Help Increase Your Home’s Overall Value

Increasing the value of your home can be easier than you think. We’ll show you simple ways to upgrade and remodel certain rooms in your home that could increase your home’s value the most, but likely don’t make you spend outside your funds. If you find you’re spending outside your remodel funds there’s other financial options out there to cover you in a way that works for your budget, like personal loans.

Browse the top projects for each room that provide the best home functionality and greater visual enhancement.

Major bathroom remodel

A major bathroom remodel can involve expanding an existing bathroom, relocating and replacing the tub and toilet and adding designer sinks and faucets, a linen closet, lighting, a ceramic tile floor and exhaust fan for a cost of $26,052.

Here are the top projects for you to consider:

1. Replace old floors with fresh tile in ceramic or stone. Buy extra tiles in case you break a few during installation. Set some tiles aside at the end of the job in case you need to make repairs in the future.

2. Give an old vanity a facelift with a new countertop for a clean fresh look.

3. Use eye-fooling tricks to make a small bathroom look larger. A new pedestal sink is a smart replacement for an old cabinet. The smaller footprint gives the illusion of space.

Bathrooms

Planning is key for a bathroom remodel. With proper preparation and research, you could save money and time, as well as recoup a value quite above your remodel investment.

Minor Bathroom Remodel

It costs about $10,500 to replace the tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity and fixtures. You’ll get back an average of $10,700 at resale, or on average a return of investment of 102 percent. If you don’t have the funds consider a personal loan to do your home remodel on your terms, with loan amounts up to $35,000 and terms you choose.

Here are the top projects for you to consider:

1. If your old tub is too large to fit out the door, re-glaze it for a like-new finish. Cost: $300 to $400.

2. Updating a shower or tub to brushed nickel or gold-plated fixtures can set the tone for the whole bathroom.

3. Standalone shower stalls can be updated with new tile on the walls, floors and ceiling to make it feel like a separate room.

Kitchen remodel

A minor kitchen remodel averages $14,913. Go for the minor remodel when your kitchen needs a cosmetic update and not a drastically different floor plan. A $15,000 kitchen update covers 30 feet of re-facing for cabinets and drawers, a new wall oven, cooktop, sink and fixtures, laminate countertops and resilient flooring.

Here are the top projects for you to consider:

1. Put recessed lights 3' to 5' apart on center and 18" from cabinets to light the countertops. Running the lights between two joists is easier than running through the joists.

2. Cover the old vinyl with floor leveler so the pattern doesn’t bleed through. You can’t put a second layer of vinyl on if the subfloor is below-grade concrete.

3. Granite countertops can be pricey, but can give a kitchen a major upgrade. Instead of paying a high cost at many places, reach out to local granite dealers that sell remnants then charge for cuts and installation. This can be a bargain if you need 8 feet or less of countertop.

Kitchen

The heart of the home will always be important to buyers. Kitchen remodels are the #1 interior space remodel homeowners choose to increase the value of their home, and attract buyers.

Deck, patio or porch addition

Many homeowners add an outdoor space to increase and enhance their space. This could include adding a deck, patio or porch, along with railings, lighting and plants to create a space with ambiance. Adding a 16x20 ft. pressure-treated wood deck with a simple pattern costs about $11,000. Personal loans are a simple and easy option to fund your remodel, with no collateral needed to secure and quick funds.

Here are the top projects for you to consider:

1. A higher end deck can be built with pressure treated cedar or redwood. Although more expensive, composite decking is a beautiful alternative to wood and is extremely weather and stain resistant.

2. Give a courtyard an impressive entry with an inviting gate, lighting and mature plantings. These small improvements may have a big impact at closing.

3. Run-down stairs lower your profit margin, so make sure porch railings are safe and attractive.

Basement remodel

The average basement remodel costs just over $51,051. What do you get for $51,051? A refinished basement with new walls, dry and clean new laminate floors, recessed lighting and a laminate floor.

Here are the top projects for you to consider:

1. Finishing the walls is a must – but here’s an important tip: Keep dry wall panels a half-inch away from concrete floors, so they don’t show moisture.

2. Cover concrete floors with an easy-to-install modular subfloor so floors won’t be cold. Add carpet squares with a traction backing for an amazing transformation.

3. Want just the wet bar? Buy 10 linear feet of cabinets, a laminate countertop, a stainless-steel drop-in bar sink and an under-counter refrigerator for about $2,500.