fresh coat of paint will cover and dings in the wall, nail holes, etc.
Do: A Kitchen & Bath Facelift
You may be familiar with the advice to prioritize upgrading the kitchen and bathroom for optimal home improvement. Nevertheless, smaller, cost-effective upgrades can still deliver substantial impact without breaking the bank.
Revitalizing the space can be achieved affordably through the addition of new faucets, drawer pulls, and the resurfacing of cabinets. Some appliance manufacturers also offer new and differently colored faceplates as alternatives.
For example, replacing the front panel of your dishwasher to match the rest of your appliances is a cost-effective method to create cohesion and save money.
Apply the same principles to give your bathroom a swift transformation. Vinyl tiles can be installed directly over the existing floor. Conduct a thorough grout cleaning, and if necessary, consider re-grouting.
Repair any cracked tiles or damaged hardware, such as wobbly towel racks. An alternative to a full shower renovation is installing a pre-fabricated cover, which is a more economical option than a comprehensive shower overhaul.
Do: Landscaping
Enhance your home’s curb appeal by planting flowers in the front yard or using an attractive, rapidly spreading ground cover to conceal exposed soil. If necessary, trim trees and bushes, and maintain a neatly mowed lawn.
Tailor your landscaping to the climate; consider planting succulents or arranging decorative rocks to ensure the space remains well-kept yet requires minimal maintenance.
Consider giving the mailbox a fresh coat of paint or adding a bird feeder along with some hanging plants. These small touches, combined with a well-maintained yard, can attract anyone’s attention.
3 To Forget About:
Don’t: Finish The Basement
This could evolve into a significant project that is not only costly but also time-consuming. The data indicates that the returns are unlikely to come close to covering the initial investment.
In general, most homebuyers prefer to customize the space to suit their preferences. They might envision an open game room or wish to incorporate a few additional bedrooms.
When determining the home’s price, consider the unfinished space and inform potential buyers that this is factored into your pricing.
Don’t: Add a Patio, Deck or Pool
Once more, this can incur significant costs with limited returns. If you have an open area, consider using plants or pavers to enhance and tidy up the space. If the new homeowners decide to build a deck, they can do so according to their preferences and specifications.
The addition of a pool can be an expensive investment without yielding a substantial increase in the home’s resale value. Furthermore, a pool might even discourage potential buyers.
Potential buyers with young children may express concerns about safety, and many individuals might prefer to avoid the hassle and maintenance responsibilities associated with having their own pool.
Don’t: Do A Major Renovation to The Kitchen or Bathrooms
Avoid spending money on a complete overhaul unless it is absolutely essential, such as in cases of water or fire damage. The cost doesn’t justify it, especially considering that homebuyers often have their own preferences. Many homeowners would prefer a credit towards the home price, enabling them to make upgrades based on their own terms.
In summary: Don’t over-improve… keep it simple!