Whether you are planning to move into a new home, or you are a current homeowner looking to spruce up your home for the upcoming year, you will want to consider what will add the most value to your home. While some of the most popular improvements to your home will cost you an arm and a leg, others will be a relatively inexpensive upgrade to make.

Refinishing hardwood floors

Depending on the type of hardwood flooring you have, refinishing it can add a lot of value to your home. In fact, a National Association of Realtors study showed that homeowners who replaced their floors with hardwood generated the highest return on investment.

Refinishing hardwood floors will help you restore the original beauty of your floors. It is a low-cost way to increase the resale value of your home. However, it can be a time-consuming process. This is why you should consider hiring a professional to do the job.

It can cost between two and six dollars per square foot to refinish hardwood floors. The price will depend on the complexity of the job, as well as the type of wood used.

It’s important to get at least three quotes before committing to a job. Look for companies that have at least five years of experience. Those with experience in exotic hardwood flooring may be able to do a better job than someone who hasn’t been in business for a long time.

The National Association of Realtors found that refinishing hardwood floors can add as much as 147% to the home’s resale value. Adding a protective layer can also help shield your home from the elements.

In addition, hardwood floors can reduce the capital gains tax on a home when you sell. The National Association of Realtors recommends that homeowners let potential buyers know that they have hardwood floors. They will then factor this into their decision.

If you are considering refinishing your floors, look for an experienced contractor who can identify damaged panels before refinishing them. They can also help you create the perfect pattern.

Installing new wood floors

Whether you’re looking for a new flooring option, or are trying to sell your home, hardwood floors add a lot of value to a house. With the right type of wood, and a professional installation, you can improve the resale value of your home, while improving its aesthetic appeal.

In addition to adding value to your home, a new floor can also help you save money in the long run. Hardwood floors are extremely durable and are easy to clean. They’re also warmer than tile, making them an excellent option for bedrooms.

The price per square foot of a new hardwood floor depends on the type of wood, the style, and the installation. A traditional hardwood can range from $3 to $5 per square foot, while an exotic species can cost $8 to $15 per square foot.

While the cost of installing hardwoods can be high, they are one of the most reliable investments a home buyer can make. Hardwood floors add a significant amount of value to a house, and the resale value of a home increases as much as 2.5 percent when wood floors are installed.

For a home buyer, a good floor finish can make the difference between a good and bad purchase. A wax finish, for example, will provide an amber sheen, but won’t hold up to heavy foot traffic. A water-based polyurethane, on the other hand, will provide a maple-like finish.

Hardwoods have a 70 to 80 percent ROI, making them one of the best investments you can make when it comes to boosting the value of your home. They can also be refinished multiple times.

Upgrading insulation

Adding insulation to your home can help you save money on your energy bills, as well as improve your home’s comfort level. The amount of money you can save depends on where you live and how much insulation you decide to install.

Upgrading insulation will also help you reduce your carbon footprint. A well-insulated home will have a higher resale value than a home that lacks it. This will allow you to sell your home more quickly and for more money.

The average homeowner can save up to $200 a year on their heating and cooling costs by adding insulation. Other energy upgrades, such as installing an energy efficient water heater, may also help increase the value of your home.

Having proper insulation will also help you protect your home from water damage. In addition, properly insulated walls will help your home stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Adding insulation to your walls will also help reduce the demand on your HVAC system.

While insulation is not inexpensive, it can pay for itself in a few years. In addition, many mortgage lenders offer incentives for energy-efficient homes. These incentives are often in the form of discounts on homeowners’ insurance. You may also be able to receive tax incentives to finance insulation upgrades.

A properly insulated attic can make a huge difference to your home’s comfort and value. You can also add layers to your floor insulation. In addition, you may want to upgrade your windows and doors.

The benefits of adding insulation to your home are numerous. You will be able to reduce your utility bills, increase your home’s comfort level, and minimize your carbon footprint.

Converting a basement to a living area

Adding a finished basement to a home is a great way to increase the value of your home. However, there are some things you should know before starting your project. The cost of a finished basement will vary depending on the amount of space you want to add, the quality of materials you choose, and the contractor’s labor rates.

Before beginning your project, you should find out if you need a permit. You may need to obtain a permit if you plan on renting out the basement. Also, the basement may need to be inspected for asbestos or lead paint. If you plan on renting out the basement, you will need to find out if you have enough space for an egress window.

Your basement may also need to be inspected for radon, which is a major health hazard. If your home has elevated radon levels, you may be at risk for lung cancer. The EPA estimates that about one in fifteen homes in the U.S. have elevated radon levels.

Another expense you will need to pay is for plumbing fixtures. You will also need to pay for electrical outlets and recessed lighting. You should also consider adding a bathroom. These additional expenses will increase the overall cost of the project.

You may be able to add one or two additional bedrooms to the basement. If you do, you may be able to sell the home for more money. A basement can also be turned into a mother-in-law suite. You can also use the basement as a home office. It can also be used as a recreation area. If you use it for this purpose, you should conceal any plumbing and HVAC systems.

Renovating closets

Adding a custom closet to your home is a great way to increase the value of your property. This can be done in a number of ways. You can add a closet to your master bedroom or even a spare bedroom. Adding a closet can also allow you to convert your den into a bedroom.

You can make the best use of your closet by adding shelves, hooks, and drawers to make organizing your belongings easier. Adding fabric-lined boxes to your closet can also increase the amount of usable storage space. You can even install a few extra rods for hanging clothes. If you’re planning on selling your home in the near future, consider putting in an extra closet to add to the value of your home.

One of the most obvious ways to add value to your home is to make sure it is in top notch condition. Homebuyers look for a home that is move-in ready and this can be achieved by updating your appliances and other fixtures. You can also increase the value of your home by reorganizing the clutter in your closets. By removing the unnecessary items and putting in some clever storage solutions, you can make your home look more attractive to buyers.

It’s important to remember that closets are just one of many features of your home that need to be updated or maintained. If you do decide to upgrade your closets, make sure to do it in conjunction with other renovation projects. This way, you aren’t changing your floor plan and you don’t have to worry about your home selling for less money than it should.