Add Value to your Home

I guess I'm on an "updating" kick at the moment.  It got me thinking about the value of a home.  Whether you're building or selling you still want to put the most value in your home.

Here's a list of things that you should consider to add value to your home:

1.  The siding you choose for your home is key.  Choose a siding that will perform well in your climate.  You CAN tell a book by it's cover.  So, if you're looking to sell, make sure the siding on your home is in great condition.

2. Minor changes to your bathrooms make a big difference.  If you're selling your home update the floor, tiles, and faucets.

3. Don't be afraid to paint in your home.  It is an instant update that is clean and fresh. If you're selling keep the colors classic and neutral.

4.  Add a deck to your home whether you're building or selling.  It doesn't have to be too big, but it shouldn't be too small.

5.  Finish your basement to add square footage.  Check out www.ifinishedmybasement.com for help.  (This is a great blog!)

6.  New windows, like siding, add value to a home if you're selling.  It tells prospective buyers that the house is looked after.

7.  There's no such thing as too many bathrooms. Believe me. Before we built our home, we shared ONE bathroom between all of us. And the first thing our realtor asked us to do was put a half-bath in somewhere before we put our house on the market.  If you are short in the bathroom department, consider adding one under stairs, or in any unused space.    (We were so traumatized by sharing one bathroom with 2 teenagers, and a toddler, we built our new modular home with four.)

8. Bigger really is better.  Whoa, get your mind outta the gutter!  I'm talking about kitchens!  If you can possibly make your existing kitchen appear bigger, by opening up a wall, or taking down patterned wallpaper, do it.  Even people who don't cook, like a kitchen where they have lots of room to hang out in.

9.  The roof should be, or look, new.  Like siding and windows, the roof announces the condition of your home from the street.  If you're building a new home, also consider an interesting roof line.

10. More and more people are working from home.  A home office is almost essential.  If your home doesn't afford an entire room for an office, there are plenty of ways to incorporate work space into a home - use a closet or fill a niche area.  Check out this post by Centsational Girl!

11. These days most buyers are looking for a master suite.  Consider updating your existing master bedroom, and at least try to incorporate a good sized closet.

Now remember, if you're trying to sell, it doesn't hurt to put on a pot of coffee and bake some cookies before the prospective buyers come and look around!  (Also, they say you should bury a statue of St. Joseph in your yard if you want your house to sell fast.  I'm not sure about that, but I know coffee always smells inviting!)

If you're building a home, please check out Ritz Craft Homes.

Any other valuable tips I didn't think of?