28 home improvements that can double the value of your home

When you add green energy features to your home, the appeal and value is increased immediately. Make a clean sweep throughout the entire house. “Change all light bulbs to CFLs, purchase low-energy appliances, replace toilets and showers with low-flow features, swap old windows for energy-efficient ones, filter your spigot water so you can ditch the plastic bottles,” suggest Graboyes.

The ultimate guide to green lighting.

Remember The Jetsons? It seemed like wacky science fiction to us at the time, but their tech-savvy home was their version of our Smart Homes today. “Add lighting, video cameras, switches, dimmers, outlets, heating and cooling, and security systems which are compatible with your smartphone or virtual assistant,” says Graboyes.

“If your home is over 20 years old, it’s time to replace the roof,” instructs Graboyes. “Even if there are no leaks or issues, by providing the next homeowner with the assurance of a new roof, your home’s list price will ultimately improve.” Energy-efficient roof choices are more available as well as other options like a white metal roof which can be up to 60 percent cooler than a black asphalt shingle roof.

Here are some roof tile solutions. 

Tinder isn’t the only app you swipe right on if you like a photo. Home buyers quickly swipe past homes on apps that lack kerb appeal. An attractive well-manicured lawn and an attractive front door is a good start, but Graboyes suggests sprucing up your landscaping, repairing or resealing the driveway, pressure washing the house and sidewalk, replacing the mailbox and house letters, and of course, adding some potted flowers to the front entryway for a welcoming touch.

Discover how to boost kerb appeal with exterior paint. 

According to realtor Luis Dominguez, the front door also symbolises the entire face of the home. “Having an updated front door with quality door handles is a great first impression,” says Dominguez. According to a CBS Money Watch report, Zillow found doors painted in navy blue, dark grey or charcoal fetched a $1,514 boost to the home’s value.

Here are 5 ways to enhance your home’s outdoor space. 

“The biggest ‘wow factor’ I’m seeing right now is motorised window shades,” says Dominguez. It’s easier to adjust the shades when you don’t have to get on a step ladder, plus new shades are almost always cordless and child-safe, factors parents of young children will appreciate. When it comes to bedrooms, blackout and light-filtering options are ideal.

Find a blind for every budget. 

Top of most home improvement lists are stone benchtops. “Whether it is granite or quartz, the potential home buyer will not see the kitchen as finished without them,” says Dominguez. Consider installing under-cabinet lighting to showcase the benchtops.

Learn how to install a kitchen benchtop. 

Painting the interior of your home in neutrals, especially trendy grey, will render top dollar according to Dominguez. “Finding the right combination for a home will certainly increase its appeal and overall image. On the other hand, properties with dated colours, like pink, yellow, and green always tend to sell for less than a freshly, contemporary, painted home,” says Dominguez.

These home improvements all but pay for themselves. 

“Home buyers are looking for unique homes,” says Dominguez. Accent walls with exposed brick, rustic wood panels and wallpaper (yes, it’s back!) add visual impact and highlight architectural features. Seeing something they have not seen before will definitely have them talking about your house, and hopefully the conversation is about making an offer!

A driveway doesn’t warrant much thought for most of us. But when you drive past a house with all the bells and whistles and notice the worn out asphalt or cracked concrete driveway with weeds growing from the cracks, it suddenly comes into focus. Stamped concrete and paved driveways complement a beautiful home. You may even consider reconfiguring it. “A correctly designed driveway will actually make the house look bigger when your potential buyer is pulling up to the house for the first time,” notes Dominguez.

Check out these 13 creative driveway landscaping ideas.