{"id":7255,"date":"2018-12-31T13:14:34","date_gmt":"2018-12-31T21:14:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=7255"},"modified":"2026-03-25T08:56:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T15:56:33","slug":"updates-that-increase-home-value","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/updates-that-increase-home-value\/","title":{"rendered":"Small Updates that Increase Home Value: 16 Projects You Can Tackle for Less Than $1,000"},"content":{"rendered":"

The shine of $1,300 imported glass tile backsplash<\/a> sends your interior design gears running wild. Why not take your house from drab to fab with luxury renovations?<\/p>\n

Slow your roll, amateur Joanna Gaines with a credit card. Contrary to popular belief, fancy kitchen overhauls will yield you just 53.5% ROI<\/a>, a number representative of the generally low returns on upscale remodeling projects.<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m not a huge proponent for large expensive upgrades, especially if I don’t think that the seller is going to get a decent return out of it,\u201d says Stephanie Valdez<\/a>, a top agent with Bustos Real Estate<\/a>, which sells 73% more properties than average agents in Utah.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n \"homelight\n <\/div>\n \n

Upgrading Your Home? First, See How Much It's Worth<\/h3>\n

HomeLight can provide a preliminary estimate of home value in as little as two minutes.<\/p>\n \n

\n Request Home Value<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

The sweet spot for updates that increase home value lies in the low-to-mid cost range, according to reports from leading home building organizations and real estate associations.<\/p>\n

With those parameters we bring you 16 home updates for under $1,000 that that will boost your home\u2019s marketability and won\u2019t leave you crying over your remodeling bills.<\/p>\n

The kitchen is the heart of a home\u2026 with these budget-friendly updates<\/h2>\n

Minor kitchen remodels<\/a> have an 81.1% recoup value<\/a> compared to their upscale versions. And, according to the 2017 National Association of the Remodeling Industry report, kitchen upgrades are ranked as one of the highest appeals to home buyers<\/a>, with a Joy Score of 9.6.<\/p>\n

So, don\u2019t start tearing off tiles and charging at your countertops with a jackhammer. We\u2019re thinking of minimal kitchen updates that you can finish in just a couple of days.<\/p>\n

Update #1: Install a double sink in the kitchen<\/h3>\n

Cost range: $100-$500<\/h4>\n

According to the National Association of Home Builders\u2019 2017 Home Buyer Preferences Survey<\/a>, the number one feature that middle-income home buyers looked for in the kitchen is a side-by-side double-sink, with 37% of buyers viewing it as essential.<\/p>\n

Consumer Reports recommends deeper sinks<\/a> for a limited splash zone and a side-by-side model with at least one sink that\u2019s big enough to fit larger pots and pans. Aim for something that\u2019s functional and easy to clean, with a modern touch.<\/p>\n

We recommend stainless steel models with an undermount for that sleeker finish. The\u00a0Brier Double Bowl Kitchen Sink fit the criteria with top ratings.<\/p>\n

Update #2: Say ‘Aloha!’ to your new kitchen island<\/h3>\n

Cost range: $150-$600<\/h4>\n

Another update that home buyers look for is a central kitchen island. NAHB\u2019s survey found that 77% of home buyers rate it as essential or desirable. But building an entirely new structure in the middle of your kitchen isn\u2019t something that you likely have the time for.<\/p>\n

So, a simple way to make this update is to purchase a premade and portable kitchen island that you can fit into any space. An already-assembled kitchen island adds storage, additional eating space (another desirable kitchen feature), and more food preparation room.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve found different styles all for less than $500<\/a> that will fit in any kitchen:<\/p>\n