{"id":27262,"date":"2021-10-14T13:42:27","date_gmt":"2021-10-14T20:42:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=27262"},"modified":"2026-04-13T01:32:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T08:32:04","slug":"buyer-updates-that-increase-home-value","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-updates-that-increase-home-value\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Updates That Can Increase Home Value Lightning-Fast"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re buying a home that might not be completely up to date (or maybe it\u2019s just not quite your style), then you might be wondering: of all the possible improvements imaginable, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/what-upgrades-increase-home-value\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">what adds value to a home<\/a>?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s the thing \u2014 not all updates will actually show a high return on your investment (also known in the biz as ROI). So it\u2019s good to know which updates to make and what small changes can make a big difference in your new home and in your future wallet. The good news is that it doesn\u2019t take a fortune teller to decipher what are the most valuable updates that increase home value.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Together, let\u2019s look at home improvement projects and chat with the experts about the best-kept secrets in the home improvement biz. We\u2019ll cover updates that boost energy efficiency, interior projects, exterior projects, and smart home automation. We\u2019ll also give you all the details on upfront project costs and how much cost you can recoup to help you make the smartest choices.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re off to see the wizard \u2014 the wonderful wizards of home improvement and renovations. Click those ruby-red slippers together, and away we\u2019ll go!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_27271\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-27271\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/3-1.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/3-1-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"large energy efficient window updates that increase home value\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/3-1-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/3-1-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/3-1-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/3-1-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/3-1-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/3-1-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/3-1.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-27271\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (Laura Cleffmann\/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Energy-efficient boosts<\/h2>\n<p>While going green may or may not be on the top of your priority list, energy-efficient boosts are both planet-friendly and wallet-friendly.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Improve insulation<\/h3>\n<p>Who doesn\u2019t like feeling warm and cozy in the winter? Improving insulation with loose-fill attic insulation is an excellent way to lower your heating bills in the winter, and it comes with a great ROI.<\/p>\n<p>The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average homeowner can save <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisoldhouse.com\/insulation\/21097080\/home-insulation-helps-reduce-energy-bills\">15%<\/a> on heating and cooling costs by improving insulation. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energysage.com\/energy-efficiency\/why-conserve-energy\/residential-ee\/\">EnergySage<\/a> reports that insulating an attic comes with an average ROI of 117%. The average cost for attic insulation, including installation, is approximately<a href=\"https:\/\/insulationguides.com\/home-insulation-prices\/attic\"> $1.30 to $2.15 per square foot for loose-fill attic insulation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>There are typically four different types of insulation used in homes: loose-fill insulation, roll insulation, foam spray insulation, and rigid insulation. Loose-fill is also called blown-in insulation and is the <a href=\"https:\/\/insulationguides.com\/home-insulation-prices\/attic\">most popular type<\/a> used in attics; it is what our experts recommend.<\/p>\n<p>Top real estate agent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/agents\/david-renberg-ks-00233280\">David Renberg<\/a> confirms: \u201cBuyers are going to assume that the home has newer insulation. And if it doesn\u2019t, it is actually going to be a drawback for buyers.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Whether the buyers directly ask about the insulation or not, if they find out that a home has insulation from the 1980s, they may also begin to suspect that the home has bigger underlying renovation issues.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Replace old garage door with insulated model<\/h3>\n<p>According to 2021 national averages, replacing the door for a two-car garage will cost roughly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/2021\/\">$3,907<\/a>\u00a0and increase your resale value by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/2021\/\">$3,663<\/a>. That means that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/2021\/\">93.8%<\/a> of your cost will be recouped.<\/p>\n<p>Replacing your old garage door also drastically improves your curb appeal, making it a very important home update to improve resale value. Moreover, if your garage is well-insulated, but you have an old, drafty garage door, then you\u2019ll lose money throughout the year as your air conditioning or heating units will have to work overtime to make up for all that is lost.<\/p>\n<p>An insulated garage door helps to keep the extreme heat and cold outside where it belongs! Learn more about the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.overheaddoors.com\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-insulated-garage-doors\/\">R-Value\u201d (used to rate the \u201ceffectiveness of insulation in stopping heat flow opposite of conductance<\/a>) of different types of materials used in garage doors to make a decision that is right for you and your home.