That's how neighbors should treat neighbors!™

330-262-4100 Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Sometimes, enhancing your home's resale value is as simple as a fresh, bright coat of paint - have fun with it!

6 Easy, Affordable Ways To Boost Your Home's Value

Posted: October 1, 2020 by Andy

As the COVID-19 pandemic keeps dragging on and many Americans are still stuck at home, more people are tackling those long-overdue home projects. According to a recent survey, nearly 50% of us have either started a DIY project at home or are planning to start one soon. Whether you're looking to make your living area more pleasant or you're about to put your home up for sale, there are many great ways to spruce up your space.

Here are six do-it-yourself projects on the easier end of the spectrum that'll add real value to your home.

1. Use technology to make your home more efficient.

There's a variety of ways to improve your home's efficiency without spending a lot. A smart thermostat will help your HVAC system run more efficiently, and EnergyStar-certified appliances will trim your utility costs down to size.

Smart devices are taken into consideration during the home appraisal process, which means they'll help raise your home's value. It'll come as no surprise, then, that nearly half of all real estate agents say that smart appliances help a home sell more quickly, according to a recent report.

2. Tackle those basic repairs.

If you've lived in the same place for more than a few years, you tend to overlook the minor scrapes, dents, and other damage that a prospective buyer will immediately spot. It pays to open your eyes.

Inspect your residence and look for things that need repair. These might include an old or leaking roof, dripping faucets, dented or broken doors, torn screens, outdated appliances, or even a malfunctioning or broken HVAC system.

All of these can be deal-breakers for potential buyers. It's worth spending a few extra bucks and investing some effort to make sure that your home's basics are covered.

If you're budgeting to purchase big-ticket items, you can score some major savings by waiting until the right time of year. Large appliances often go on sale at the end of September. Refrigerators are an exception, as they're heavily discounted in May after the new models hit the market.

3. Refresh your outdated ceiling.

Popcorn ceilings were once a popular and cost-effective finish, but nearly everyone now agrees these textured surfaces really date a house. Aesthetics aside, stippled ceilings also tend to collect dirt, dust, and cobwebs, and might even become a health concern if your ceiling is cracking and flaking.

You should test for asbestos before taking on on a ceiling-update project yourself. Once you know your ceiling is asbestos-free, scraping off the popcorn texture yourself will cost around $1,700 on average, while giving it a fresh coat of paint may cost up to $350.

For even a small home, redoing those old popcorn ceilings could add about $2,500 to the resale value. Not updating them may even keep your home from selling at all, if a buyer doesn't want to tackle this messy project themselves.

4. Paint your home inside and out.

Painting will take some time and effort, but it'll add as much as 3% to your home's final sale price. Wallpapering or repainting your space will change up the feel of your home. Buyers are much more likely to see themselves living there, and it'll make your home stick out to them, among other properties for sale.

DIY homeowners typically spend around $3,000 on painting the exterior and about $1,500 for the interior. Before you get started, using the right colors is key to getting a surprisingly good return-on-investment. Here are some examples of current trends observed in the real estate market:

• Painting your exterior doors deep gray or charcoal can raise your sale price by a whopping $6,000 or more.
• A creamy bright yellow or flax exterior can help you outsell other homes by over $3,400.
• Sandy-brown dining rooms sell for nearly $1,700 more than plain vanilla dining rooms.
• Periwinkle bathroom walls (light blue-violet) can boost your resale value by up to $2,800.
• Warm brown living room walls - like taupe or oatmeal - help homes sell for as much as $2,800 more than expected.
• Tuxedo-style cabinets - light-colored upper cabinets and dark navy or black lower cabinets - can raise your profits by as much as $1,500.

Keep in mind that you don't need to paint every wall in your house to make an eye-catching improvement. Sometimes just painting an accent wall or redoing the ceilings makes a big difference.

