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Freshening the paint or siding on your house will go a long way to increase its value and curb appeal.
Home Improvements for $5,000 and Up
Tip 1: Refresh the exterior paint.
The condition of your home's exterior is critical to the overall curb appeal. If you put your house on the market and the exterior paint looks bad, a buyer may assume the interior has been neglected as well.
Refreshing your facade with a coat of paint will preserve and protect your home's exterior siding, and the right paint color can transform a home from dull to dazzling. But remember to choose your color wisely -- a house painted with an overly bright or bland color will make a house less appealing and hurt the value.
Tip 2: Go solar to save some green.
Save energy bill greenbacks by going "green" with a solar water heater. The installed price is anywhere between two to five thousand dollars, but these systems can slash your hot water bills by as much as 80 percent. You'll also attract energy-conscious home buyers should you decide to sell. Install a solar water heater where there's unobstructed southern exposure and you'll have savings made in the shade.
Tip 3: Kitchen remodels are king.
Most experts agree that if you plan on updating only one room in your house, it should be the kitchen. Large, open kitchens have become the social hub of the modern home. High-end touches like granite countertops, custom cabinets and energy-efficient stainless steel appliances are the gold standard in modern kitchens. Experts agree that kitchen remodels return an average of 80 to 85 percent of every dollar spent. You can expect an even higher return if you are remodeling an extremely outdated kitchen.
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