Cooler Atlanta temperatures create a perfect opportunity to tackle some home upgrades. Whether you go DIY, or hire a handyman or contractor, you can make a huge impact for a few thousand dollars. Simple upgrades can increase the value of your home substantially and often ring the bell of a potential buyer as well.
Below is a list of the most common additions for a relatively low investment that deliver the biggest bang for your buck. All rank high on the “What Homebuyers Really Want” annual survey which is conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
Molding
One of the easiest and dramatic ways to dress up a room that’s been around since the Greeks and Romans is adding molding. It’s probably the most budget-friendly (at around $1.50 per foot) improvement that delivers the most expensive look.
With literally hundreds of options ranging from simple to ornate, you can layer to get the look you are going for. Finishing is also simple as you can stain, paint, or leave natural.
Buyers consistently rank both crown molding and chair railing in their list of most desirable decorative features they seek in a home, according to the annual survey.
Check out this Room For Tuesday blog post for inspiration.
Quality Ceiling Fans
Key word here is Quality. Cheap fans look cheap. With Atlanta summers, quality ceiling fans are a must for homeowners. They can keep room temperatures pleasant and combat rising energy costs.
Lucky for homeowners, ceiling fans come in a variety of styles and colors to complement any room. If your ceiling fans are old and outdated, new ones can make a huge visual impact and save you money. Go for the biggest Energy Star-Rated Fans that will fit the space. Check out these 16 Gorgeous Modern Celling Fans from My Move.
Plant Trees
We have such a long growing season in Atlanta, and a great way to literally “grow” your investment is by planting. A mature tree could be worth between $1,000 to $10,000, says the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers.
A 16-inch silver maple could be worth $2,562, according to a formula worked out by the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service.
TIP: Before you plant – consider windbreak trees to help insulate your house. Plant shade type trees on the south side of your home. Finally don’t plant to close together. The rule of thumb is no closer than the tree’s mature height plus one-fourth of that
height. So, for example, if a tree reaches 40 feet, it should be planted at least 50 feet from any other trees.
Install a Patio
Want more square footage? Take it outside. The patio and screened in porch are both great options. Patios typically see a 40%-60% return on investment. Pick the ideal spot and make sure you create good slope. You don’t want water pooling on your new patio.
Check property for slope, sun, and shade patterns so that you can maximize the placement. Keep it simple. Pricey add ons like outdoor kitchens are tough to recoup financially. Check out Lee’s last blog post Backyard Magic for Small Spaces for more
inspiration.
Check back next time for Part Two of this Living ATL Blog Series, and find out what else tops the list of what Buyers are Really Looking For. In the meantime, please reach out to Lee for any and all of your real estate needs. He’s happy to share all his experience and knowledge to help you on your real estate journey.