Don't Break the Bank: 5 Value-Adds to Boost Home Value without Spending a Fortune

There are many of us out there who earnestly watch all of those DIY shows with amazing results that give us the itch to do our own home projects. However, how much value does the latest trend add and at what cost? It's easy to see something that visually appeals to us, only to find that the finished project is going to cost thousands of dollars. The good news is that there are value-adds you can do to your home today that won't break the bank!

1. Painting - both a maintenance item AND a value-add. Freshening up the color palette of your home can do wonders. It helps your home stay in touch with current trends and greatly appeals to consumers when listing your home on the market. 
2. Lighting Swap - out with the old builder grade boob lighting and in with the new! Upgrading your light fixtures to something more than the builder grade will help enhance the visual appeal (and lighting) of your home. With so many available options, choosing new light fixtures can be fun and visually rewarding.
3. Enhanced Curb Appeal - You never get a second chance to make a good first impression! Adding fresh landscaping rock or mulch, new house numbers, an updated mailbox, and a freshly painted door will do wonders, having a high impact for a relatively low cost. 
4. Kitchen Refresh - You don't have to do a complete kitchen remodel to add value. It's about doing the small things that help give the sense of an updated kitchen without the inconvenience and headache of such a huge project. Instead, consider changing out the hardware, installing soft-close hinges, and switching out the kitchen faucet to help to give this impression. Want to take it up a notch? Think about adding undercabinet lighting!
5. Bathroom Refresh - Just like the kitchen, doing the small things here can help add great value. Gone are the days of the builder-grade mirror that stretches across the entire vanity and nearly up to the ceiling. Swapping these out for vanity mirrors with a more custom look, new hardware, and a faucet replacement can help enhance and offer that updated bathroom look. Even something as simple as re-caulking will give that fresh, remodeled appearance.

If you're still itching to add value after these 5 items - you may also want to consider updated flooring in key areas such as the entry way or main living areas of the house to help increase value too. When thinking about adding value, the key is to look for ways to update, enhance, or otherwise improve your living space!