5. Clean and declutter everything.

According to a recent report, cleaning and organizing your home can add as much as $4,500 to its resale value. It'll also help you maximize your space and improve your own living experience while you're still residing in the home.

This project won't cost too much if anything other than time and effort - perhaps the price of cleaning supplies and some storage bins. Thoroughly review your home, making a list of what needs cleaned and straightened up, and estimate the time involved. And don't forget about organizing your garage, attic, and basement!

Once you're ready to dive in, go through your items, and categorize them in one of three areas: keep, sell, or donate. Neatly store the things you're hanging onto, and give your entire home a good, thorough cleaning.

And don't just stick to the inside! A simple pressure-washing can get that dirty vinyl siding, clogged gutters, blackened concrete, grayed wood, and dull brick back into showcase-worthy condition.

6. Do some low-cost landscaping.

Making some easy changes to your landscaping can improve your home's curb appeal and its overall aesthetics. Experts estimate that simple tasks like keeping your lawn neatly trimmed, adding fresh mulch and colorful plants, and treating weeds can add over $1,000 to your home's value.

Depending on your home's size, you might create a space where children can play, or add a garden to grow your own food. You can also plant vegetation creatively to make your house more appealing, such as using plants to conceal your air conditioner or cover vents on your home's exterior.

You'll want to do some research beforehand and use plants that are native to your area. Watering and upkeep of landscaping can be expensive, so use plants that are more likely to thrive in your yard.

Another creative outdoor-improvement tip: if you want to cut down on your outdoor water usage, consider adding a rain barrel to nourish that newly-added foliage.

See? Increasing your home's value - and its appeal to both your family and prospective buyers - isn't so hard. It just takes a little preparation, a few small expenses, and some elbow grease. You'll be delighted once you've beautified your living space, and, if you're selling, your bank account will be larger, too!

 


more great articles...

Preventative Maintenance Is A Savvy Move   |   Is A Whole-House Humidifier Right For Me?

The Best New Year's Resolution   |   A Neighborly Guide to Furnaces

Maximize Your HVAC Tax Credits   |   Why Natural Gas Furnaces Trump Electric Ones

Why Background Checks And Drug Testing Matter   |   Why Is My Filter Wet?

Smoke and CO Detector Best Practices   |   Banishing Humidity Woes

Beware the Dog Days of Summer!   |   The R22 Phase-Out And The Importance Of AC Maintenance

Smart Thermostat Best Practices   |   Severe Weather Can Harm Your AC

Dirty Ductwork Dilemmas   |   Handling Household Emergencies

Why Isn't My AC Working?   |   SEER2 101

Better HVAC = Higher Home Value   |   My AC Sounds Like Running Water

Beware Animal Hair!   |   Air Purifier Q&A

How To Set Your AC When You're Away   |   Save Money This Summer

My AC Won't Turn On!   |   The Benefits Of A Central AC System

8 Handy Spring Cleaning Tips   |   Can I Finance An HVAC System?

My Furnace Won't Turn Off!   |   Before You Buy A Smart Thermostat

How Much Insulation Do I Need?   |   How The Inflation Reduction Act Can Help You

HVAC Basics For New Homeowners   |   5 Common Winter HVAC Problems

Programmable Thermostats 101   |   Can A Furnace Catch Fire?

Staying Warm During Extremely Cold Weather   |   Is A Heat Pump Right For Me?

Is My Heater Broken?   |   Let's Talk About Carbon Monoxide

HVAC: Why It's A Great Career   |   Winter Storm Safety Tips

4 Tasks For The Pros & 3 To DIY   |   When Should I Replace My HVAC System?

How Does a Gas Furnace Work?   |   6 Things To Know About Smart Thermostats

Do I Need A Humidifier?   |   These Mistakes Will Spike Your Energy Bill

How Long Will My Furnace Last?   |   All About Furnace Tune-Ups

How Does HVAC Zoning Work?   |   That Dirty Filter Is Costing You Money!

