When it comes to selling your home, some renovations can significantly boost your profits. In this post, we’ll walk you through the 10 best remodeling projects we undertook that helped us maximize the value of our home and generate a huge profit when we sold it in 2021. With careful planning and strategic updates, we turned a two-year home investment into a $150k profit! Here’s how we did it.
1. Extended the Driveway
One of the first projects we tackled was extending our driveway. We expanded it by six feet to the left and three feet to the right, which allowed us to comfortably fit two cars side by side. With a longer driveway, we could now park up to eight to ten cars, which was a huge selling point for potential buyers.
2. Added a Second Bathroom
Our home originally had only one bathroom, which is often a dealbreaker for buyers. We added a second bathroom by framing an additional space in the backyard. Though compact (3 feet by 9 feet), the second bathroom included a shower with a rain-style showerhead and a utility sink, adding significant convenience and value.
3. Built a Custom Storage Shed
We built a custom storage shed in the backyard, but we went beyond the basics. The shed included full electrical wiring, insulation, and a ceiling fan. With plenty of space for extra storage and a loft area, this added an appealing bonus room for future homeowners.
4. New Concrete Patio & Garden Space
We added a concrete patio with a roofed area, perfect for outdoor living. Surrounding the patio, we landscaped with beautiful plants, roses, and a vegetable garden area, using premium soil for optimal growth. This created a cozy and functional outdoor space that we knew buyers would love.
5. Installed New Windows & Roof
We replaced all of the windows and installed a new roof, which dramatically improved the house’s curb appeal and energy efficiency. These structural updates provided peace of mind for buyers and significantly increased the home’s value.
6. Garage Renovation
The previous owner had built a partial enclosure in the garage, creating a small workshop and laundry area. We kept this feature, which added utility and versatility to the garage space, but ensured it could be easily removed if future owners preferred a more traditional garage.
7. Updated Flooring Throughout the House
We replaced the outdated carpet with new flooring throughout most of the home. This included new tile in the dining area and durable laminate in the living spaces. We also added three-inch baseboards for a more polished, modern look.
8. Upgraded Lighting & Paint
The home had minimal lighting, so we installed new lights throughout the house, especially in the kitchen and living room. We also repainted most of the home’s interior, including giving the fireplace a fresh whitewashed look for a modern feel.
9. Kitchen Renovation
The kitchen received a complete overhaul. We painted the cabinets in a two-tone finish, installed a new backsplash, and moved the refrigerator to create more counter space. We also upgraded all the appliances to stainless steel and modernized the countertops and sink, giving the kitchen a fresh, contemporary look.
10. Bedroom & Closet Updates
We refreshed each bedroom with new paint, ceiling fans, and carpeting in the master bedroom. Adding ceiling fans was especially helpful since the home didn’t have air conditioning, and this small upgrade made the rooms more comfortable and appealing to buyers.
Bonus Projects:
- We painted the entire exterior of the home, which helped attract more attention to our listing.
- Upgrading the front door and adding new landscaping to the front yard increased curb appeal and made a strong first impression.
Final Results:
After two years of living in and renovating this home, we were able to net $150,000 in profit from these strategic improvements. These projects were not only cost-effective, but they dramatically increased the home’s value with minimal effort. If you’re looking to sell your home and maximize your return, these renovations are a great place to start.
Video Walkthrough:
Check out our video to see all the renovations we did and how these upgrades helped us increase our home’s value: