5 Ways You Can Boost Your Home Value This Winter

If you’re preparing to sell your home in the spring, renovation projects can help you boost your home’s value this winter! Although certain projects like landscaping are best done in the warmer months, the holiday season is still a great time to check some of those home improvement projects off your to-do list. Keep reading to learn some home renovation project ideas to help boost your home value this winter. 

1. Revitalize your curb appeal

Extensive landscaping and hardscaping may be too difficult (or futile) to take on during the freezing winter months. However, the holiday season is a great time to tackle curb appeal projects like:

• Upgrading your windows
• Installing new lighting
• Replacing or painting old garage doors
• Fixing damaged siding 

If you upgrade your windows in the winter, your household may benefit from better insulation and reduced energy costs. Another tip: replacing an old or outdated front door can work wonders for the curb appeal of your home. This renovation is great for winter since it does not require extensive labor and sometimes can just take a fresh coat of paint or varnish!

2. Put on a fresh coat of paint

Speaking of paint, sellers have a common misconception that they need to repaint the entire home before selling. Although fresh paint can quickly spruce up a home, you can be selective about which rooms need to be repainted! With winter approaching, painting is the perfect activity for a snowy or bitter cold day. A fresh color may brighten your space and bring you extra cheer during the holidays. Come spring, you’ll be happy the painting is over with!

3. Consider investing in smart home products 

Adding smart home devices can help improve the resale value of your home or facilitate a faster sale. These devices might include smart thermostats, home security systems, lighting, or other automation. With winter coming, a smart programmable thermostat takes the worry out of returning to a chilly home! Smart thermostats can automatically adjust to always make sure your home stays at a comfortable temperature. Consumer Reports estimate that smart automation products can increase a home’s value between 3–5%. Keep in mind that DIY smart home devices may not have a significant impact on value; however, upgrades such as whole-house automation systems, smart kitchen appliances, smart HVAC systems will impact your home’s value.  

4. Update your kitchen

For many, the kitchen is the most important room in the house. To increase the value of your home, kitchen updates are a great investment. Depending on the state of your kitchen, small and minor improvements can go a long way without spending a fortune on a complete kitchen overhaul. According to Remodeling, you can recoup up to 77.6% of the costs associated with remodeling your kitchen during the sale of your home.

Some suggestions for minor kitchen updates include:

• The addition of a kitchen island
• Adding or changing light fixtures 
• Refinishing the cabinets
• Changing the backsplash
• Upgrading faucets

If it is within your budget, some larger kitchen updates that will help increase the value of your home include updates to appliances, changing the flooring, or adding new cabinets or countertops. Kitchen remodels are another great project to tackle in the wintertime, as they can often take a significant amount of time. This means your home’s kitchen will be newly refreshed come open-house season in the spring.

5. Finish your basement

Although finishing an unfinished basement is a sizable investment in money and time, it can be a wise decision for sellers. Many homebuyers have a finished basement at the top of their wish lists. By completing your basement, you increase the square footage and utility of your home, making use of what some may view as “wasted space.” While it’s true that buyers can always finish the space themselves, most will prefer not to have to do it themselves–and your home value may take a small hit. 

If possible, consider adding a bathroom during a basement renovation. Some people even choose to add a kitchen! These additions open up your house for more entertaining and make it possible to rent out to tenants for additional income. They also are huge boosters for your home’s value. Finishing a basement is a great project to tackle during the cold winter months when outdoor projects are less feasible.

Consider undertaking some of these renovation projects this winter to help boost your home’s value and make spring selling a breeze!