Low-cost, high-reward upgrades
Whether you’re considering selling your home, or you’re just ready to increase your home’s appeal, we’ve come up with some low-cost, high-reward upgrades that will make a great first impression. Start saving now and you’ll be ready to tackle these ideas in time for the spring selling season!
NEW SHUTTERS
Weathered and faded shutters can make the entire house appear neglected. If you’re handy, remove the shutters, then strip, sand, and repaint them in a fun new color. If they are really damaged, have a pro replace
them. Some of the newer vinyl shutters are surprisingly attractive and budget-friendly.
Don’t have shutters? It can be an easy way to add visual interest and definition to your home!
LIGHT FIXTURE SWAP
Inside and outside, dated lighting is a downer. Scour the internet to find affordable lighting that will brighten your space. We love Overstock, Wayfair, and LampsPlus. Be sure to have a licensed electrician swap out your fixtures.
GARAGE DOOR REPLACEMENT
According to a 2018 study by Remodeling.net, a new garage door has one of the highest returns on investment. It may not be the most exciting upgrade, but if your door is severely dented or damaged, it may be worth the cost!
MINOR KITCHEN UPGRADES
Don’t go full reno! You won’t recoup your full investment, and the buyers may end up doing their own renovation. Instead, stick to simple things like replacing the cabinet hardware or kitchen faucet. And if your current kitchen is really lackluster, don’t underestimate the power of paint. Hire a pro to give your cabinets a fresh new look with a coat of properly applied paint. We recommend low or no VOC paint.
REPLACE OUTLET AND LIGHTSWITCH PLATES
If yours are permanently smudged, replace them! It’s cheap and quick…though it’s always safest to let your electrician do the swapping out.
We shared this story with you in our Fall/Winter 2019 Issue of NEST Magazine. To view the full issue, click here.