5 Things to Consider Before Tackling Pre-Sale Home Renovations
5 Things to Consider Before Tackling Pre-Sale Home Renovations
Wondering if pre-sale home renovations are a smart move? You may have a million questions to ask before making a decision, so we’re going to touch on some overarching themes that might help with your decision-making process. Here are 5 things to consider before diving in.
1. Focus on the Essentials
Although the San Francisco Bay Area housing market is ever changing, taking a moderate approach to pre-sale home renovations is typically the best course of action. Keep in mind that motivating buyers doesn’t always mean making luxurious updates. Often the best updates are the most practical and essential.
By sticking to the essentials – like painting, replacing windows, or upgrading your bathroom or kitchen – you’ll be making a good investment in the foundation of your home, which is always attractive to buyers. Remember that most people are looking to personalize their home, so the best upgrades are the ones that allow buyers to add their own style along the way.
Curb appeal is also crucial for attracting potential buyers. Whether investing in landscaping or other outdoor updates, keep practicality and simplicity at the forefront. Focus on small details like low-maintenance plantings and smooth walkways. These subtleties will make sure your home makes a positive first impression.
2. Choose Upgrades That Are Neutral & Timeless
Making upgrades that are widely appealing to buyers will ensure that your home has the best chance of selling, and these decisions should be considered with the buyer profile in mind. Many sellers are tempted to design around their personal preferences, but the most crucial part of prepping a home for sale is to create an atmosphere where anyone who walks into it can see themselves living there.
Resist making decisions based on trends and instead focus on timeless changes that will be long-lasting. Homes that use muted color palettes, minimal textures, and tiles or wallpaper that steer away from being flashy are more likely to entice your buyer. These neutral design choices offer just the right amount of style to highlight your home’s potential without being too polarizing. Functional home improvements are also top of mind for home buyers. Keep this in mind, especially if you’re thinking of integrating tech upgrades that could become obsolete in the near future.
3. Approach DIY Projects with Caution
The idea of getting your hands dirty and tackling pre-sale renovations yourself can be exciting. But don’t forget the risks associated with DIY projects. You could expose yourself to liabilities, and larger home upgrades without proper licensing can leave you vulnerable to lawsuits. Small fixes might turn into major projects that require professional attention. DIY projects gone wrong can also end up costing you time and money.
Making upgrades of any size requires expert knowledge, and sometimes the safest bet is to rely on the experts. We always recommend researching and thinking strategically before taking on any DIY home improvement projects. Anything that involves plumbing work or electrical fixes might look easy but often take more expertise than you think.
4. Seek Expert Advice
When reaching out for support, look for experts who really know the local housing market. These experts will be able to help you determine market trajectories and the neighborhood nuances that can impact the sale of your home.
When you find the right support, you’ll be better equipped to plan strategically when approaching pre-sale home renovations. The best professionals are experts with a wealth of resources available to walk you through any and every process when selling your home. Professional home design services like NurtureSource can work with you to determine the best return on investment for your home improvements as well as share ways to help you finance and budget whatever upgrades are needed.
5. Look for a Contractor That’s Licensed & Insured
One final note: Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured to give you the most peace of mind throughout the renovation process. Licensed general contractors like NurtureSource not only strategize the greatest ROI but also have long standing relationships with many of the best contractors and tradespeople in the San Francisco Bay Area so there won’t be any unexpected surprises. You also want to make sure your contractor or crew will stand behind their work if something goes wrong after the final coat of paint is dry. NurtureSource offers a one-year transfer warranty, so that in the unlikely event that something goes wrong, we’re here to help.