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Replace old windows with energy-efficient versions<\/h3>\n<p>There are two different types of window replacements to consider: vinyl and wood. The 2021 national average cost of vinyl window replacement is<a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/2021\/\"> $19,385<\/a>, and you can count on recouping <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/2021\/\">68.6%<\/a> of your costs, whereas wood window replacement will cost on average <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/2021\/\">$23,219<\/a>, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/2021\/\">67.4%<\/a> of costs being recouped.<\/p>\n<p>Updating your windows will boost temperature regulation in your new home for each window you replace \u2014 and, in turn, save you money. Consider upgrading to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energystar.gov\/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_savemoney\">Energy Star<\/a>-rated windows which also qualify you for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.moneycrashers.com\/federal-green-energy-efficiency-tax-credits-home-improvement\/\">green energy tax credit<\/a>. In fact, Energy Star studies show that by replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows, homeowners can save <a href=\"https:\/\/modernize.com\/windows\/energy-efficient#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20Energy%20Star%20studies,of%20heating%20and%20cooling%20costs.\">21% and 31% <\/a>of their heating and cooling annual costs.<\/p>\n<p>When you are in the market to replace old windows, Johnny Tipton, division manager of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agctn.com\/\">Ascension General Contractors<\/a> in Nashville, Tennessee, advises that you \u201ccompare apples to apples, and not apples to bananas.\u201d Well, since we\u2019re not looking to make a pie, what does Tipton mean?<\/p>\n<p>Tipton says, \u201cMake sure to do your due diligence and research the product and the vendors for the windows to make sure they&#8217;re valid manufacturers.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Many window companies produce their own brands, and there are a lot of different warranties out there, so doing research is key to avoid horror stories such as incorrect insulation that results in leaks or drafts, or even simply not getting the quality of windows that you paid for.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_27270\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-27270\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2-2.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2-2-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"beautiful white kitchen updates that increase home value\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2-2-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2-2-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2-2-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2-2-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2-2-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2-2-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2-2.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-27270\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (Roam In Color\/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Interior boosts<\/h2>\n<p>Since home is where the heart is, we hope you love each and every room of your home. While that might not be the case when you initially buy a house, these interior boosts can help add value and make your home feel homier. You can always tackle bigger home improvement projects, but even smaller projects can be a big step in the right direction.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, Renberg states, \u201cI&#8217;ve observed homes sell at silly prices just because they felt cute and trendy, even if the updates weren&#8217;t done professionally, even if the updates weren&#8217;t very expensive.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to be objective, do your due diligence and complete home inspections to get as much information as you can about a home.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Kitchen remodels<\/h3>\n<p>When it comes to kitchen remodels, over-improving your kitchen could mean you won\u2019t recover the costs of your upgrades. That being said, remember that your home isn\u2019t just an investment; it\u2019s your home. And as Dorothy knows all too well, \u201cThere\u2019s no place like home.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s start with the bigger kitchen renovation projects, including new cabinets, countertops, lighting, floors, upgrading appliances, or adding seating, dining, storage, or cooking space. A midrange, minor kitchen remodel will cost approximately <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/2021\/\">$26,214<\/a> according to 2021 national averages and will add <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/2021\/\">$18,927<\/a> in resale value, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/2021\/\">72.2%<\/a> recoup of your remodeling costs. If you\u2019re looking to do an upscale, major kitchen remodel, the 2021 national average costs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/major-kitchen-remodel-upscale?y=2021\">$149,079<\/a> and will add <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/major-kitchen-remodel-upscale?y=2021\">$80,284<\/a> to your resale value, which means you\u2019d recoup <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/major-kitchen-remodel-upscale?y=2021\">53.9%<\/a> of what you spend.<\/p>\n<p>To minimize the costs and to maximize the ROI for your kitchen updates that increase home value, let\u2019s go over some of the advice we\u2019ve culled from the experts. In a dated kitchen, consider <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cabinetnow.com\/can-you-just-replace-the-cabinet-doors\/\">leaving the cabinet boxes<\/a> in place and simply <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cabinetnow.com\/can-you-just-replace-the-cabinet-doors\/\">replacing the fronts of cabinets<\/a> and the fronts of drawers \u2014 including shiny, new hardware \u2014 to minimize your expenditure.