Thermostat Best Practices: Fan ON or AUTO?   |   Choosing The Right HVAC Equipment

10 Things To Do Before Using Your Furnace   |   What Affects Air Conditioning Efficiency?

Is Air Quality Worse In The Summer?   |   Keeping Your Upstairs Comfortable

The Dog Days Of Summer   |   Help! My AC Is Leaking Refrigerant!

Summer Furnace Upgrades Are Ideal   |   4 Common AC Buying Mistakes

Remove Those Hot Spots!   |   Older ACs Can Be Health And Safety Hazards

Prepping Your AC For Summer   |   Help! My AC Is Leaking Water!

A Bigger AC Isn't Necessarily Better   |   Landscaping Best Practices Around Your AC Unit

How Old Is My Central AC System?   |   Whole-House Dehumidifiers Vs. Portable Units

Air Scrubbers And Why You Need Them   |   Why Is My Home's AC Not Running?

Turn On Your AC After Winter The Right Way   |   Stop Those Pesky Air Leaks!

Why Spring HVAC Maintenance Is Important   |   Copper AC Coils vs. Aluminum

Your Thermostat Can Save You Money   |   6 Furnace Safety Features

Change Your Thermostat Batteries Yearly   |   Super Bowl Party Tips

How Your Gas Furnace Works   |   Winter Heating Safety Risks

Help! What's This Blinking Light Mean?   |   HVAC Maintenance Goals

New Year, New AC!   |   New Year's HVAC Resolutions

The 12 Days Of Safety   |   7 Signs You Need A New Furnace

Trane Comfort Specialist - What It Means   |   Optimal Winter Thermostat Settings

Ideal Humidity = Ideal Comfort   |   Avoid Cold Spots In Your Home

Save Money This Winter   |   Beware Of HVAC Systems That Go Bump In The Night!

Is My Water Heater Dying?   |   5 Reasons To Upgrade Your Thermostat

Debunking 7 Common Radon Myths   |   It's Annual Furnace Tune-Up Time!

HVAC Tips For Pet Owners   |   Fall HVAC Preparation Checklist

Back-To-School HVAC Maintenance   |   Let's Talk About Air Filters

How Does Central Air Conditioning Work?   |   Air Cleaners vs. Air Filters

4 Signs It's Time For A New AC   |   Exploring Your Central AC System

AC Repairs - Least & Most Expensive   |   Air Conditioning's Top 10 Benefits

Does My Water Heater Need Repaired Or Replaced?   |   Protect Your AC Condenser From Bad Weather

Air Purifiers 101   |   3 Factors That Affect AC Efficiency

Don't Let Mold Harm Your Home And Your Health   |   What Type Of Furnace Is Right For Me?

Add UV Lighting For Your Family's Health   |   Stop Wasting Energy!

Here's 5 Great Home Makeover Ideas For The New Year   |   New HVAC System On Your Christmas List?

5 Easy Tasks To Prepare Your Home For Winter   |   Let's Talk About Your Leaky Ductwork

Please Don't Cover Up Your Thermostat   |   Tame These HVAC Scares This Halloween

What Do All These Letters Mean?   |   6 Easy, Affordable Ways To Boost Your Home's Value

Low Temperature = Quality Sleep   |   What Does HVAC Mean, And What Does It Stand For?

My AC Runs But Isn't Cold - What's Up?   |   Is Your AC Prepared For Summer's Thunderstorms?

Something's Wrong With My AC!   |   How Can I Afford A New Cooling System?

5 Easy Tasks To Prepare Your Home For Summer   |   The Problem With A Clogged Filter

5 AC Myths That Are Costing You Money   |   My Air Conditioner Smells Gross!

6 Signs It's Time For A New AC   |   5 Easy DIY Projects While You're Social Distancing

Choosing The Right Thermostat   |   What Does SEER Mean?

