🏡 10 Affordable Ways to Increase Your Home’s Resale Value (That Actually Work)
Thinking about the value of your home? You should be.
Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just want to protect your investment, the right home improvements can increase your property’s value—and do it affordably. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve helped countless Chicago-area homeowners maintain and improve their homes with practical, high-return upgrades. Increase your home’s resale value!
From small projects to long-overdue fixes, here are 10 cost-effective ways to boost your home’s value—without blowing your budget. (Note: prices subject to change over time.)
🔎 1. Get a Professional Opinion
Cost: ~$100
Before you pick up a hammer or paintbrush, get input from a general contractor or interior designer. A quick consultation can help prioritize upgrades that offer the highest return on investment. A fresh set of eyes may reveal overlooked areas bringing down your home’s value.
🎨 2. Give It a Fresh Coat of Paint
Cost: $200–$600 per room
Paint is one of the simplest, most affordable ways to transform a space. Stick to neutral tones like soft greys, whites, and beiges—they appeal to the widest range of potential buyers and help rooms appear cleaner and larger.
💡 3. Improve Energy Efficiency
Cost: Varies; many utilities offer free audits
Energy-efficient homes are more attractive to modern buyers. Request an energy audit from your local utility company. Then, update lighting to LED, add programmable thermostats, or install ceiling fans. Bonus: you’ll start saving on your own energy bills right away.
🧽 4. Deep Clean With the Pros
Cost: $300–$800 (annually recommended)
Weekly cleaning helps, but deep grime builds up in hard-to-reach places over time. Hiring a professional cleaning or restoration service (like ours!) ensures your home is truly clean—and looks it. Sparkling baseboards, grout, vents, and windows can make all the difference in showing your home’s true condition.
🪞 5. Make Your Home “Feel” Bigger
Cost: Under $500
You don’t need to add square footage to boost value—just increase the perception of space:
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Replace heavy drapes with vertical blinds
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Add large mirrors to reflect light
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Install open shelving to reduce visual clutter
These changes increase what real estate agents call “visual space,” which helps homes feel more open and inviting.
🍽️ 6. Upgrade Kitchens & Bathrooms (Strategically)
Cost: Varies, but targeted updates start at $250
You don’t need a full remodel. Instead:
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Swap cabinet fronts
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Replace hardware
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Add a tile backsplash
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Update light fixtures
Small upgrades in kitchens and bathrooms deliver some of the highest ROI in the home.
🌳 7. Improve Curb Appeal & Landscaping
Cost: $200–$1,500
Don’t forget the first impression! Trim overgrown shrubs, plant flowers, and add a shade tree or small garden. Outdoor lighting is another affordable way to add ambiance and security. Landscaping improvements can offer up to a 150% return on investment according to the National Association of Realtors.
🧼 8. Replace Worn Carpets or Rugs
Cost: $400–$2,000 depending on room size
Stained or dated flooring is an immediate turnoff for buyers. Focus on high-traffic areas first. In some cases, replacing carpet with luxury vinyl tile or engineered wood may be more affordable and longer-lasting. There is a wide range of wood choices, including oak ,maple, birch, cherry, eucalyptus, iron wood, and many others.
🔧 9. Fix Lingering Repairs
Cost: Varies
That leaky faucet, burnt-out light, or water-stained ceiling? These issues silently scream “neglect” to prospective buyers. Worse, they can lead to inspections that tank offers. Prioritize repairs, especially those tied to moisture or safety.
🧱 10. Update Countertops
Cost: $1,500–$3,500 (kitchen); $500–$1,200 (bathroom)
Marble and granite aren’t your only options anymore. Consider quartz, concrete, or even resurfaced laminate for a fresh, modern look without a luxury price tag.
💰 You Don’t Have to Spend Big to Sell Big
Each of these upgrades is affordable on its own, but together they can add thousands in resale value to your home. More importantly, they prevent last-minute repairs that can derail a sale or reduce your asking price.
And remember — even if you’re not selling this year, every dollar you put into your home’s upkeep now is one less dollar you’ll have to scramble for later.
🛠️ Need Help with Cleaning or Repairs?
At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve helped homeowners across Chicago and the North Shore maintain the value and livability of their homes. From deep cleaning to water and fire damage repairs, we’ve got your back.
👉 Call us at 773-376-1110
👉 Or visit our website to learn more about our specialty restoration services.
📍 We Proudly Serve:
Chicago | Evanston | Wilmette | Skokie | Lake Forest | Glenview | Northbrook | Highland Park | and beyond
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a certified MBE/WBE minority- and women-owned business, proudly family-operated and serving Chicago and the North Shore. With decades of experience, we specialize in disaster restoration services for residential and commercial properties affected by water damage, fire and smoke, flooding, mold, and severe weather events. We also offer a full suite of specialty cleaning services, including hoarder and clutter cleanup, post-construction cleaning, and carpet and upholstery care.
📞 Call 773-376-1110 or visit servicemasterbysimons.com to learn how we can help restore your peace of mind.
ServiceMaster Restore has proudly served the nation for over 75 years. From Cleaning to Restoration, we provide homes and businesses with the finest professional services available.