How to increase home value under $10K - 5 simple pre-appraisal job ideas

If it’s time to sell or refinance your home, you’ll soon be going through an appraisal to determine what your home is worth.

Luckily, there are plenty of low-cost options to boost your home’s appraised value.

Spectra Painting Contractors based in the Boston area can help homeowners revamp their homes to look their best before an appraisal. Our dedicated team of painting professionals can help you refresh your home’s paint so you can be ready to wow your appraiser and potential buyers.

Here are five affordable options to boost your home’s value before an appraisal.

1. Give the interior spruce

A clean, fresh coat of paint makes your home look well-maintained, according to an article published by HGTV.

Appraisers are concerned about the overall condition of your home. Even if your home is in good shape, worn-out paint can make it appear neglected. If you haven’t painted recently, it may be time for a light refresh before inviting an appraiser to assess your home’s value.

A fresh coat of paint can transform a room and help boost the value of your home overall. Remember that light or neutral colors appeal to a larger number of buyers, so it is best to skip the statement shades and go for something that can easily get painted over later.

That does not mean it has to be boring, though. An article in USA Today says homes with bathrooms painted a light shade of blue sold for $5,440 more than expected. Keep in mind that paint color trends change, so what may have been in style a year ago may differ. Plus, painting is a relatively low-cost project and can get done in a day or two.

2. Repaint the kitchen old cabinets

If your kitchen or bathroom needs some upgrades, but you do not want to shell out a fortune, consider repainting the cabinets. The right coat of white or neutral paint, and maybe some new fixtures, can give the space a more updated look without a costly renovation.

Upgrading your cabinets also gives you a chance to make sure all of the drawers pulls and hinges are working.

The project should only take a couple of days but can add up to 80.5% return on investment, according to a blog post by HomeLight.com. 

3. Breathe some life into your garage door

Appraisers will also look at your home’s exterior painting, and buyers love a home with good curb appeal.

Part of that curb appeal is likely to take up a garage door. A good idea for an exterior upgrade for your home could be as simple as a prettier garage door.

You can either repaint the door you currently have or find an affordable upgrade and have it installed. It is best to stick with white or neutral colors for the garage door to compliment the home’s current color. Be sure to upgrade your garage door if it is broken or damaged in any way.

A new or upgraded garage door can give you a 97.5% return on investment, according to HomeLight.com. 

4. Install better lighting 

Appraisers will look at the material and quality of all sorts of things, including the light fixtures throughout your home.

Be sure that the lighting in and around your house is working and is not looking outdated. Good lighting will make your home look better overall, and it will help all your fresh coat paint and new finishing’s stand out.

You can also consider repainting or refinishing existing light fixtures and installing better light bulbs if you do not want to purchase new light fixtures. It is a small, easy way to help your home look a little more modern and polished without having to do a full remodel.

5. Give the little details a little TLC 

Chipping or cracking paint can make a home look old and neglected, even if it is just a small detail.

Take a look at the trim around your doors and windows – or even the paint on your front door. If the paint is looking a little worn down, consider having a professional come and quickly touch up the paint.

It is also a good time to look around your house for any other minor repairs. Window sills, door frames, and molding can be a cheap and easy fix that helps add value to your home.

Home appraisals can be a little stressful, but these tips are sure to help you score some well-deserved value for your home.

 Before you have an appraiser inspect your home, give Spectra Painting Contractors a call. We can get your home looking its best and help you get the best bang for your buck!