Home & Family |
On the Home Front
Home Improvement Ideas
to Boost Resale Value
by Kerry Andersen
As we near the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Laura making landfall in Southwest Louisiana, many homeowners are just now wrapping up extensive insurance claims and starting the arduous task of repairing their homes. Some will rebuild with an eye toward putting things back just the way they were, but realtors say resist that urge, and seize this unique opportunity to make updates to your home that will boost the resale value of your most valuable asset. Licensed realtor Marilyn Boudreaux says, “Kitchens and bathrooms continue to be the focal point of the home and the best place to attract the attention of buyers and boost the value of your home. Start by upgrading built-in or jacuzzi bathtubs with a sleek free-standing soaker tub. You might even consider a more modern tub shape like oval or square, and remember, bigger is better!” Boudreaux adds, “If budget allows, you can’t go wrong with quartz or granite countertops and new stainless-steel appliances in the kitchen. After that, there are four sure-fire improvements to focus on during the rebuilding process that will net the highest return on investment for homeowners and make your property attractive to potential buyers.” • If you are starting from scratch with your post-hurricane remodel – knock down those walls! Opening up the floor plan will create a spacious layout that modernday buyers seek. For example, consider connecting a bedroom and bathroom to create a true master suite or opening up the kitchen and living room into one large multi-purpose living space.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2021
• New flooring is a costly update, but according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), it can help sell your home faster and for more money. NAR says homeowners will recoup 106% of the cost of installing new hardwood floors. Refinishing existing hardwood flooring nets 100% of the cost at resale. In Southwest Louisiana, Luxury Vinyl Plank is a popular pick because it looks like real hardwood but is more affordable. Its water-resistant quality is appealing to pet owners and more durable in natural disasters. • You don’t need to spend a lot of money to boost your return on investment (ROI). Replacing kitchen and bathroom cabinets is costly, but you can affordably install new knobs and drawer pulls to create a cohesive, modern look. Switching out older fixtures for stylish new ceiling lights quickly brightens up and modernizes your living space. Shiny, upgraded faucets and showerheads give bathrooms and kitchens a facelift, new functionality, and a bottom-line boost.
• Keep it neutral! Boudreaux says resist the urge to paint every room in the house with your personal favorite color. If the goal is to resell your home now or in the near future, a neutral color palette is your best bet. A clean slate allows buyers to envision their furnishings in your space. Also consider painting dark stained cabinets in a lighter hue and choosing white as a trim color. Top Sherwin Williams neutral picks are Accessible Beige (SW7036), Agreeable Gray (SW7029), and Alabaster (SW7008). One final thing to consider as you rebuild your home is curb appeal. Boudreaux says many homeowners are not able to match damaged exterior bricks during repairs, so they are choosing to paint them for a consistent look. Be sure to set aside funds for a landscaping refresh; choose hearty plants with easy maintenance like boxwood hedges and knock out roses. Colorful annuals planted in pots by your front door are a welcoming and affordable touch. Marilyn Boudreaux is a licensed realtor affiliated with Century 21 Bono Realty. Visit www. marilynboudreaux.com to sign up for a free guide to increasing your home’s value.
