Atlanta Home Improvements That Add Value

Here are 9 Atlanta home improvements that add value to your home without breaking the bank.

Atlanta home buyers are willing to pay top dollar for a move-in-ready home in the right location. These improvements are an easy and affordable way to give buyers more of what they seek and sell your home for more money in less time.

1. Update the exterior

The old saying “you never get a second chance to make a first-impression” also applies to your home.

Your home’s exterior is the first thing prospective buyers see. Whether they’re looking on-line or actually visiting your home with their agent or during an open house, that first impression is critically important. You want the buyer to be wowed. This Virginia-Highland home is a great example.

Consider painting the exterior, replacing or painting the front door, replacing an old garage door and adding some attractive potted plants in key areas approaching the front door.

Moreover, in Atlanta of course we like our front porches! If your home has one, maximize it. Make sure it’s clean, uncluttered and well-staged with on-trend furnishings.

A positive first impression is one of the best ways to add perceived value to your home.

2. Upgrade kitchen appliances

The next area of improvement that will add value is the kitchen.

For most people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. How the kitchen shows can easily make or break the value of your home.

Of course, a complete kitchen renovation is costly a major inconvenience. Depending upon the price range and location of your home, there may be more value in simply installing new appliances. A new dishwasher, refrigerator, wine fridge and oven/range will make most buyers very happy.

These improvements are super easy and you’re paying only for the item and basic installation. We recommend buying a cost-effective set of appliances that correspond with the sale price you’re seeking. In other words, don’t buy the cheapest appliances if you’re trying to sell your multi-million-dollar home and don’t go top of the line if the home is more modestly priced.

Of course if your home’s kitchen is 20+ years old you may need to do a bit more. Consider replacing dated cabinet doors with more on-trend doors and having them professionally painted. Update the lighting, faucets, sink, countertops and backsplash if needed.

Regardless of how much you decide to do, keep in mind your doing the project to sell the home. For this reason, your selections should be appealing to the broadest audience.

3. Improve bathrooms

Buyers absolutely love walking into spa-like bathrooms.

Improvements like a new sink, faucet, vanity/ vanity top and lighting can quickly and easily boost your home’s value.

In the primary bath, consider adding a waterfall rain-shower head for that spa-like ambiance.

For bathrooms it’s often more profitable to be selective rather than spend the money for total renovation.

4. Add window treatments

Focusing on window treatments in select rooms can be an easy and relatively inexpensive way to add value to your home.

If your amazing family room has super high ceilings and two massive walls of windows but feels like a fishbowl, consider adding modern motorized blinds.

Automated blinds don’t have to be expensive and they send the message that the home is current and luxurious.

While we’re on the subject of windows, remove heavy outdated curtains. This allows for more light and makes the home feel bigger and fresher. And, while you’re at it, wash the windows inside and out. Clean windows send the right message.

5. Paint the interior

A fresh coat of paint on all the walls, trim, ceiling and doors will totally transform the look of your home without breaking the bank.

Unless you have a ton of experience painting, it’s best to hire a pro.

We’ve all seen those really bad DIY paint jobs. It’s just sad to waste your time and money and end up with a home that doesn’t show well because of an unprofessional paint job.

Also, when repainting chose an elegant high quality neutral white or gray paint that creates a positive atmosphere. This allows the buyer to focus only on what it would be like to live in the space. Quality brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams offer lines of reasonably priced paint with a wide variety of color choices.

Moreover, limiting interior colors to one or two will make the rooms flow and the space feel larger.

For a more designer color palette explore the paint selection at Farrow and Ball. But remember light and neutral colors will help your place sell.

6. Add smart-home technology

Gen Z and Millennial buyers often prefer homes with smart technology.

Consider adding smart tech that’s compatible with smart assistants like Alexa, Google or Siri. For example, a Ring doorbell, Nest thermostats, Lutron Caséta Wireless light dimmers and wireless HD security cameras.

Plus, switch out older can lights in favor of warm white LED cans. LED lighting is far better than it used to be. This upgrade isn’t too expensive and really makes the home feel updated.

7. Refinish wood floors

Gleaming wood floors makes a home feel like new.

Here in Atlanta, refinishing a real wood floor in your home costs anywhere from $2.50 – $4.00 per square foot. However, it might be worth it as when combined with a professional paint job and new appliances, it’ll make the home feel like new.

8. Focus on the home office

Of course, working from home has now become the norm for many of us. As such, home offices are more essential than ever to today’s Atlanta home buyers. If you haven’t done so already, consider transforming that extra bedroom or bonus room into an inspiring home office.

Consider adding built-in storage or shelving. These don’t have to be expensive built-ins, check Ikea for an affordable selection. Adding fresh lighting will make the space inviting and ready for those video calls.

A move-in-ready home office is attractive to the busy buyer.

9. Create an outdoor oasis

The final area of improvement that will increase the value of your Atlanta home is actually found outside. Great weather is one reason so many people enjoy living in Atlanta so making the most of your deck, patio and garden is a good idea. For instance, a garden fountain like this one in Morningside is enchanting and appeals to the senses.

Start by power washing the deck and patio. And re-stain the wood decking if need be.

Make your outdoor space an inviting oasis with a stylish rug, table, chairs and umbrella.

These items don’t have to be expensive to have a big impact. Moreover, depending on the season, add some potted flowering plants.

In addition to a fountain, another inexpensive possibility is to add a fire-pit with Adirondack chairs.

Whatever you decide, capitalizing on your home’s outdoor areas will add value to your home.

Condo owners, check out Condo Improvements That Add The Most Value.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve taken inspiration from our list of 9 Atlanta home improvements that add value. We’re certainly not advocating doing all of them! Just select the improvements you think will add the most value to your home. Need help deciding? Contact us.