Not all home renovations actually add value to your home, as they're not necessarily appreciated by new homebuyers. Some might even lower the resale value; for example, if you take away a bedroom to create a home theater, buyers may pay less for a home with fewer bedrooms and you've decreased your home's value. If you're thinking of renovating your home and want to ensure that your investment pays off and that your home actually increases in value with the renovation, note a few ideas to consider.

1. Renovate to maintain your home

Some home renovations aren't very glamorous simply because they're meant to maintain your home and keep it in good repair. These can add value to a home, however, because homebuyers want a house that is solid and not just one that looks good. Consider rendering over a basement wall with cement to keep it more watertight; you can include a decorative finish for an attractive space. You might put in new floorboards if the floors in your home creak and crack. These types of renovations add value and make your home more desirable to homebuyers who don't want the hassle and expense of these repairs themselves.

2. Adding space

Renovations that add livable space to a home can also make it more valuable, although you want to be careful about how you do this. Adding a sunroom off a bedroom can add space, but you don't necessarily want to reduce the footprint of the bedroom to do this, as then you're actually taking away space. Consider finishing an attic so it can be used as an additional bedroom or playroom rather than for storage, or expanding the footprint of the master bedroom so you can put in a separate closet or dressing area.

3. Curb appeal

When renovating a home, remember that improving its appearance inside isn't the only way to add value. A home's curb appeal can affect how potential buyers view the home, so you want to think about how a renovation will make the home look from the outside. New window frames can be energy-efficient but also give the home an updated look from the curb. If your front porch is crumbling and outdated, consider replacing it with an expanded deck area. Shutters can frame windows and new gutters and downspouts can also make the home seem updated. Installing a picture window at the front of the home can let in more sunlight on the inside but also make the outside seem more welcoming. Don't overlook these simple changes to add curb appeal to your home when considering renovations.

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