<\/p>\n<p>For countertops, Renberg notes that \u201cthere are treatments that you can do to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.miraclemethod.com\/formica-countertops.htm\">Formica<\/a> that seem to hold up pretty well over time, that can modernize the color of your countertops.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>How about the flooring? Consider gong with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homedepot.com\/b\/Flooring-Vinyl-Flooring\/N-5yc1vZapwr\">vinyl<\/a>, as it is a great deal less expensive than real hardwood or slate floors, and it is also strong and resilient! You can even find vinyl styles that mimic high-end finishes for a sophisticated yet low-cost look. If you want to explore more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-does-new-flooring-increase-home-value\/\">flooring options<\/a>, there are plenty to choose from.<\/p>\n<p>Looking to start with even smaller kitchen remodels and projects? Smaller projects can include refinishing cabinets, getting new cabinet pulls, upgrading light fixtures, and upgrading faucets.<\/p>\n<p>Another small change that can make a lot of difference is a fresh coat of paint. Tipton recommends focusing on an accent wall. \u201cAn easy, small change a seller can do is to paint accent walls. Accent walls in home offices or kitchen dining room areas are really popular right now,\u201d he says. One wall? That doesn\u2019t sound too bad at all!<\/p>\n<p>Renberg affirms that small kitchen upgrades can have a big impact. \u201cFresh paint, hardware, light fixtures, door handles \u2014 those types of things modernize the space,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>Adding or updating a backsplash is another small upgrade that can pack an aesthetic punch. Unsure what a backsplash is? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flooringamerica.com\/blog\/what-is-backsplash-tile\">Backsplashes<\/a> are the panels that fill the gap on a kitchen wall between the countertop and the cabinets. This is a place you can have fun and let your creativity flow with a seemingly endless selection of textures, colors, and design patterns.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Bathroom upgrades<\/h3>\n<p>Once again, there is a range of bathroom updates you can take on. In 2021, the average mid-range bathroom remodel will cost approximately <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/bathroom-remodel?y=2021\">$24,423<\/a>\u00a0and will add <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/bathroom-remodel?y=2021\">$14,671<\/a> to your resale value, totaling in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/bathroom-remodel?y=2021\">60.1%<\/a> cost recouped.<\/p>\n<p>For a major, upscale bathroom remodel, it will cost on average <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/bathroom-remodel-upscale?y=2021\">$75,692<\/a> and will add <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/bathroom-remodel-upscale?y=2021\">$41,473<\/a> to your resale value, coming in at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/bathroom-remodel-upscale?y=2021\">56.1%<\/a> for cost recuperation. Bigger projects include upgrading to a new sink, tub, shower, or toilet as well as retiling your bathroom. Minor updates that increase home value include updating your vanity, mirror, or lights, as well as simply caulking or reglazing your tub. A fresh coat of paint never hurts!<\/p>\n<p>Two tips to decrease costs and increase your bath remodel ROI are to prioritize replacing things that are broken and prioritize the layout.<\/p>\n<p>What counts as broken? Cracked or broken tiles, outdated paint jobs, peeling or mildewed caulk, stained grout, and so on. These things may even show up on your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nachi.org\/inspection-checklist-bathroom.htm\">inspection report<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of layout, consider a toilet placed right against a bathtub or a cabinet door that you constantly hit your head against. Pay attention to the layout of the bathrooms as you view homes so you can determine if it works for you, or if you might be signing up for a future project.<\/p>\n<p>Renberg confirms, \u201cThe things that give you the biggest bang for your buck, while it may be cliche, are your kitchen and your bathroom. That&#8217;s what people tend to scrutinize; people really take note if those things aren&#8217;t updated.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If you have antiquated wallpaper or a pastel pink toilet, upgrading those can make a huge difference. \u201cBoth big and small upgrades in the kitchen and bathroom are where you will help you get the most money for your home,\u201d Renberg says.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_27275\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-27275\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BODY-home-improvements-Increase-Home-Value-Lightning-Fast.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BODY-home-improvements-Increase-Home-Value-Lightning-Fast-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"interior living room home improvements that increase property value\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BODY-home-improvements-Increase-Home-Value-Lightning-Fast-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BODY-home-improvements-Increase-Home-Value-Lightning-Fast-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BODY-home-improvements-Increase-Home-Value-Lightning-Fast-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BODY-home-improvements-Increase-Home-Value-Lightning-Fast-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BODY-home-improvements-Increase-Home-Value-Lightning-Fast-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BODY-home-improvements-Increase-Home-Value-Lightning-Fast-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/BODY-home-improvements-Increase-Home-Value-Lightning-Fast.