Indoor Upgrades That Increase Property Value

When it comes to boosting your home’s value fast, indoor upgrades are one of the smartest investments you can make. Updating your home’s interior not only makes your space more enjoyable to live in but also catches the eye of potential buyers when it’s time to sell. A well-thought-out renovation can transform your house into a highly-sought-after property and make it stand out in a competitive real estate market.

Focusing on specific areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and even flooring can significantly increase your home’s overall value. By making smart upgrades in these spaces, you’re enhancing your home’s appeal and functionality, which should lead to a better resale price. So, with that said, let’s examine the indoor upgrades that are worth considering this year to guarantee the best return on your investment... 

Kitchen Renovations  

The kitchen really is the heart of our homes; therefore, it’s one of the most valuable areas to upgrade. A well-renovated kitchen can significantly boost your property’s value and appeal, making it a top priority for so many homeowners. 

Here are three key, impactful ways to upgrade your kitchen and maximize its potential. 

Appliances  

Modernizing your kitchen appliances to contemporary, energy-efficient models can make a world of difference. These appliances offer better functionality and efficiency than their elder counterparts, but they also add a sleek, updated look that buyers love. Look for stainless steel finishes, smart technology features, and energy-saving certifications to keep your kitchen current and attractive. 

Cabinets and Countertops 

Old, worn-out cabinets and countertops really do date a kitchen, while fresh, updated ones can completely transform the space. Consider refacing or replacing your cabinets with modern styles and colors that appeal to today’s buyers.  

Quartz and granite countertops are popular choices for their durability and aesthetic appeal. They offer a high-end finish that makes the kitchen feel a tad more luxurious. 

Lighting Fixtures 

Lighting sets the mood in your kitchen and spotlights its best features. Replacing outdated fixtures with modern, stylish options can brighten up the space and make it more inviting. We’re talking about under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights over the island, and recessed lighting to create a well-lit, welcoming atmosphere. 

Bathroom Renovations 

Bathrooms are another crucial area that can significantly impact your home’s value. Upgrading your full and half bathrooms improves daily comfort and makes your home more appealing to future buyers.  

Installing Energy-Efficient Fixtures 

Switching to energy-efficient fixtures is a smart move that benefits both the environment and your wallet. In other words, good for the green! 

Consider replacing old faucets, showerheads, and toilets with water-saving models. Low-flow fixtures and dual-flush toilets help reduce water usage without sacrificing performance, making them an attractive feature for the ever-growing population of eco-conscious buyers.

Adding Luxury 

Giving a touch of luxury to your bathroom might make it feel like a spa retreat...or as much as one bathroom can be. 

Heated floors are a popular upgrade that adds warmth and comfort in the colder months. Rainfall showers, soaking tubs, and sleek vanity designs also create a more relaxing and, say, indulgent experience. These high-end features can transform the basic bathroom into a space that exudes comfort and style. 

Flooring Enhancements 

The right flooring can make all the difference in the look and feel of your home. Experts say it’s one of the first things people notice when they walk in, and upgrading your floors can be a worthwhile investment.  

Benefits of Hardwood Floors 

Hardwood floors have long been a favorite among homeowners and buyers alike, and it’s easy to see why. They bring a timeless, dignified look to any space and are incredibly durable. 

With proper care, hardwood floors can last for decades, making them a smart long-term investment. Additionally, hardwood is versatile, complementing a variety of interior design styles, from traditional to modern. A classic appeal often translates to higher resale value.  

Alternatives: Tile and Laminate  

If hardwood isn’t within your budget or just isn't your “thing,” tile and laminate are fantastic alternatives. 

Tile is particularly popular in kitchen and bathroom areas due to its water resistance and resilience. It comes in a wide range of styles and finishes, allowing you to achieve different looks, from sleek and modern to rustic and traditional. 

Laminate flooring, on the other hand, offers the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. It’s easy to install and maintain, and advancements in laminate technology have made it more realistic and durable than, essentially, ever before. Both tile and laminate are practical choices that can give your home a fresh new feel without breaking the bank. 

Smart Home Technology Integration 

Adding smart home technology is a great way to bring your house into the modern era while making life a bit easier. Plus, these upgrades can add serious value when it’s time to sell.

Smart Thermostats  

A smart thermostat is one of those small upgrades that can make a big difference. You can control the temperature of your home directly from your phone, whether you’re on the couch or away on vacation. 

Some models even learn your habits and adjust the temperature automatically to keep things just right while saving on energy costs. Buyers love seeing these in homes because they know it means lower utility bills and a more comfortable living space. 

Security Systems 

A smart security system adds peace of mind (Atlantic Bay’s specialty, by the way) and extra protection for your home.

With features like real-time alerts, cameras you can check from anywhere, and even smart locks, you’re in control of your home’s security no matter where you are. These systems are a huge plus for buyers, offering the convenience of modern tech along with the safety everyone wants in a new home.

Painting and Wall Treatments 

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home, giving it a clean, updated look without a huge investment. Focusing on the right colors and treatments can make a major difference.  

