Replacing old appliances with newer, greener, and more energy efficient ones is an easy way to increase your home’s value without tearing any walls down. Plus, this is a great way to invest in your home that will improve the quality of your life while you still currently live there. According to Directenergy.com, about 13% of the average home’s energy consumption comes from appliances, so changing out things such as your refrigerator, washing/drying machines, or oven can potentially save you some cash until you’re ready to move.

Switching over to solar energy is another way to increase your home’s value by making it more energy efficient. If you don’t plan to move any time soon and are solely looking for a bump in property value, this could be the perfect investment for you. A typical solar panel system costs about $12,500 but is a smart long-term investment that will make your money back over time. According to recent research from Zillow, installing solar panels can increase a home’s value by up to 4.1%, or an additional $9,274 for the median-valued home in the U.S.

Replacing the siding on your home will instantly re-vamp your home’s exterior/curb appeal and is one of those things that can turn heads of potential home buyers. Replacing vinyl siding with adhered manufactured stone veneer is a recent renovation trend that can also increase a home’s value. Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value Report lists manufactured stone veneer as the top home improvement job and estimates that 95.6% of the investment spent on the project could be recouped in home value increase. So, if you’re looking for an improvement that will give your home a major face lift and provide the wow factor that makes buyers want to see more on the inside, re-siding your home is the way to go.

Another home improvement project that will increase your home’s value by instantly adding to the curb-appeal is a newer, more stylish garage door. Do a quick google search of before and after photos of homes that replaced their garage doors and you’ll quickly see why this investment visibly increases a home’s value. It’s a relatively inexpensive improvement that can yield a 94.5% return on investment according to the Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value Report.

The modern-day home buyer is often searching for a home that will save them money in the long run. This particular home improvement can save your family money while you live there, increase your home’s value for when you’re ready to sell, and can even boost the home’s curb appeal depending on what style you choose for your new windows. You may even qualify for tax credits from your state or utility company by opting for energy efficient windows.

Most home buyers find the kitchen to be one of the biggest selling points in the entire home. While remodeling a kitchen can be a big task that costs a lot of money and effort, there are small and effective ways to increase your home’s value in the kitchen without having to take out a huge loan. Check out our recent article that lists some of the hottest kitchen renovation trends that won’t break the bank. Keep in mind the rest of your home when renovating so that it doesn’t outshine every other room or appear to be the only renovated part of the house.

2020 has made more and more people appreciate being outdoors, considering all the time folks have had to spend cooped up inside. Having a great outdoor entertaining area in the backyard is a great way to increase your home’s value and impress potential buyers. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value Report, adding a deck to the backyard could yield a 72.1% return on investment. Installing clean, pressure-treated deck boards in a simple linear pattern could do wonders for your backyard that your family will adore. Already have an outdoor deck? Check out our recent article, “How to Make Your Backyard the Perfect Entertaining Spot” for more ideas on how to elevate your backyard.

Consider giving your master bath some love by giving it a fresh paint job or adding new countertops, sinks, lights, or finishes to the fixtures. Small renovations like these may fetch you a few extra dollars come selling time. Be careful not to go overboard though, especially if your bathrooms are already in good shape. Investing too much money in the bathroom might not get you the return on investment you’re hoping for. Another idea? Find an area of your home that could benefit from adding a half-bath, such as under the stairs or in the garage.