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-27275\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (Zac Gudakov\/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Smart home automation<\/h2>\n<p>Remember Disney Channel\u2019s 1999 movie <i>Smart House<\/i>? That house came with a robot virtual assistant, which we\u2019re not necessarily advocating for, but there are some smart home automation options that won\u2019t break the bank <em>and<\/em> can help put you and your family more at ease. Let\u2019s continue down that yellow-brick road and examine smart home automation updates that increase home value.<\/p>\n<h3>6. Smart thermostats<\/h3>\n<p>Smart thermostats are a great place to start, as they help reduce energy costs. While different manufacturers tout different saving percentages, as of April 2021, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecobee.com\/en-us\/savings\/\">Ecobee<\/a> customers saved up to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecobee.com\/en-us\/savings\/\">26%<\/a> on their heating and cooling, whereas<a href=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/nest-public-downloads\/press\/documents\/energy-savings-white-paper.pdf\"> Nest<\/a> smart thermostat customers saved between <a href=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/nest-public-downloads\/press\/documents\/energy-savings-white-paper.pdf\">10% to 12%<\/a> range.<\/p>\n<p>With smart home thermostats, you\u2019ll also be able to track your energy usage and make adjustments to your preferences to reduce energy costs even further. In terms of installing a smart thermostat, it\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahs.com\/home-matters\/tech\/smiths-smart-home-part-i-installing-a-wifi-thermostat\/\">fairly simple<\/a>! The price of a smart thermostat varies, but most fall between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energysage.com\/energy-products\/smart-thermostats\/\">$89 and $400<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>7. Smart home security systems<\/h3>\n<p>Smart home security systems are highly customizable and are available as both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-diy-smart-home-security-systems\">DIY kits<\/a> and as set-ups that include professional installation and professional monitoring. Monitoring costs, on average, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.safewise.com\/home-security-faq\/how-much-does-a-security-system-cost\/\">$32 per month<\/a>, with installation and activation costs ranging from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.safewise.com\/home-security-faq\/how-much-does-a-security-system-cost\/\">free to $200<\/a>. For reference, SimpliSafe, one of the most popular home smart security companies, charges <a href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\/home-security-system-essentials?cjevent=0c072264269a11ec830ed5640a18050d&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;utm_source=cj&amp;utm_campaign=5513721&amp;utm_content=AwEAAAAAAAAAAdx5\">83 cents per day<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, it depends on your needs, but it is more affordable to install an individual device yourself and to monitor your home from your phone or tablet from absolutely anywhere. These smart home security system kits can include outdoor and indoor security cameras, motion sensors, video doorbells, and smart locks. Amazon does have some great DIY kits ranging from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=smart+home+security&amp;ref=nb_sb_noss_1\">$299 to $339<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>8. Smart smoke, carbon monoxide, and radon detectors<\/h3>\n<p>Smart smoke, carbon monoxide, and radon detectors are some of the most helpful purchases for upgrades on the market. They send alerts to your phone if they detect anything out of the ordinary, which is especially useful for those who travel frequently or have second homes.<\/p>\n<p>The alert sent to your phone also may \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.techhive.com\/article\/3236299\/best-smart-smoke-detector.html\">include helpful voice instructions instead of just a siren \u2014 your smartphone also tells you what the problem is (whether it\u2019s smoke or CO, which alarm was activated, and sometimes even the severity of the smoke.<\/a>\u201d These smart detectors range from $34.99 to $173.99, and these updates don\u2019t just increase home value, they also help keep your home safe and protected.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_27269\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-27269\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/1-2.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/1-2-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"landscape updates that increase home value\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/1-2-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/1-2-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/1-2-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/1-2-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/1-2-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/1-2-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/1-2.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-27269\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (Ahmed Amir\/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Exterior boosts<\/h2>\n<p>There are quite a few things you can do to the exterior of your home to increase its value \u2014 and elevate its curb appeal instantaneously. These exterior boosts help ensure that the minute someone drives up to your home, they\u2019ll <em>ooh<\/em> and <em>ahh<\/em>. And fortunately, it doesn\u2019t take millions to increase your curb appeal and add value to your home.<\/p>\n<h3>9. Landscaping<\/h3>\n<p>A well-landscaped home has a significant price benefit over a home with no landscaping. This advantage actually ranges from between <a href=\"https:\/\/homeguides.sfgate.com\/landscaping-increase-property-value-7301.html\">5.5% and 12.7%<\/a>, with the key variables being the home\u2019s original value and the type of landscaping.