What are Essential vs. Cosmetic updates?

If you are considering selling your home, there are likely some updates that you can make to help entice buyers. Many factors determine the value of your home - from location and curb appeal to the finishes inside your home. Potential updates can include your home’s plumbing, roof, siding, and cosmetic updates such as paint color and appliances. There are two categories of updates to consider - essential and cosmetic. Essentials are items to ensure your home is safe and will last. Cosmetics are the things that make your house feel like a home. 

This season, look around your home and check out the condition of the essential and cosmetic items in the below list to help maintain your home's value. A few minor repairs now could help you avoid major repairs in the future.

Essentials

Essential updates are those that are required to maintain the safety and functionality of your home. These updates typically address issues that can pose a threat to your health and safety if left unattended.

• Age and condition of the roof - An old or damaged roof can lead to leaks and water damage, which can be costly to repair. If you notice missing shingles or signs of wear and tear on your roof, it's essential to have it repaired or replaced.
• Age and condition of the HVAC system - Regular maintenance of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is essential to keep it running efficiently and prevent breakdowns. This includes changing filters, cleaning ducts, and scheduling regular tune-ups.
• Age and condition of the hot water heater - Maintaining and checking your hot water heater is important for safety, efficiency, longevity, and water quality. It's recommended to have your hot water heater checked annually by a licensed professional to ensure it's functioning properly and to catch any potential issues early.
• Condition of exterior siding, stucco, and/or paint - Maintaining the condition of exterior siding, stucco, and paint is important for protecting your home from the elements, maintaining energy efficiency, and extending the lifespan of your home's exterior.
• Any leaks in your kitchen or bathrooms? Plumbing issues can be dangerous if not addressed promptly. If you notice issues such as leaking faucets or pipes, it's essential to have them repaired as soon as possible.

Cosmetic

Cosmetic updates are those that are primarily done for aesthetic purposes. While these updates aren't necessarily essential for the safety and functionality of your home, they can enhance its overall appearance and increase its value.

• Are your appliances functioning correctly? Upgrading your kitchen can have a significant impact on the value of your home. This can include updating cabinets, countertops, and fixtures.
• Are your ceiling fans or lighting fixtures all working correctly? Ceiling fans and lighting fixtures are important for the overall look and feel of a room. A broken or non-functioning ceiling fan or lighting fixture can detract from the aesthetic appeal of a room, making it look unfinished or poorly maintained.
• Is your paint or wallpaper fresh or fading? A fresh coat of paint can instantly transform the look and feel of a room. Whether you're painting a single accent wall or an entire room, it's an affordable way to update your home's appearance.
• Are your cabinets loose or broken? Replacing loose or broken cabinets is important for safety, functionality, aesthetics, and structural integrity.
• Are your blinds or curtains broken or faded? Curtains and blinds are an important part of the overall look and feel of a room. Faded or broken curtains or blinds can detract from the aesthetic appeal of the room, making it look outdated or poorly maintained. Additionally replacing broken or faded curtains and blinds will help with privacy and energy efficiency.
• Is your flooring worn and tired? New flooring can give your home a fresh, updated look. Whether you choose carpet, hardwood, or tile, new flooring can enhance the overall aesthetic of your home.

When it comes to home updates, we feel it's important to prioritize essential updates first. These updates address safety and functionality issues o your home and should be addressed swiftly. Once essential updates are taken care of, cosmetic updates can be considered to enhance the overall appearance and value of your home. Whether you're looking to sell your home or simply want to update its look, a combination of essential and cosmetic updates can help you achieve your goals.

For more detailed information about your home's current value or improvements that can be made, reach out to me, and we will schedule a walk-through. Having a second pair of eyes may help you prioritize your list.