Home Improvements to Make Before Selling

The time has finally come to sell your house. Whether you decided to move or downsize, you obviously want to get the largest return at resale. Here are 10 home updates that pay off down the road, as referenced from HGTV:

1. Bathroom remodel – It costs a pretty penny to replace the tub, tile surround, toilet, sink, vanity, and fixtures. That said, you should get back what you put into the project, plus a little bit more, as long as the job is done the right way. Make it a point to also remove dated wall coverings and apply a fresh coat of paint. Tired of that unsightly shower door? Consider removing it to add the illusion of extra space.
2. Landscaping – Put yourself in the shoes of a prospective buyer for a moment. Are you really going to consider buying a house that has subpar landscaping? Probably not. There’s no question that, if your yard is more of an eyesore than anything else, potential buyers won’t even bother looking inside. So get the lawn in order, replace that overgrown shrubbery with flowering plants, and add a splash of color at the front of the house. This all makes a significant difference.
3. Kitchen remodel – Could your kitchen use a few cosmetic updates here and there? We recommend starting with sanding and painting existing cabinets. In terms of lighting, recessed options are becoming more popular among home buyers. For more high-end homes, think about opting for stone or glass countertops.
4. Attic bedroom conversion – Many sellers aren’t sure what to do with their attic. Well, have you thought about converting it into an extra bedroom? You can add a bath with shower, windows, and even a closet for additional appeal. One more pro tip here: don’t overlook insulation in this space. Prospective buyers will appreciate the break on utility bills.
5. Exterior addition – It used to be that a home’s exterior felt nothing like the interior. That’s no longer the case, though. In fact, homeowners are going out of their way to make the exterior of the house a seamless transition to the interior. So what can you do here? You might start with small things such as decorative planters on the front porch, patio, and decks. From there, transform the entry with a beautiful gate, lighting, and plants. Such additions have an average return at resale of 90 percent.
6. Replacement windows – In Milwaukee especially, efficient windows are an absolute must. Here’s the thing: replacing ten 3×5 foot windows costs about $9,700. Homeowners can expect to get back 90 percent of that at resale. Are you wanting to ensure maximum efficiency? Then ask a professional about adding argon gas inside the pane to prevent heat and cold transference within the window.
7. Family room updates – The average family room addition yields a recoup rate of 83 percent. Before considering such a project in your house, make sure the room has an open transition. As explained in the HGTV article, “a wider interior doorway and more substantial steps visually connect the addition to the rest of the house.”
8. Bedroom updates – Compared to some of the aforementioned ideas, bedroom updates don’t have to cost a lot. For example, new lighting will run you anywhere from $100 to $500. Meanwhile, new bedding and window treatments cost about $300. The point we really want to emphasize with bedroom updates, though, is that hardwood floors are more appealing than carpet. Our advice? Pull up any worn carpeting in the bedroom and refinish old floors to let the wood shine. If you choose to move forward with sanding, be sure to hire a professional.
9. Living room updates – Believe it or not, a fresh coat of paint goes a long way in the living room. If you have the budget, then consider upgrading to quality hardwood flooring in this space. Don’t forget that the living room will be one of the first areas a prospective buyer notices in the house.   
10. Basement remodel – Have you had plans to finish your basement but just never had the time? Before getting started, take a look around this space. Do you notice damp, wet, or cracked walls? Then it’s imperative to contact a foundation repair specialist. Here at Zablocki Waterproofing, our foundation waterproofing contractors have been serving Milwaukee residents for decades. Here are some of the services we have to offer:
    1. Basement waterproofing
    2. Wet basement solutions
    3. Basement leak repair
    4. And more

Before you put your house on the market, see what our expert foundation contractors can do for you and your family. You can count on Zablocki to identify the problem and come up with a solution that fits your needs and budget.

For quality work and straightforward communication, look no further than Zablocki Waterproofing. Call now for a free estimate.