6 Remodeling Services That Make Sense Before Selling Your Home
If you are preparing to sell your house, you may find yourself wondering what renovations will really draw buyers and justify the highest realistic asking price.
According to the National Association of Realtors, home sales in the U.S. tallied 4.06 million in 2024. That’s a drop of 0.7% year-over-year.
If the plan is to put your home up for sale this year, you’ll not only want to get it sold but also get a tangible return on your real estate investment. A full-scale overhaul might not be in order. Even so, a well-planned remodeling can tip the scales in your favor. The right projects can increase foot traffic to your home, encourage good offers, and shorten the amount of time your house stays on the market.
With that said, here are six remodeling projects it might make sense to pursue before selling your residence.
1. Kitchen Renovation
Home buyers always look at the kitchen because it is the hub of the home, and any remodeling work there can pay substantial dividends for home sellers.
You don’t have to gut out the entire room to make a difference — sometimes the little things make the biggest differences.
Painting or staining cabinets, reworking hardware and fixtures, replacing worn-out countertops, adding tile backsplashes, and swapping energy-draining appliances for energy-efficient appliances can help change up your kitchen and move the needle.
A tidy, functional, and sleek-looking kitchen can be a sign to home buyers that the property has been properly maintained.
2. Update the Bathrooms
Bathroom remodeling projects also make sense. A grimy or old-looking bathroom can be a turn-off. It won’t take much to give your bathroom a facelift if needed.
You can, among other things, re-grout tile and scrub or re-do caulking, add a new mirror and towel bars, replace an outdated vanity with a new one or refinish the existing one, or update old faucets, showerheads, and lighting fixtures.
3. Improve Curb Appeal
First impressions are important. Potential buyers will form their first impressions of your house based on what they see on the outside.
Curb appeal matters. You can improve the curb appeal of your property by painting or replacing the front door, cleaning or painting the garage door, planting a garden, and pressure washing the siding, walkway, and driveway.
These small repairs can really make a huge impact on the aesthetic value of your house and give potential buyers confidence that the house is worth bidding on. You’ll get the best results if you hire a company specializing in home remodeling. It can help you attract more interest in your home and get it sold sooner rather than later.
4. Paint the Interior
Few things can change up a room better than a coat or two of quality paint. If the goal is to paint your home, consider using neutral rather than off-the-wall colors that might not resonate with people viewing your home.
You can choose modern neutrals like warm white, light gray, or beige. While you’re at it, fix scuffed baseboards and trim.
Painting is cost-effective but high-impact, so it is among the best ways to get your home ready for sale.
5. Refinish or Update Flooring
Flooring is another project people will notice when viewing your home. Dirty tiles, scratched hardwood, or worn-out carpet can detract from your home’s oomph factor.
You can install vinyl plank or laminate rather than carpet where possible, refinish wood floors to restore the overall aesthetic, and replace broken or worn tiles.
If you cannot replace the floors throughout the entire house, prioritize the areas that need it most. The new flooring will make a world of difference.
6. Enhance Lighting and Fixtures
Proper lighting can make your home appear larger, roomier, and warmer — so that prospective home buyers can imagine themselves living there. New lighting fixtures are a simple means of achieving this important objective.
Swap out old clunky fixtures for new slim ones, install under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen if it’s dimly lit, and ensure every room has enough light.
Don’t forget exterior lighting — porch lighting, yard lighting, and security lights that are motion-sensitive all add to curb appeal and value.
When you want to sell your home, target the remodeling projects needed to get your home in good shape without breaking the bank. You don’t have to do everything on your wish list since the goal is to make your home as move-in-ready as possible on a budget.
Focus on the most desirable areas, like kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, and always aim for clean, efficient, and modern.