Choosing Neutral Colors  

Neutral colors are a safe bet when it comes to painting your home, especially if you’re thinking about selling. Soft grays, beiges, and off-whites create a calm and inviting atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of tastes. These colors also make spaces feel larger and brighter, which is always a plus. Plus, neutral walls give potential buyers a blank canvas to envision their own choices, which could help your home sell faster. 

Accent Walls 

If you want to add a bit of personality without overwhelming a room, an accent wall is the way to go. A bold color or a textured finish on one wall can create a focal point that makes the space feel more dynamic and modern. A deep blue in the living room or patterned wallpaper in the dining area can add just the right amount of flair to keep your home looking trendy and fresh. 

Basement Finishing  

Your basement doesn’t have to be a dark, dingy, or unused space. With a bit of effort, it can become one of the most valuable areas in your home.  

Creating Additional Living Space 

Turning your basement into a cozy living space is a fantastic way to make the most out of your home. Whether a family room, guest suite, home office, or even a personal gym, the possibilities are endless. 

A finished basement adds square footage that can serve multiple purposes, making your home more versatile and appealing. Plus, it’s a great way to give your family more room to spread out without the need for an expensive addition. 

Weatherproofing and Insulation 

Before you start the fun part of designing your basement, you’ll want to make sure it’s protected from moisture and properly insulated. 

Waterproofing prevents water damage and keeps the space dry and comfortable. Installing insulation not only helps with temperature control but also improves energy efficiency, keeping heating and cooling costs down. These steps are essential for usability year-round. 

Storage Solutions 

Let’s face it—everyone could use a little more storage space. Clever storage solutions keep your home tidy, spacious, and organized. 

Built-In Shelves  

Built-in shelves are a stylish way to add storage without taking up extra floor space. They work well in just about any room, from living rooms and bedrooms to home offices and kitchens. Built-ins can easily be customized to fit your space perfectly and blend with your home’s design.  

Closet Organizers 

Meanwhile, closet organizers can transform a chaotic closet into a well-ordered space where everything has its place. With shelves, drawers, and hanging rods, these systems make it easy to store clothes, shoes, and accessories effectively and efficiently. You’ll be surprised at how much more you can fit into your closet when it’s organized with care.  

Open Floor Plans 

Open floor plans have become a favorite in modern home design. They offer a sense of spaciousness and connectivity that so many homeowners cherish. 

Benefits to Open Space 

In one fell swoop, an open floor plan can completely change the feel of your home. 

By removing barriers between rooms, you create a more expansive, airy environment that allows for better flow of light and movement. Open spaces are great for entertaining, as they let guests mingle freely without feeling confined to separate rooms. They also make it easier to keep an eye on kids while cooking or working in another part of the home. Overall, open floor plans offer a more flexible layout that effortlessly adapts to your lifestyle. 

About Those Structural Changes... 

OK, the idea of knocking down walls might sound a little intense, so always revisit the structural aspects of a room before making any changes. Some walls might be load-bearing, which means they’re crucial for supporting the weight of your home. If that’s the case, removing them could require adding beams or other reinforcements to maintain the structural integrity of the house. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional to ensure that any changes you make are safe and sound. 

Renovation Loans?  

A renovation loan is a resourceful way to upgrade an existing property to accommodate new homeowners’ wants and needs. Anyone with the appropriate credit can take advantage of the loan to modernize an outdated home and make it their own. It transforms the not-so-perfect home you just purchased into your family’s future for the next 30 years. 

Maybe you want a suite attached to your home so your mother-in-law has a space all her own. Or maybe you want to install or update the heating and cooling systems so you have the latest models on the market. In either case, a renovation loan would be the answer to your problems. Making accessibility improvements, redesigning the kitchen or bathroom layouts, or, if you obtain the correct medical waivers, installing a hot tub can each be a part of the overhauling completed by a renovation loan. 

Repairs you want to see happen are included, too. Fixing your home’s piping to prevent increasing radon levels is an option. No matter the property, a renovation loan spins your recent purchase into your dream home with all the fixings. 

Interested to see if you qualify for a renovation loan? Give our team a call or visit the Atlantic Bay website for more details!

Evaluating Your ROI 

Now, with all these (hopefully) new indoor upgrade ideas swimming around in your head, it’s time to start thinking about the cost. Bummer, we know, but it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of high-end renovations; the real goal is to make sure the money you spend will pay off when you decide to sell. 

Some of the upgrades we’ve covered, like sprucing up the kitchen, modernizing the bathroom, or adding smart home features, tend to give you a great bang for your buck. These changes immediately make your home more appealing and catch the eye of potential buyers who are looking for modern, updated spaces. 

To measure your return on investment (ROI) effectively, start by getting estimates for the cost of your planned upgrades. Then, research how much similar upgrades have increased property values in your area. Online tools, real estate reports, or consultations with real estate agents can provide those oh-so valuable insights.  

And once you’ve tackled the most impactful indoor upgrades, you can start thinking about outdoor improvements to boost curb appeal. Or, if you’re considering a bigger project, now might be the perfect time to talk to our team about a renovation loan to help finance your next step!