Add Value to Your Home With Fresh Upgrades

By S. Elfman

Home Improvement Special Issue

Spring is a time for renewal. There's a reason people feel the need to do spring cleaning, redecorate and generally get a fresh start.

While cleaning out closets and bagging things up to donate, toss or sell, it will be hard not to notice things around your house that could use a little zhuzhing up.

There are several ways to give your habitat the glow-up it deserves, while also adding value to it.

And a note of warning—although it is tempting to personalize your home with the latest trendy flooring, bold wallpaper, bright or very dark colors – these things can decrease your casa's worth.

In addition, you'll want to avoid combining rooms, doing big renovations yourself and risking sloppy work and getting built-in electronics that would need to be upgraded often.

Here are some ideas for sprucing up your abode, while not decreasing its worth.

Revamp your kitchen

A good way to add worth to your kitchen is to upgrade cabinets and countertops. Although it is tempting to dive into the latest trend, the keywords here are classic and durable.

Raise the roof

Not only will getting a new roof add longevity and safety to your home, but it will also add value. How do you know you need to reno that roof? Things to look for are damaged shingles, leaky spots on your ceiling and – a guaranteed way to know if it's time – check the year of the last replacement on your home improvement records.

Make an impact. . .with new windows

Update your old windows with new, fresh impact windows and doors. This could be one of your most important upgrades along with your roof. The weather in Florida is no joke and putting up and taking down hurricane shutters every time there is a whiff of a warning is exhausting and bad for your back and mindset. Sturdy windows and doors never go out of fashion.

Get a paint job

When was the last time you had your house painted? How are those doors looking? In many ways this is your home's first impression. Freshen up the look of your home by changing its exterior color. Perhaps you are ready to ditch the cool gray tones of your domicile and switch up to warm, creamy neutrals. Or vice versa.

Trim your bushes

Keeping your yard tidy is important. Lawns should be shorn and clean looking. Bushes and shrubs should be trimmed and neat. Consider planting a tree – fruit trees especially are known to add value to a dwelling.

Floor it

Refurbish your floor for an instant new look. Waterproof and laminate flooring add value, but surfaces that resemble wood flooring can add the most value. As we live in the Sunshine State, it is important to choose materials that can handle humidity and heat.

It could be tempting to do all these things in your home but remember less is sometimes more. Even one of these updates freshens things up and keeps your home looking good in case you decide to put it on the market.