28 home improvements that can double the value of your home

From big to small, we have home improvements that add up to a huge boost in the value of your home!

This may be the best home improvement you can make. After all, can we ever have enough bathrooms? According to Steve Frellick, a one-to-one bedroom/bathroom ratio is ideal. “An additional bathroom creates greater functionality of a home, while also increasing resale value.” Not sure where you could possibly squeeze in an additional bathroom? There are usually a variety of hidden opportunities in homes. This may be an underutilised closet, space in the basement, or “stealing” a little space from a bedroom or hallway, says Frellick.

Here are some great design tricks to make a small bathroom look bigger. 

“Bringing your bathrooms into the 21st century creates a high degree of functionality and a huge return on your investment,” says Frellick. You don’t have to necessarily gut it and start over. New fixtures, fresh paint, new light fixtures and exhaust fans are good places to start.

Learn how to plan a bathroom renovation. 

Replace worn out tile with subway tile for a classic look that will appeal to most tastes, says Frellick. If you have more wiggle room in your budget, replace a water-hogging toilet with a slimline, low-flush model.

Learn how to cut tiles like a pro. 

Take a peek under your carpet and you may discover a home improvement ready to go. “Hardwood and tile floors add a level of warmth and are a definite return on investment,” notes Frellick. Hardwoods, laminate and tile floors are easier to clean and aren’t magnets for dust and dirt, so they’re ideal for people who suffer from allergies.

Learn how to choose the right flooring for your space. 

Mid-century modern and retro design are on trend right now. Adding a few elements of a trendy design will add some serious “cool” to your digs, Frellick says. “Hang an antique barn-door in place of a traditional closet door, update some light fixtures or do a wall in wood or brick tiles. These kinds of home improvements are ones that almost any homeowner can tackle,” says Frellick.

Learn how to update a room with lighting. 

“One of the things that tends to date a home and potentially turn off buyers is the floor plan,” says Bill Golden, an independent real estate agent. “Today’s buyers all want an open concept floor plan, where the kitchen is open to a family room.” Knocking out a wall or two to accomplish this is usually doable, depending on the structure. But don’t take on this task if you’re not a pro.

Master suites that embody a luxurious spa-like feel are coveted by most of us. If you’re going to upgrade, get schooled on what is on trend. “There was a time when all new master baths had giant soaking tubs. Today, most buyers prefer a smaller tub with a bigger, nicer shower, says Golden.

Whether hosting a game night, book club or wine tasting, an unused space can become party central. “Turn your basement or a spare living room into a finished space with a big screen TV, bar, and lounge area,” suggests Mary Ann Graboyes, real estate agent. Whether it’s kid-friendly or a space for adults, this home improvement will be utilised a lot and add value to your home now – and down the line when you’re ready to sell.

“Outdoor living spaces are on the checklist for most new luxury home buyers,” says Graboyes. The ability to cook outdoors without running in and out of the home to retrieve food and utensils is a luxury any grill master can appreciate. Build your outdoor cookspace with a BBQ grill, mini bar, refrigerator, and you’ll have a culinary home improvement masterpiece.

Learn more about how to design an outdoor room.