As a homeowner, you will general make changes to your house with your comfort in mind but it is worth noting that some home improvements can actually catapult the value of your house.

However, it is important to remember that each situation is unique and therefore no particular value can be placed on each of these improvements. Furthermore, returns depend on whether you sell in a buyer’s market or seller’s market. 

Generally, you should ask yourself what renovations a potential buyer is most likely to undertake on the house as soon as they buy it and carry these out in advance.

Here are some home improvements which will help maximise your returns if you ever decide to sell your house: 

Interior and Exterior Paint

A fresh, good quality paint job will make your home look presentable and clean, and speed up the time it takes to sell your home as well as add value to the home.

Usuable Space

Make use of the space in your home to make it more functional. You could knock down a dysfunctional wall to add a bathroom or bedroom or increase the size of a bedroom or turn a previously unusable room into a room that has a purpose.

Minor Kitchen Remodeling

Minor adjustments you can make to your kitchen include increasing cabinet storage and countertop surface area or replacing countertops and cabinets with higher quality materials. You can also upgrade or add appliances such as built-in dishwashers, microwaves, higher quality refrigerators and garbage disposals.

Major Kitchen Remodeling

Replace all appliances with stainless steel models if possible and add countertops made of granite or stone. High quality laminate flooring will also add glamour to your kitchen as well as the addition of a centrally located stove or kitchen island.

Don’t do this yourself unless if you’re qualified – engage an interior designer or a contractor to carry out the remodeling for you.

Bathroom Remodeling / Additional Bathroom

Upgrade fixtures and resurface the bathtub and shower and install marble, granite or stone countertops to compliment the new features. Grouted tiling should complete your remodeling. If your budget allows it, converting your bathtub to a jacuzzi can add some extra value to your bathroom.

An additional stand alone or ensuite bathroom will also enhance the look and value of your home.

Outside Deck and Enclosed Patio  

A large redwood, mahogany or cedar deck or deck coated with a quality finish (matching the outside of your home), treated with a high quality water seal, that is dimensionally stable, resistant to shrinkage, and insect-repellant will give you a very good return on your investment.

Don’t try to cut costs as it will affect the return you are likely to get on this investment.

Complimented with an enclosed patio it will improve the look of your home from  outside and give a good first impression to potential buyers.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring, especially cherry or oak, will add great value to your home but returns tend to vary depending on the surface area and rooms covered.

Ensure that the hardwood flooring is maintained properly as scratched, scraped, water stained or dull flooring tend to decrease the value of your home.

Lifestyle Renovations

An extended family suite, home office, private theatre and energy efficiency measures, such as installing radiant heating under your flooring can add significant value to your home.

If you're interested in the actual figures various home improvements can return, see the table below.