| |
Area of Home
|
|
Recommended Action
|
|
Average Cost
|
|
Increase in Selling Price
|
|
Average Return on Investment
|
|
Lighten and brighten |
|
Replace any burnt-out bulbs and use higher wattage bulbs, if possible.
Have defective electrical components repaired or replaced. Make sure
skylights are clear and keep drapes open during the day. |
|
$ 98 |
|
$538 - $865 |
|
619% |
Clean /
de-clutter |
|
Remove clutter by storing items in basement, attic or friend's home.
Rent a storage space or sell excess items, if needed. Keep every room
very clean during open homes. Do pre-open house cleanliness
inspections. |
|
$ 279 |
|
$1,594 - $2,058 |
|
556% |
|
Staging |
|
Buy some fresh flowers, live plants and other decorations to liven up
the home. Dispose of old furniture or other large items. Consider
renting furniture or hiring a staging consultant. |
|
$ 612 |
|
$1,466 - $2,362 |
|
213% |
|
Yard |
|
Store away personal effects from front yard. Hire gardener or
landscaper to trim back the overgrowth and maintain yard. Make sure
that your lawn has a healthy green appearance. |
|
$ 398 |
|
$1,013 - $1,361 |
|
198% |
|
Update kitchen and bath |
|
Update kitchen and baths by resurfacing cabinets or painting with
neutral color. Replace toilet seats, dated fixtures and drawer/cabinet
handles. Freshly caulk and redo grout in countertops, sinks, tubs and
showers. |
|
$ 1,549 |
|
$2,817 - $4,641 |
|
141% |
|
Plumbing and electrical |
|
Consider repairing or replacing any defective plumbing or electrical
items in your home. Make sure you have the right person for the job by
getting several estimates. |
|
$ 309 |
|
$550 - $816 |
|
121% |
|
Paint interior |
|
Repair any damaged interior walls by patching all chips, holes and
cracks; then touch up or repaint interior walls with neutral color.
|
|
$ 1,422 |
|
$1,891 - $2,550 |
|
56% |
|
Flooring |
|
Repair and refinish damaged floors, or cover with neutral-colored wall
to wall carpet and note damage in your disclosure. |
|
$ 1,566 |
|
$1,842 - $2,362 |
|
34% |
|
Carpeting |
|
If carpets are only lightly soiled, shampooing and/or spot removal
should suffice. If there are rips, fading, heavy wear, smells or deep
stains, replace with neutral color. |
|
$ 2,798 |
|
$3,268 - $3,828 |
|
27% |
|
Paint exterior |
|
Repaint or resurface the outside walls of house, as needed. Patch and
repair any damaged areas. |
|
$ 2,119 |
|
$2,299 - $2,862 |
|
22% |
| *
This report represents a consensus of the polled agents' opinions and
is for general information and illustration purposes only. Actual
costs and benefits may vary due to geography, market conditions and
home characteristics. Before contemplating any real estate improvement
project always consult a reputable local resource for personalized
advice. |
|
See our "Home
Improvement Resources" for illustrated, animated and narrated
how to information & tutorials to help you
make home improvements.
|
|
