Home Repairs That Can Raise the Price of Your Home

Want to sell your home for top dollar? You can’t just slap on a "For Sale" sign and expect a bidding war. To get the highest return, you need to make sure your home is clean, functional, and buyer-ready.

That means fixing the things buyers will notice, and upgrading what will raise your perceived value.

Whether you’re preparing to list in a few months or just want to boost long-term equity, here’s a checklist of practical home repairs that can increase your resale price and help your property stand out.

✅ 1. Fresh Paint Inside and Out

Painting is one of the easiest, fastest, and most cost-effective upgrades you can do.

• Exterior: If the outside paint is in good shape, a simple power wash might do the trick. Here’s how to power wash your home safely

• Interior: Stick with neutral tones like soft grays, beiges, or off-whites. These make rooms feel cleaner, larger, and more move-in ready.

Bonus Tip: Paint front doors, shutters, and trim for major curb appeal.

✅ 2. Test and Upgrade Lighting & Electrical Fixtures

Lighting affects how people feel in your home. Bad lighting feels cold and outdated. Clean, bright lighting = warm and welcoming.

• Replace burnt-out or dim bulbs

• Use warm white or daylight bulbs

• Upgrade broken switches, outlets, and light fixtures

• Add modern lighting in kitchens and bathrooms

Bonus Tip: Swap outdated ceiling fans or flush mounts for sleek LED fixtures. Shop affordable lighting options here

✅ 3. Kitchen Improvements That Don’t Break the Bank

You don’t need to remodel your kitchen to make a big impact.

• Paint cabinets and replace handles or knobs

• Fix leaky or scratched faucets

• Repair cracked countertops or invest in budget-friendly replacements

• Clean or replace stained backsplash tiles

Pro Tip: Even a $500 mini makeover can pay off big at closing. Check out these low-cost kitchen upgrades

✅ 4. Bathroom Repairs That Add Value

Bathrooms are a key selling point. A clean, fresh bathroom feels luxurious even without a full renovation.

• Replace or deep clean old grout

• Fix chipped tiles or broken sinks

• Upgrade faucets, toilet seats, and towel bars

• Hang a fresh shower curtain and install new mirrors

Learn how to regrout your tile with this DIY guide: Regrouting Tips from Bob Vila

✅ 5. Maximize Unused Spaces: Basement and Attic

Turning underused spaces into livable square footage boosts your home’s value.

• Finish the basement as a rec room, office, or guest suite

• Convert the attic into a bedroom, playroom, or studio

Even just cleaning, painting, and flooring an unfinished space can make it feel usable.

See what finishing a basement could cost and return

✅ 6. Check Your Major Systems: Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing

Buyers want to know your home is safe and functional.

• Replace outdated radiators or baseboard heaters

• Fix leaky faucets and running toilets

• Install new outlets and switches if necessary

• Clean out AC vents and replace filters

Pro Tip: Get a pre-sale inspection to find small issues before buyers do. Find a certified home inspector here

✅ 7. Upgrade Your Floors

Flooring can make or break a showing.

• Deep clean carpets or replace stained sections

• Wax or refinish hardwood floors

• Replace old, dated vinyl or broken tiles

• If you have hardwood under carpet, expose it!

Compare flooring types by value and resale appeal

✅ 8. Exterior Repairs and Curb Appeal

Buyers judge from the curb before they even walk in.

• Repair or paint fences

• Power wash the driveway, siding, and walkways

• Replace or paint the front door

• Clean the roof and gutters

• Add mulch, flowers, and solar path lighting

Get easy curb appeal ideas here

✅ 9. Clean or Replace Appliances

Shiny, clean appliances signal that your home has been cared for.

• Deep clean all appliances

• Replace outdated or broken units if possible

• Stainless steel, energy-efficient models impress buyers

Energy-efficient appliance guide from Energy Star

Even just removing magnets and organizing counters helps.

Final Thoughts: Small Repairs, Big Profits

You don’t have to spend $20K on a renovation to sell for more.

Focus on repairs that make your home cleaner, safer, and more welcoming. Buyers want a space they can move into without stress.

If your home is clean, freshly painted, with no red flags, you’re already ahead of the game.

Want to Earn More While Selling?

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Related Reads:

• How to Stage Your Home to Sell Fast

• Best Renovations for ROI in 2025

• How to Start a Side Hustle While Selling Your House