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019d like a little math to straighten things up, that means adding an extra <a href=\"https:\/\/homeguides.sfgate.com\/landscaping-increase-property-value-7301.html\">$16,500 to $38,100<\/a> in value on a $300,000 home just by throwing landscaping updates into the mix.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for minor landscape upgrades that are low-cost but have high ROI, consider simply pruning or planting more bushes and adding some lighting. If you\u2019re willing to step things up a little bit more, let\u2019s cover power washing, replacing siding, and deck additions.<\/p>\n<h3>10. Power washing and siding replacement<\/h3>\n<p>Power washing your home and replacing the siding can go a long way toward improving its curb appeal. The <a href=\"https:\/\/windowhero.com\/how-much-does-it-cost-to-powerwash-a-house-and-how-often-should-you-do-it\/\">average cost of power washing your home is $350<\/a>, though it will generally fall between $130 and $650, depending on the size of your home and your location. Power washing helps your home look fresh and clean.<\/p>\n<p>Replacing the siding of your home will cost <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/advisor\/home-improvement\/how-much-does-siding-cost-to-install\/\">$12 per square foot<\/a> on average, although there are more budget-friendly options where the cost can be reduced to a mere <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/advisor\/home-improvement\/how-much-does-siding-cost-to-install\/\">$2 per square foot<\/a>. The two least expensive options are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodelingcalculator.org\/6-best-house-siding-materials\/\">vinyl or aluminum siding<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Fiber cement or engineered wood siding are other budget-friendly options, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodelingcalculator.org\/6-best-house-siding-materials\/\">natural siding, stucco, and stone veneer siding<\/a> being the three most expensive siding options.<\/p>\n<h3>11. Deck addition<\/h3>\n<p>By far the priciest exterior boost to your home is adding a deck. While it\u2019s a large project, it is one of the biggest updates that increase home value.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re considering a wood deck addition, the 2021 national average cost was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/deck-addition-wood?y=2021\">$16,766<\/a>, and it increased the home resale value by<a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/deck-addition-wood?y=2021\"> $11,038<\/a>, which is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/deck-addition-wood?y=2021\">65.8%<\/a> cost recoup. In terms of a composite deck addition, the average cost was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/deck-addition-composite?y=2021\">$22,426<\/a>, with an increased home resale value of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/deck-addition-composite?y=2021\">$14,169<\/a> and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remodeling.hw.net\/cost-vs-value\/deck-addition-composite?y=2021\">63.2%<\/a> cost recoup.<\/p>\n<p>Which to choose? A wood deck will generally have a lifespan of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbertech.com\/ideas\/how-long-does-decking-last\/\">10 to 15 years<\/a>, whereas a composite deck can last between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbertech.com\/ideas\/how-long-does-decking-last\/\">25 and 30 years<\/a>. Because both deck additions have a similar ROI, it all depends on how long you want to stay in the home before you sell, and the upkeep you\u2019re willing to handle.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re curious about deck trends, Tipton highlights that \u201cAdding or updating the sitting area or entertainment area to your deck or porch, and upgrading them to include full entertainment with sound, lights, and a fireplace, are real hot sellers right now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If you have some extra dough to spend and feel like riding the trend, go ahead and treat yourself to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mymove.com\/home-inspiration\/decoration-design-ideas\/favorite-ideas-outdoor-living-spaces\/\">fancy entertainment upgrade<\/a>. If not, you can always set your Bluetooth speaker next to your laptop running a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=siZ-oI95rlM\">crackling fire<\/a> video.<\/p>\n<h3>The bottom line<\/h3>\n<p>Why don\u2019t we wrap this up with a little quote from the Tin Man? While he may have lamented, \u201cIf only I had a brain!\u201d \u2014 with this article in hand, there\u2019s no need to scratch your head or to rack your brain for home update solutions, as the wonderful wizards of home improvement have worked their magic once again!<\/p>\n<p>Home improvement projects can be tricky to budget for or to prioritize, so it can be helpful to choose upgrades that come with the most benefits and the highest ROI. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/\">HomeLight<\/a> agent can help you navigate the needs of outdated homes and steer you in the right direction about which updates and renovations offer the best returns in your market.<\/p>\n<p><em>Header Source: (Zac Gudakov\/ Unsplash)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking to increase your home value? We have the top 10 home updates that increase home value and help you get the most from your investment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":246,"featured_media":27273,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[192,709,654],"tags":[781,780],"class_list":["post-27262","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-for-buyers","category-home-improvements","category-homeownership","tag-cheap-ways-to-increase-home-value","tag-how-to-increase-home-value"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.0 (Yoast SEO v27.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>11 Updates That Increase Home Value in Any Market<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking to increase your home value? 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