The pandemic has forced us to spend more time at home and spend hours staring at the same four walls.

It’s no wonder, then, that remodeling and renovation work has exploded in 2020. Some professionals are reporting a nearly 60% increase in project leads since the pandemic began.

Whether you plan to sell your home soon or keep it for years to come, now is the perfect time to make those upgrades you’ve been thinking about. That way, if the time does come to sell your house, you’ll get the highest value for it.

Some upgrades are a better investment than others. Keep reading to learn how to get the highest yield for your efforts!

1. Start With Curb Appeal

There’s a lot to learn before you sell your house, so we’ll keep our suggestions simple. To give the best first impression when a potential buyer arrives, start your upgrades with some basic landscaping.

Remove anything dead and re-sod your yard (or plant grass seed). Buy a few colorful flowers or shrubs and plant them around the house or place them in pots near the front door. Keep the yard watered and mowed and lay fresh mulch in any beds.

2. Add Fresh Paint

Tip of the day: Painting your bathrooms blue can increase your home’s value by $5,400. But don’t stop there, as painting is one the easiest and most affordable ways to get the highest value from your home.

Choose neutral colors so buyers can envision a “blank canvas” to work with. Hiring professional painters could set you back a few thousand dollars, but you’ll recoup most of it in the sale. If it’s not in the budget, grab a five-gallon bucket of paint, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to DIY.

3. Replace the Garage Door

Another way to boost curb appeal is to replace that old garage door with a newer model.

Before you bulk at the purchase price, consider this fact: The nationwide average ROI for a new garage door is 98.3%! Experts estimate that this simple change can increase your home’s value by up to $14,000.

4. Do a (Minor) Kitchen Remodel

Nothing makes your home look tired like an old outdated kitchen. Get the highest value for your home by switching out those old furnishings for something more modern and functional.

Replace your old appliances with energy-efficient models. Replace the old generic hardware with trendier knobs and pulls. Replace the cabinets if you can afford to — if not, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders.

5. Update the Bathrooms

The same principles for the kitchen also apply to your bathroom. Besides painting it blue (who knew?), consider a few minor updates in each bathroom too.

These could include new countertops and cabinets, new sink and tub fixtures, and a frameless glass door. At the very least, you could freshen the grout, reglaze the tub, and repaint the existing cabinets.

Get the Highest Value When You Sell Your Home

It’s natural to want the highest value possible when you sell your house. By using the tips outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to placing your home on the market and raking in the highest profit.

Are you looking for more great real estate advice? Keep browsing our site for more professional tips!