5 Easy Tasks To Prepare Your Home For Spring   |   Improve Your Winter Air Quality

The R-22 Ban: Do I Need To Replace My AC?   |   8 New Year's Resolutions For Your Family's Comfort

Using Your Programmable Thermostat Well   |   I Need A Quieter Furnace!

Know The Signs Of A Cracked Heat Exchanger   |   Carbon Monoxide FAQ

What's The Best Air Filter For My Allergies?   |   14 Easy Ways To Winterize Your Home

What's Up With My Weird Thermostat?   |   A Yearly Furnace Tune-Up Is Essential - Here's Why

Window AC Units Can Be Dangerous!   |   Prevent Summer Weather From Damaging Your Home

Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?   |   Keeping Cool In Hot Weather

Is It Time To Replace My AC?   |   Central Air Is The Best Cooling Option

Is An HVAC Tune-Up Really Worth It?   |   Does My Air Conditioner Need Repaired?

How To Reduce Dust In Your Home   |   The Importance Of Annual AC Tune-Ups

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality   |   Reduce Allergens In Your Home

Warmer Weather And Your Thermostat   |   Prepare Your AC For The Season

Time To Replace Your Furnace?   |   Handling Extreme Cold Well

Home Insulation Saves You Money   |   Humidity Isn't Just A Summer Issue

My Furnace Won't Stay On!   |   How Long Should My HVAC Equipment Last?

Tricks To Stay Warm This Winter   |   Winterize Your HVAC System

Don't Close Those Vents!   |   Phew! Furnace Smells You Shouldn't Ignore

Leave Furnace Repair And Installs To Us   |   Preventative Maintenance Matters

4 Important Tasks Before You Use Your Furnace   |   Prepare Your Home For Fall And Winter

Caulk And Seal Like A Pro!   |   Dealing With Extreme Heat

Don't Neglect Your Furnace In The Summer!   |   Preventing And Dealing With Water Damage

Why You Should Test Your Air Quality   |   Smart HVAC Technology For Your Home

Keep Your Vents Clean And Stylish   |   Save Money With A Home Energy Audit

Why Is My AC System Blowing Warm Air?   |   Reduce Humidity To Stay Cool

Summer Energy-Saving Tips   |   Create An Allergy-Free Home

Is My Air Conditioner Low On Refrigerant?   |   4 Essential HVAC Safety Tips

16 Easy Spring Tasks To Save You Money   |   My Air Conditioner Is So Noisy!

5 Ways To Stay Cool This Summer   |   4 Common AC Problems

Spring Cleaning Checklist   |   The Importance Of A Clean AC Condenser Coil

Improve Your Home's Indoor Air Quality   |   Prepare Your Cooling System For Summer

Why Is This Room Warmer Than The Rest Of My Home?   |   Retire Your Old Thermostat

About Our Blog

Containing the most current and easy-to-read expert information in the world of heating and cooling, our blog is intended to help you stay "in the know" and make the best decisions when it comes to keeping your home and family comfortable and your HVAC system trouble-free. That's how neighbors should treat neighbors!™

Recent Posts

Why Choose Hey Neighbor?

We're committed to providing fast friendly emergency service 24 hours a day 7 days a week for residential heating and air conditioning systems in Wooster, Millersburg and the surrounding areas.

Our 24-hour emergency on-call service means you'll never have to go through another cold winter night or a hot, humid summer day. We service residents of Wayne and Holmes counties with no after-hours or overtime fees, so you'll never have to worry about paying extra because your furnace or air conditioner decided it wanted to quit on the weekend or a holiday!

Our service trucks are ready for your emergency after-hours service call with over 5000 stocked parts so you don't have to wait for us to chase down the parts you need.

Expert Local Service

Furnace and AC Repair

Furnace and AC Repair

Fast and done right the first time

We'll keep your Wayne County furnace running smoothly, and we service gas and electric heaters, heat pumps, ductless mini-split systems and more. Our local, licensed, friendly HVAC technicians drive fully-stocked service vans so when we troubleshoot your Holmes County HVAC system and find a faulty part, we can replace it right then! Whatever you need in the area of heating and cooling repair in Wooster, Millersburg, and the surrounding areas, we've got you covered!

