Tackle These Projects Before Selling Your Home (And After Buying)
That outdated powder room you never bothered to fix up? Well, that's not going to fly with potential buyers. So it makes sense that general contractors were the most popular project home sellers took on before listing their home, according to a new report from home improvement firm Porch.
What if you just moved in? You were far more likely to hire a painter.
Whether they’re buying or selling, many homeowners turn to home improvement projects to boost property value or enhance curb appeal. Porch's analysis of more than half a million projects by region show that many popular projects go hand-in-hand with practical considerations such as repairs and home inspections.
For sellers: The most popular home improvement hires are general contractors and handymen, followed by electricians, plumbers, and roofing professionals. The reason is simple: to avoid any issues during home inspections.
“Have a professional remodeler walk around the house with you inside and out,” Paul Sullivan, chair of National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers, recommended. It will “make the process much smoother.”
The work appears to pay off. Contractors provide, on average, 68% return on investment, according to Porch.
One surprise, Porch said: Not many sellers said they were hiring painters. A fresh coat of paint returns close to 100% of the money spent in boosted value, its report said. Sullivan cited one home in a Boston suburb which sold for $60,000 over the asking price within four days, which was “absolutely” due to improved presentation.
Sellers often wonder if they should make the investment in improvements solely to sell, says Tom O’Grady, of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. They might be comfortable accepting a lower selling price rather than risk not getting their money back in the form of a higher sale price.
Painting is one of the first things buyers tackle after moving in. That brings an average return on investment of 152%, Porch says. Other top projects included installation of new appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators, roof repair, and home inspections.
Larger endeavors like renovating kitchens and bathrooms are common, Sullivan added, but both he and O’Grady advised against making drastic, costly changes immediately after moving in.
Instead, O’Grady said, small enhancements like crown molding, new tiles, and better light fixtures can dramatically change a room, making it more comfortable for new owners until it’s financially feasible to do a complete renovation.
“Live in the house for a month or two and get a feel for the place,” Sullivan said. “When you’ve lived in a house for 10 years, you know its shortcomings. But when it’s a new house, you only think you know.”