Getting your home ready to sell is an expensive, labor-intensive endeavor that deters many homeowners from moving. There’s a lot more to it than mowing the lawn and slapping on a fresh coat of paint. You need to upgrade your house and property so that everything looks appealing to prospective buyers. That could mean anything from adding a new rec room to renovating your kitchen, expensive additions that would probably require you to hire reliable and reputable professionals. Or you could focus on home improvements that increase resale value and can save you thousands of dollars; many such projects don’t require a great deal of skill or ability with tools. The financial value you’ll realize from a well-conceived and completed DIY project can far exceed your investment. Before you begin, consider hiring a home inspector to take a look around your house. It never hurts to get a second opinion from an expert.

High-profile improvements

An increasing number of realtors are advising homeowners to concentrate more on cosmetic upgrades than on full-scale renovations. One of the best ways to dress up your home is to add a new ground-level vinyl window, a good DIY project that keeps you off a ladder or scaffolding and allows you to take your time. According to House Logic, doing it yourself means you’ll recoup more than 170 percent of your investment. With the proper materials, you should be able to install a new window within about three hours.

It can be easy to overlook your garage door. After all, it’s more a functional item than a decorative feature. If your old wooden garage door is looking pretty worn out, consider replacing it with a sturdy and appealing steel door. With four lightweight panels, it’s fairly easy to install, and you have the option of putting in a new electric drive motor or keeping the same one. According to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors, a new garage door gave a major sense of personal accomplishment to more than 60 percent of homeowners, while nearly 40 percent had a greater desire to be home.

Indoor upgrades

Few DIY projects are as rewarding, both visually and financially, as a nice new hardwood floor. At a cost of about $1,700, it’s a great way to recover maximum value upon resale (worth as much as $5,000). Bear in mind that it can be a challenge for some first-time DIYers, and it’ll take a while to get it right. But recouping more than 200 percent on costs (DIY) is a terrific investment on time and money for any homeowner. Make sure you’re able to handle a floor sander (they can be heavy), and pay attention to experts who recommend avoiding oil-based stains.

Insulating your home is another very DIY-able project, one that can save you money and make your house a much more attractive prospect. You should ensure that the space between attic and flooring, your interior walls, and the wall between the garage and house are well-insulated.

Reliable roof

If an inspection turns up damage to your roof, get several estimates on the cost of making repairs. Remember that your objective is to present a well-maintained and unblemished house, one that prospective buyers would be willing to act on right away. Remember that if you decide to sell as is with a less-than-perfect roof, it can dramatically affect your final selling price.

DIY value

Home DIY projects can save you a great deal of money and significantly increase the value of your home. They can help you set a desirable selling price, one that gives you plenty of negotiating latitude. Always assess any potential project based on its value and expected return, technical difficulty, and your skill level.

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