Installs and Upgrades

Installs and Upgrades

The right system for your home

Whether you're a homeowner in Rittman who's in the market for a new, high-efficiency furnace, a mobile home owner in Shreve who's tired of baking in the summertime or you're a property manager in Dalton looking to replace old, temperamental air conditioning systems in apartments with new reliable units, our experience enables us to quickly and accurately assess your HVAC needs. You'll get the new furnace install and central air conditioning upgrade that's right for you.

System Maintenance

System Maintenance

Protect your investment

While we don't mind visiting your home for a dead-of-winter breakdown (it's what we do), we want to help you avoid that unfortunate situation altogether. That's why we offer affordable Wayne and Holmes County seasonal HVAC maintenance to reduce the future need for heating and cooling repairs. Our thorough inspections catch little problems before they become big ones. An annual HVAC tune-up by one of our expert techs saves you money, time, and stress!

Latest HVAC Articles

Don't neglect your HVAC system investment - enroll in our Preventative Maintenance Program today and protect it year-round!
Feb 26, 2024

Preventative Maintenance Is A Savvy Move

Are you ready to keep your cool (or stay cozy warm) all year round? Well, listen up, because we've got some insider tips on how to make that happen hassle-free. Let's talk about HVAC... more...

Our comfort experts explain why these therapeutic devices can greatly enhance your family's health and well-being.
Jan 29, 2024

Is A Whole-House Humidifier Right For Me?

If you're wondering whether or not a whole-house humidifier is the missing piece to your cozy home puzzle, you've come to the right place. Today, let's embark on a journey to explore... more...

Let's talk about why upgrading to a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is the best new year's resolution!
Dec 26, 2023

The Best New Year's Resolution

As we bid farewell to the old and usher in the new, it's time to consider a resolution that not only promises year-round comfort but also puts more green in your pocket. Imagine a... more...

Schedule service

Communities We Serve

Wayne County, Ohio ~ Apple Creek, Ohio 44606 ~ Armstrong, Ohio 44214 ~ Burbank, Ohio 44214 ~ Burton City, Ohio 44667 ~ Congress, Ohio 44287 ~ Craigton, Ohio 44676 ~ Creston, Ohio 44217 ~ Dalton, Ohio 44618 ~ Doylestown, Ohio 44230 ~ Easton, Ohio 44270 ~ Fredericksburg, Ohio 44627 ~ Funk, Ohio 44691 ~ Kidron, Ohio 44636 ~ Lattasburg, Ohio 44287 ~ Marshallville, Ohio 44645 ~ Mount Eaton, Ohio 44569 ~ Orrville, Ohio 44667 ~ Pleasant Home, Ohio 44287 ~ Riceland, Ohio 44667 ~ Rittman, Ohio 44270 ~ Shreve, Ohio 44676 ~ Smithville, Ohio 44677 ~ Sterling, Ohio 44276 ~ West Salem, Ohio 44287 ~ Wooster, Ohio 44691 ~ and more!

Holmes County, Ohio ~ Baltic, Ohio 43804 ~ Becks Mills, Ohio 44654 ~ Berlin, Ohio 44654 ~ Charm, Ohio 44654 ~ Farmerstown, Ohio 43804 ~ Glenmont, Ohio 44628 ~ Holmesville, Ohio 44633 ~ Killbuck, Ohio 44637 ~ Lakeville, Ohio 44638 ~ Millersburg, Ohio 44654 ~ Mount Hope, Ohio 44627 ~ Nashville, Ohio 44611 ~ Saltillo, Ohio 44654 ~ Stillwell, Ohio 44637 ~ Trail, Ohio 44624 ~ Walnut Creek, Ohio 44681 ~ Winesburg, Ohio 44624 ~ and more!