5 home projects that are worth more than you spend

According to a 2018 National Association of Realtors analysis, the average American spends 13 years in the same home. Since you'll likely be selling at some point, staying on top of updates and improvements is the key to pocketing as much cash as possible come closing day.

The good news is that you don't have to do anything drastic to increase your home's value. Some of the home projects with the highest return on investment are easier than you might think — and worth more than you spend.

Here are some of the most worthwhile ways to add value to your home.

Do a minor bathroom remodel

When shopping for a house, you probably paid close attention to the kitchen and the bathroom. These two areas are notorious for making or breaking a home sale, but they can also be among the most expensive projects to undertake. Luckily, a minor bathroom model is actually one of the best ways to quickly add value without draining your finances.

"There's no need to gut the whole room, but giving each bathroom an updated look could go a long way," writes Than Merrill for FortuneBuilders. "Try replacing the shower head with a rain shower; it's a feature most homebuyers will appreciate. Also, try replacing the vanity, as nobody wants to feel like they are using someone else's old bathroom. At the same time, try updating the lighting to make things brighter."

Merrill reports that the average cost for a minor remodel is about $10,500, with an average return of $10,700. That's a 102% ROI.

Increase your curb appeal

It doesn't matter how good your home looks on the inside if the outside is off-putting. Landscaping is one of the best ways to add value to your home since the American Society of Landscape Architects says it can add 15% to 20% more to your home's price tag.

Just remember to keep it simple because certain landscaping projects can decrease your home's value. In an article for Bankrate, Cynthia Paez Bowman says this includes swimming pools, ponds, waterfalls and elaborate constructions such as tennis courts or outdoor kitchens.

Add attic insulation

Some home projects are less glamorous than others, but that doesn't mean they aren't important. Here's one you might need to think about: adding attic insulation. Remodeling Magazine reports that you'll recoup 107% of the costs. As a bonus, you'll also save a bit on your energy bill.

Get painting

One of the easiest ways to quickly add value to your home is by painting your walls, doors and exterior features.

"A fresh coat of paint delivers 100% ROI and can stand to increase the value of your home by 5%," Liz Walton, CEO of a luxury interior design firm, told Real Simple.

Of course, this all depends on whether or not you choose the right colors. Generally, sticking to light, neutral colors is a safe bet. Interestingly, Zillow reported in 2018 that painting your front door black could increase your sale price by $6,271.

Update your flooring

You want people to feel comfortable when they set foot in your home. What they're setting their feet on makes a big difference.

"Flooring matters tremendously when selling a home," Stephan Burke, a director of luxury real estate told Julie Ryan Evans of Realtor.com. "It immediately influences if the buyer will like the house as they walk into every room and hallway, kitchen, and even exterior patio."

If you're looking for the highest resale value, Evans says that wood floors are one of the best investments you can make. New wood flooring can boost your home's value by as much as 2.5%. Ceramic tile, however, can produce an even higher ROI if you know how to do it well on your own.

"If you can do it and get results that look professional, the return on investment will exceed 100%," home remodeling expert Alex Biyevetskiy told Evans. "Replace sheet vinyl with affordable DIY ceramic tile, and ROI might be 200%."

Biyevetskiy adds that carpet is a viable and even more affordable option for adding value. "Some have called it the 'paint of flooring,' because carpet freshens the appearance of a home at little cost," Biyevetskiy says. "Its value is making the home more palatable to potential buyers."

For help deciding which flooring is best for your home, contact the experts at Giant Carpet One. You can get a virtual glimpse of how different floors will look in your home using their online Room Visualizer. Or, if you prefer to see it in person, you can get flooring samples delivered straight to your door. Get started today by visiting their website or finding a store near you.

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