Windows: Windows are a great way to add value to your home for a low cost, which gives you instant equity. The cost to replace all the windows in your home could be a couple of thousand, but the perceived value closer to four or five thousand. So, can you see why this is one thing you would want to do when remodeling in order to improve vale and add equity?

Flooring: Flooring can be very expensive, or very inexpensive. If you have hard wood floors, instead of redoing them, consider just refinishing them, and repairing any damaged spots. This might cost you $500 plus labor, but the increase perceived value could be in the thousands. If you have plastic laminate flooring, such as stick on tiles, consider replacing with tile, carpet, or even laminate hard wood that looks better and lasts longer. The floor is a big part of your home, so when remodeling, remember that it is an inexpensive way to update your look, freshen the feel, and add equity for low cost.

Paint: Painting your home is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to get a new look and feel for a minimal price. Paint is cheap. Paint is not hard, you can do it yourself, and it can add a lot of appeal and value to your home. So, clean your walls well, then put on a fresh coat of paint.

Hardware: Often times when people remodel they spend more than they have to. They think a door is outdated so they replace it. What they do not realize is that it was just the look of the door that needed changing, and that the actual structure and function of the door were still in tact. So, instead of replacing things like doors, sinks, and cabinets, consider buying new hardware for them. You could also use some paint to give them new life. Replace old door knobs with beautiful new ones. Replace outdated cabinetry hardware with sleek chrome hardware, get rid of corroded leaky faucets, but keep your intact porcelain sink. These are inexpensive upgrades and remodels that add value for low cost.

Floor plan: part of improving value is improving structures, updating etc. However, the other part is making it more comfortable and attractive to prospective buyers. If you want to add equity, and value, consider changing the floor plan some. It used to be that more rooms was the thing, now open, flowing floor plan are, so if possible, consider removing non-load bearing walls, or at least cutting out a window. This will add equity as it raises appeal and modernizes the house, and costs pennies to do so.