10 Home Improvements That Will Pay You Back

This is a sponsored post written by me for Sears Home Services. All opinions are 100% my own. We bought our first house when I was just 22. We purchased the smallest home in a desirable neighborhood. Everything about that first home was builder grade but through the nearly ten years that we lived there, we made improvements that we loved, but more than that, they were improvements that paid us back. It's inevitable that as you are looking for a home, you will have a critical eye open looking for things to change. Not only do home buyers want to put their own personal touch on a home, they also want to make sure that they see the return on their investment when they go to sell their home. I've got 10 home renovations that will add value to your home. Even small projects like replacing your front door will provide great value when you go to sell. You can enjoy the improvements that you are making and know that they will be improvements that will be paying you back in the long run.

10 Home Improvements That Will Pay You Back

1. Entry Door Replacement

Everyone has heard of the term "curb appeal". It matters. The outside of your home is the first thing that buyers see. You want your home to make a good first impression. Replacing or updating your entry door will have a real impact on your home and will give you the wow factor you are looking for.

2. Siding Replacement

Some of the hardest home projects to tackle for me are the ones that don't really change the appearance of the home at all. Your home won't look any different, but upgrading to fiber-cement siding will virtually pay for itself when you go to sell.

3. Deck Addition

I don't know too many people who don't want more living space, many outdoor decks provide just that. This was an investment that we made in our first home and we were glad that we did. We had a few years to enjoy the space and know that it was a real selling feature when we went to list.

4. Garage Door Replacement

Many homes come with builder grade garage doors and they look cheap. Upgrading your garage door will help improve that curb appeal and will make a great first impression for home buyers.

5. Minor Kitchen Remodel

This is one of the projects we tackled in our first home that I think made the biggest impact. I called it a lipstick remodel. We didn't change the footprint of the kitchen, which would have been quite expensive. We painted the cabinets, added new granite counter tops and replaced the sink and appliances. It's easy to spend a lot of money tackling a kitchen remodel but it's not necessary.

6. Attic Bedroom 

Creating more living space will almost always pay you back in the end. Transforming space that's hiding in your rafters will be an easier way to add space than the headache of adding an addition. You may also be able to avoid things like zoning restrictions and easements that are issues you run into when you add on to a home.

7. Window Replacement

Not only are new windows more energy efficient they could also be safer than the current ones you have. It's one of those functional home improvements that isn't as much fun to sink money into, but it will make a difference in the long run.

8. Basement Remodel

Again, creating more usable space in a home will always pay you back. You don't want to over-renovate your basement but you do want to create a space that people will want to spend time in and that is usable.

9. Bathroom Remodel

It's been said that kitchens and baths sell a home. Not only do prospective home buyers make a mental note and count every bathroom, they are also looking at the condition of the space. You don't need to have high-end fixtures and finishes, but focus instead on creating a neutral comfortable space.

10. Garage Addition

If you don't have a garage add one. Garages not only add a covered space for your cars and vehicles, they also provide much needed storage space for your home.

You can save on home improvements this summer. See all available offers. Schedule your free in-home consultation with a Sears Expert today! 

If you've sold a home, what do you think has been the best improvement you made that has paid you back?

disclaimer: this is a sponsored post on behalf of Sears Home Services. All opinions are 100% my own.