Flipping Houses 101

Renovating a house is an exciting task that many people take on to increase equity, run a business, or improve their living space. Homeowners often wonder which renovations will give them the most bang for their buck. The answer to that question depends on many factors, including the current market, location, and personal goals.

The bottom line is that any homeowner wants a good return on investment (ROI) on any home renovation work. Home renovations can be costly and also take a lot of time. So if you are doing some renovations, you might as well select the projects that will increase the value of your home as much as possible. These projects will give you a great return on investment and help improve the value of your home.

1. Paint Your Walls a Neutral Color

Painting is one of the least expensive ways to renovate your home and can make a big difference in your space’s overall look and feel. A fresh coat of paint can brighten up a room and make it feel more spacious. It’s also a great way to cover up any imperfections in your walls. When selecting a paint color, it’s essential to choose a neutral shade that will appeal to many buyers.

Additionally, a neutral shade will give you much flexibility when decorating a room. It might be tempting to choose a bold color. However, a distinct color may require purchasing new decorations and furniture. These additional purchases can be costly and significantly reduce your ROI.

Before selecting a color, develop a plan for the entire house. You want to make sure that the paint matches from room to room.

2. Replace Your Light Fixtures With Energy-efficient LED Bulbs

Another easy and relatively inexpensive way to update your home is by replacing old or outdated light fixtures with new, energy-efficient ones. This update will immediately brighten up your home and make it feel more modern with its cool white light.

When you’re putting in your new lights, you want to ensure that the fixtures provide adequate lighting for each room.

New energy-efficient LED bulbs, and light fixtures have several benefits. Not only will you reduce your energy bill each month, but proper lighting can make rooms feel much larger.

3. Install a New Door or Door Handle

An easy way to make a significant impact is by installing a new door or door handle. This update will add curb appeal and make your home feel more welcoming.

A new front door can add a sense of style and make your house pop when people drive by. Additionally, a high-quality door can improve your home’s security and decrease heating and cooling costs.

If you don’t want to invest significantly in a new door, you can opt to replace the door handle on the front door. People often forget to replace door handles, and the old handles can seem cheap and outdated.

4. Update Your Kitchen Cabinets

One of the most significant investments you can make in your home is updating your kitchen cabinets. This update will immediately modernize your kitchen and make it more functional.

You also want to ensure that the cabinets are high-quality.

Finally, you want to take into consideration the functionality of the kitchen. Many new kitchen cabinets have space-saving features that dramatically increase the amount of usable space your kitchen cabinets have.

Installing new kitchen cabinets can be a big project, and you might need to hire a professional to help with the installation.

5. Install Laminate Countertops

If you’re installing new cabinets, it’s a great time to replace the countertops as well. However, installing new countertops works as a standalone project just as well. 

Laminate countertops are highly customizable and budget-friendly. Laminates are available in several design options including granite, quartz, and marble. The color varieties are endless. 

Laminate material has undergone substantial testing as it has become exponentially more popular in the last decade. The laminate materials now on the market for kitchen countertops are non-porous, which means liquids and debris won’t seep into the surface and create a stain. 

Additionally, laminate countertops are easy enough to install yourself if you feel confident enough to go the DIY route and save even more money. 

6. Add Crown Molding to Your Ceiling

Adding crown molding to your ceiling is an easy way to add a touch of luxury to your home. This update will make your rooms feel more sophisticated. 

When selecting crown molding, it’s essential to ensure that the molding is a material that will stand the test of time.

Crown molding can be installed relatively quickly, but it’s essential to take your time and do it right. Cutting corners on this project will result in an inferior finished product.

Installing crown molding is a great home renovation project to pair with new paint. Combining a new paint job and crown molding can drastically increase the appeal of rooms. No matter what you choose, make sure to select paint and molding that match and create a positive vibe in your home.

7. Plant Some Flowers or Trees in Your Yard

One of the first things potential buyers will see when they pull up to your home is your landscaping. Adding some flowers or trees to your yard is an easy way to add curb appeal and make your home feel more welcoming.

When selecting plants for your landscaping, choosing species native to your area is essential. Selecting native species will ensure that the plants adapt well to your climate and require less maintenance.

It’s also essential to consider the amount of sun and shade different areas of your yard receive. Knowing the sun and shade will help you choose plants that thrive in those conditions.

Finally, you want to ensure you have a plan for watering your plants. Many people forget to water their landscaping, and the plants die.

8. Install New Flooring

Installing new flooring is a significant investment, but it can pay off. New flooring will modernize your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers.

New flooring will make your house seem much more contemporary, but a high-quality floor can dramatically improve other aspects of the home. For example, high-quality wood floors will last longer than cheaper alternatives. Plus, wood floors are easy to clean and provide a classier aesthetic.

Installing new flooring is a huge undertaking and should not be done without the support of professionals. Trying to install new flooring on your home might seem appealing to increase the ROI, but doing the job poorly can create serious problems that will be costly.

9. Replace Your Old Windows With Energy-efficient Ones

If your home has drafty, single-pane windows, then replacing them with energy-efficient windows is a great way to improve its value. Not only will this make your home more comfortable, but it will also help you save money on your energy bills.

When selecting new windows, it’s essential to choose a style that compliments the overall design of your home. You should also consider if you want the windows to open or not. The market is full of a wide variety of different types of windows. Selecting the right window for the space and the function can also help increase the ROI of this home renovation.

Window installation is another complicated project that professionals best undertake. More expensive home renovation projects are worth having professional support for. The last thing you want is your new windows to be installed incorrectly and cause additional problems with your home.

10. Replace Your Old Door Knobs and Hinges With New Hardware

One of the quickest and most affordable home renovation projects you can do is to replace your old hardware. Hardware you can replace includes door knobs, hinges, switchplates, etc.

New hardware can make a significant difference in the overall look of your home. It’s a small change that can have a considerable impact. When selecting new hardware, make sure to choose pieces that match the style of your home.

Replacing your old hardware is a quick and easy project you can do yourself. It’s also one of the most affordable home renovation projects on this list.

Wrap Up

These are some of the best home renovation projects you can do to improve the value of your house. Home renovations can be a big undertaking, and the costs can add up quickly, so selecting projects that will provide the most ROI is essential.

Some of the best home renovations include painting, installing new flooring, replacing old windows, and updating hardware. These projects can be done relatively cheaply and will significantly impact the overall look of your house.