Looking for easy ways to add value to your Tahoe home? Sometimes all it takes is a simple upgrade to a home detail. While it’s always recommended to declutter your home about twice a year and shampoo the carpets regularly, there are some projects that you can complete over the weekend that really freshen up your space.
You don’t have to be an expert carpenter for these DIY home improvement projects for beginners! If you think you’ll be selling your home in the future, get started on one of these easy home improvement projects that potential our Tahoe buyers love.
Add Value With Paint
Painting the house is a relatively cheap and easy home improvement project that has a high ROI upwards of 107%, according to Home Again. But it’s important to choose the right shade and be consistent. I recommend sticking to the same color for all high-traffic areas including the living room, kitchen, hallway, entryway, and dining room.
When choosing an interior paint color, remember that less is more. Stick with neutral colors like beige and gray. If you can’t quite choose between the two, go with gray. According to 79% of top agents surveyed on HomeLight, gray was a more popular color among buyers. I love Dorian Gray by Sherwin Williams and Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore.
It can be overwhelming to pick out just the right interior paint color. A good rule of thumb is to pick a color that is two or more shades lighter than your flooring. This adds a nice contrast that is pleasing to the eye.
Contact me for reputable local painters.
Update Your Home’s Hardware
Here’s another instance where you’ll want to be very consistent with your home improvement project. Updating cabinet and drawer handles and pulls is affordable, easy, and can be finished in one day. Look for modern designs that will work in your bathroom and kitchen. While all hardware doesn’t have to match, try and stick to a central theme like wrought iron for all or brushed chrome for all. This goes for regular door handles and locks as well!
While you may love a classic vintage look, buyers today are looking for modern upgrades throughout the home. Find a sleek and modern design to boost the value of your home and get the highest return on your investment.
Update Your Home’s Faucets
Replacing outdated sink faucets in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms is an affordable update that can bring a modern vibe to your home. Check out your bathtub faucet and showerhead as well. Are they efficient? Do they look sleek and clean? If the answer is no, then it’s time for an upgrade. Small details like these can boost desirability in even the oldest homes.
Don’t get overwhelmed by the choices. Choose one finish and stick with it. I highly recommended silver faucets in either chrome or stainless steel. Chrome is great for a beautiful and clean shine while stainless steel is preferred for durability.
New faucets range widely in price, but it’s not hard to find quality modern designs for under $200. Just make sure they function well in the space they will be occupying!
Update Lighting With Energy Efficient LED
Did you know that residential LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting? Replacing your incandescent lighting with LEDs saves you money in the long run and is desirable to people interested in buying your home.
Because LED lights are so versatile, they are ideal for modern lighting schemes. LEDs can be placed under kitchen cabinets for a soft glow, used in recessed lighting, and can also replace bulbs in lamps.
If you live in Truckee you’re in luck; the Truckee PUD gives away LEDs to residents who schedule a free residential energy survey. Once you schedule an appointment, a certified energy specialist will come to your home and look for ways to reduce your energy and water bills, whether it’s through upgrading to LED or fixing your water heater.
Install Modern Home Technology
Homebuyers LOVE modern technology that is installed and already in use (and if you’re not selling quite yet, you’ll enjoy the newest technology as well). Don’t think you have to get everything at once install technology here and there on a schedule that works for you. Here are my favorite home tech additions that attract buyers and add value.
Right off the bat, I love Nest. Nest home products include thermostats, cameras, doorbells, alarm systems, locks, and smoke and CO alarms. The smart thermostat can be controlled remotely from an app on your phone. While you can set your own heating schedule, Nest can set a schedule based on your heating behaviors. What I love best about Nest is that if you leave the house and forget to set your heater, all you need is the Nest app on your phone to make it right. This is a great feature for those of us living in the mountains with snowy winters.
Other modern home technologies that appeal to home buyers include smart speakers, smart plugs, and yep robot vacuums. Who doesn’t want a robot keeping the floors clean all the time?
Make Your Home Smell Good
While you may not notice an odor, good or bad, in your home, others most likely do. Keep your home smelling fresh and clean with a home diffuser. I recommend citrus as a light scent that is appealing and stimulating. Not all citrus will do, however. Only use natural citrus, no artificial scents! While you may have not even listed your home yet, diffusing oils regularly will result in a natural home scent that sticks.
Update Window Treatments
The lacy curtains that your grandmother made you are probably beautiful, but I’m sorry to say they are not appealing to someone potentially buying your home. Update old curtains, aluminum blinds, budget vertical blinds, or any type of blinds that are broken or stained with new, modern choices.
Invest in wood blinds that are a similar shade to your wood flooring. This look contrasts nicely with a neutral paint color. Don’t forget high-quality draperies adding a nice, well-made drapery to the windows gives your home a cozy feel.
Tile a New Backsplash
Update your kitchen with a fresh backsplash. This can exist anywhere in your kitchen: above the sink, oven, or high-use counter spaces. You can retile the entire thing, or just stick to one area, such as the section by your stove or over your sink.
Choosing between different textures and colors can be overwhelming. Classic white subway tiles never go out of style and a mosaic design is inexpensive and gives the kitchen a rustic vibe that still clings to a modern freshness.
Paying for Renovations Before Selling
Tackling all these home improvement projects at once can add up fast. If you don’t have the luxury of knocking these out over time because you’re hoping to list your house in the near future, I have good news for you!
With the Compass Concierge program, I can help you obtain the capital for home improvement projects that will boost your home’s value. The best part is that there is no interest on the loan ever. And ultimately, the return will most likely be greater than your investment. So you have nothing to lose!
I’ll help you identify which areas of your home need the most improvement to get higher offers on your home. We’ll work together to secure local Tahoe vendors and make it quick and easy so that you can list your home faster.