28 home improvements that can double the value of your home

Sure, a concrete patio or deck is great for BBQs and entertaining, but we scurry indoors if the sun is baking us or a few raindrops threaten to ruin the fun. “Adding a covered terrace can expand your house exponentially,” says Dominguez. Make it more enticing by adding electricity, comfy seating, decorative patio heaters and bar area. “Having an outdoor space under a roof will allow the buyer to imagine extra living area space, allowing your home to compete against bigger homes,” says Dominguez.

Learn more about taking the indoors outdoors. 

Nothing evokes a feeling of cosiness than a fireplace. Even if you live in a climate where you don’t need it much for heat, Dominguez says homes with fireplaces typically sell for 10 percent more than similar homes without one. You don’t have to hire a mason to lay bricks or stones; freestanding gas or electric fireplaces with mantles with built-ins for books and knick-knacks are great for traditional homes or go contemporary with wall mounted units.

“Although it may not have the same immediate appeal as a new master suite or family room, a mud room will prove to be extremely functional, especially for families,” says Nick Cohen from Advanced Builders and Contractors. “Along with providing a space for your washer and dryer, it can also help reduce clutter, open up new storage options, and help protect your wood flooring over time.”

If you have attic or roof space and the only purpose of it is to store old junk – that you actually don’t want – finish the space off for a bonus storage room or convert this under utilised space into more liveable square footage. “Some homeowners may have the option to turn their attic into a loft, master suite or home office, without having to deal with confusing zoning restrictions,” Cohen says.

A large two-car garage door is a huge eyesore if it’s rusty, banged up, or if the paint is faded,” says Allen Shayanfekr, CEO and co-founder of Sharestates. Replace the doors, but don’t stop there. Trick out the garage floors with epoxy paint, finish the walls with Sheetrock, and add insulation to the walls and garage door. Add storage units, work bench or tool chest and proper hardware for hanging bikes, tools and lawn care items.

Find out surprising new uses for all that junk in your garage.

Speaking of garages, what are you doing with the empty space above it? How about creating a studio apartment? “In many communities, people are starting to expand over their garages to add more living space,” says Shayanfekr. “Not only will this benefit potential buyers, but as a possible source of rental income it will increase the value of that property.”

This home improvement increases the value of your home and helps save the planet. “Being able to produce your own energy means you can save money which translates to value,” says Shayanfekr. Another bonus: You may qualify for rebates and tax credits for installing them.

“The kitchen, living room, and bathrooms are the most important investments when considering increasing a property’s value,” says Shayanfekr. (It makes sense, these are the rooms we spend most of our time in.) But Shayanfekr isn’t talking about a coat of paint or a new fridge. “Those home improvements increase the cosmetic value which can sway the right buyer. However, renovating the kitchen, bathrooms and living room will directly impact the home’s value.”

Here are 15 cheap kitchen upgrades that will make a huge difference. 

Heating and cooling makes up for a whooping 40 percent of our energy costs. “Installing HVAC always positively impacts the value of a property,” Shayanfekr says. If repair bills and soaring utility bills have plagued your wallet, get a HVAC specialist on board with your home improvement agenda. Installing a high efficiency boiler or furnace and air conditioner will save a ton of energy bills and produce less carbon emissions that yields substantial value to your home.

It’s important to ensure your front yard has life, year-round. “Flowers and seasonal shrubs, evergreen trees and foliage bring colour to your front yard all four seasons,” says Kevin Guzior, Vice President of Marketing at Pioneer Landscape Centers. Living kerb appeal doesn’t fade at night. “To give your home a welcoming look, day or night, use landscape lighting to feature your proudest yard areas.”

Discover more about transforming your outdoor spaces to add value. 

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Source: RD.com