10 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value

Want to boost your home’s value before selling—or simply enjoy a better space now? This guide from First National Bank and Trust highlights 10 smart ways to increase your home's value, from affordable DIY upgrades to bigger renovation investments. Learn how to enhance curb appeal, upgrade to energy-efficient windows and doors, modernize your kitchen, add smart home technology, and more. Whether you’re preparing to sell or just improving your living space, these tips can help you get the most out of your home. Plus, explore financing options like home equity loans to make your projects happen.

Investing in your home can be costly upfront, but the rewards can be substantial. Even if you’re not planning to sell your home soon, you’ll benefit from the upgrades you make while also preparing your property for when you do decide to list it.
 
So if you’re ready to learn how to increase the value of your home with a few upgrades, big and small, you’re in the right place!

1. Boost your home’s curb appeal

First impressions count, and that couldn’t be more true when it comes to selling your home. What a potential buyer sees from the street and when they walk up to your property matters, and you want to make the best impression possible straight away.
 
At a minimum, think about the landscaping around the front of your home. Keep a well-maintained front yard with no weeds, colorful flowers, and trimmed trees. Go for low maintenance plants where possible to make this as easy as you can.
 
You’ll also want to look at the outside structural features of your home. Mailboxes, siding or brick and stonework, painted railings, and even your house number are all important areas to review and consider making small changes to. This is also a good time to inspect your roof for any possible leaks or necessary repairs.

2. Upgrade to energy-efficient windows and doors

Speaking of the outside of your home, one of the best ROI home improvements you can make is installing more energy-efficient doors and windows. This upgrade doesn’t only apply to historic houses. Homes built in the last 10-20 years can also benefit from having these features reviewed for efficiency purposes.
 
With rising energy costs, even if you’re not planning to sell, this is one home improvement that you can benefit from yourself for many years to come. Not only will you save money, but energy-efficient windows and doors can make your home feel more comfortable in both the summer and winter months.
 
Many states offer tax credits and rebates for making these upgrades. In Wisconsin, the Home Energy Efficiency Rebate (HOMES) program provides rebates for qualifying projects like this, and free energy audits. Illinois offers a weatherization assistance program for low-income residents, tax credits, and rebates for window and door replacements.

3. Convert unused space into functional rooms

If you have square footage in your home that’s currently being wasted, you could consider turning this into more usable space to add value to your property. An attic or basement renovation project can be pricey, so looking into home improvement loans to fund this can be helpful.
 
Flexibility in living spaces is something that today’s buyers are looking for. Turning an attic into an office or bedroom, or finishing a basement to become a rec room or gym can add tangible value to your property.

4. Modernize your kitchen without a full remodel

You don’t have to invest thousands of dollars in a full-scale remodel of some of your home’s biggest or most used areas, like the kitchen or bathroom. Instead, making small changes like repainting cabinets, upgrading cabinet hardware, or changing out the faucet or appliances can make all the difference.
 
Invest in energy-efficient appliances like stoves and fridges to entice buyers with a modernized, functional space that they can move straight into. One small addition that you can make to your kitchen is installing under-cabinet lighting. This adds an instant level of sophistication and ambience to the space, something that many buyers are looking for in the quintessential “hub of the home”.

5. Invest in smart home technology

There’s nothing a buyer loves more than added convenience in their potential new home. If you’re thinking about unique ways for how to increase your home value, integrating smart technology into your property can help you stand out from the competition.
 
Smart thermostats are a great place to start, as controlling your heating and cooling remotely or on a set schedule can help save on energy bills. Security systems and smart lighting aren’t always necessary, but can add an additional level of convenience and peace of mind for prospective buyers.
 
In many cases, installing smart technology is relatively affordable and can easily be added without a professional.

6. Add to or improve your outdoor living space

Don’t forget about your outdoor spaces beyond the front yard, too! If you have the square footage to add a fire pit,deck, or a pergola to the back of your home, these entertaining spaces can quickly extend the property’s square footage in the buyer’s eyes.
 
Decks and patios can be costly projects for which you may need to take out a home renovation loan. These can range from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the size of your outdoor space and how much you want to change. But for smaller budgets, tidying up the yard with some landscaping and adding lights or soft furnishings can instantly improve the atmosphere of an outdoor entertaining area.

7. Refresh your interior paint

If you’ve lived in your home for some time, particularly if you have children or pets, you likely want to consider giving the whole house a coat of fresh paint. This makes the home feel cleaner and modern, indicating to buyers that the property is move-in ready.
 
Always stick to neutral tones, preferably warmer variations like cream or vanilla, to appeal to the broadest taste. Even if your preferences are for something more colorful, when you’re selling your home, you need to think more like a buyer and less about what suits your personal taste.

8. Upgrade flooring strategically

Re-flooring an entire home can be expensive, so focus on the highest traffic areas like hallways and staircases. Refinish your hardwood floors or replace worn carpet with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) for a budget-friendly option. It’s important to keep your flooring as consistent as possible to improve the flow and perceived space in the property.

9. Enhance storage spaces

Storage is often one of the top three requests that buyers have when looking around a home. See where you can add closet systems, garage shelving, or a laundry room countertop to make your home feel organized and clutter-free.
 
These storage additions can be straightforward fixes and cost-effective to install, but they will have a big visual and practical impact on potential buyers.

10. Address small repairs and maintenance

You should always aim to stay on top of home maintenance needs, even if you’re not looking to sell your house. But when listing the property, these repairs are essential to fix. Leaking faucets, cracked tiles, or scuffed baseboards can all leave buyers with a bad impression.
 
Staying on top of this can be challenging, especially if you have a large home. Consider creating a checklist for each room and season, working around the house methodically room-by-room to ensure everything is as it should be.

Give your home the makeover it deserves with FNBT

At First National Bank and Trust, we’re always here to help you finance your home renovation projects, big or small. Explore loan options for your home renovation or apply today for a home equity loan or line of credit. For bigger upgrades, you may want to consider refinancing your current mortgage to support these costs.
 
Contact us today to get started. We support customers in Beloit, Argyle, Clinton, Darien, Delavan, Elkhorn, Janesville, Monroe, Rockton, Roscoe, Winnebago, Williams Bay, and Walworth with their financial needs at every stage of life.