When you want to sell your home in Montoursville, a few quick DIY upgrades can help you get the best return out of your investment. However, there are some things best left to the pros.

Do this

Install new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This is one of the few upgrades that could help save a life. New smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on each level of the home including an unfinished attic and basement spaces and outside of each sleeping area. The National Fire Protection Association reports that interconnected smoke alarms increase a home’s safety and serve as the first alert in approximately 26% of home fires.

 

Upgrade kitchen cabinets with new hardware. You can instantly modernize your kitchen for less than $100 by changing outdated brass handles and knobs with stainless steel replacements.

 

Sand and seal the deck. Your outdoor entertaining areas are a valuable asset when it’s time to put your home on the market. According to the National Association of Realtors, a cozy outdoor environment is an extension of the home’s living space. Buyers often actively seek properties with big backyards and large, well-maintained decks, especially if they have kids or pets.

 

Add under-cabinet lighting. The lighting in your home has a significant effect on all who enter. And while natural light is best, you can make things look bright and cheery by illuminating spaces that are usually dark. You can install LED light strips in a single afternoon with a few basic tools. Many systems are remote-controlled with color changing lights that you can adjust to suit your home’s color scheme.

 

Install a new mailbox. Curb appeal sells houses in the Montoursville real estate market. Replace your old, dented mailbox with a weather-resistant model for an instant facelift at the entrance to your property. If you’re comfortable working with masonry, you can easily build a brick mailbox in about six hours.

 

Need more inspiration? Check out This Old House for a list of 100 home renovations you can do yourself to increase your property value without busting your budget.

 

Don’t do this

Attempt to tackle full scale renovations. When selling your house, avoid the temptation to tackle large renovation projects. If you don’t finish, it could ruin your chances of getting a full-priced offer on your home. When the home is in need of a makeover, look for a licensed, certified, and trusted local contractor who can do the work for you on a fairly concrete timeline…and start saving your money. This is a great time to utilize your real estate agent as they know which upgrades boost home values in your neighborhood, and you may find out that you don’t need a huge remodel after all.

 

Over personalize. Home buyers need to have the opportunity to visualize your property as their forever home. Be selective with your color choices when painting and stick with classic black, white, or stainless steel appliances if you want to make your home more inviting for its next prospective occupants. For more tips on staging your home click here.

 

Alter the home’s electrical or plumbing systems. Most areas have specific laws governing the codes by which a home’s structural, electrical, plumbing systems must be built. Keep in mind that permits are likely required for electrical and plumbing upgrades. Hire a licensed and certified electrician or plumber who will be familiar with current building standards and carry insurance in case of system failure. The professional you hire will know which jobs require permits and will also file the paperwork necessary for your upgrades. Never attempt any major upgrades on your own.

 

Attempt to reconfigure the interior to increase room size. Open floor plans are certainly more attractive than closed, dark spaces. But unless you have a contractor’s license, it’s best to avoid knocking down walls anywhere in the home. If you accidentally damaged a load bearing wall you can affect the safety and structural integrity of the home and get stuck with a big repair bill before you can sell.

 

When you’re selling your home in Montoursville, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. Stick with simple and quick projects that you can do yourself. Remember, some jobs are best left for the professionals especially if they require large scale remodels, modifying current electrical and plumbing, or knocking down walls.

 

Article provided by Ray Flynn from DIYGuys.net.