Whether you’re preparing to sell your home soon or simply want to enjoy it more, making thoughtful improvements is one of the best investments you can make. A well-cared-for home doesn’t just look better—it can significantly increase home value while improving comfort, functionality, and overall pride of ownership.
At A.G. Williams Painting Company, we’ve been helping homeowners in New York and Connecticut transform their properties for over a century. We know which upgrades give you the most return on investment (ROI) and which changes make the biggest difference in a competitive housing market.
8 Ways to Increase Home Value
Plus insider tips on ROI, color psychology, and staging strategies to maximize results.
1.) Refresh with Exterior Painting
One of the most powerful ways to increase home value is by investing in exterior painting. Peeling, faded, or outdated paint sends the wrong message to potential buyers, while a crisp, modern color palette boosts curb appeal instantly.
Why It Matters for Value
- First Impressions: Buyers often decide within the first few minutes of seeing a home whether they feel positively or negatively about it.
- ROI: According to real estate experts, exterior painting can yield a return of up to 55–70% on investment.
- Protection: Beyond beauty, exterior paint acts as a barrier against moisture, pests, and weather damage, preserving the structure of your home.
Pro Tip: Color Psychology for Exteriors
- Whites and Grays: Timeless, clean, and modern.
- Deep Blues and Greens: Sophisticated and calming.
- Warm Neutrals: Welcoming, approachable, and highly versatile.
When in doubt, stick with neutrals that appeal to the widest audience. A.G. Williams Painting Company can help you select shades that fit both your style and the character of your neighborhood.
2.) Repair and Restore Problem Areas
Curb appeal isn’t just about paint—it’s also about condition. Buyers quickly notice rotting trim, cracked siding, or sagging porches. Neglected details can lower offers because buyers assume bigger issues may be lurking.
Why It Matters for Value
- Peace of Mind: Buyers are more likely to pay top dollar for a home that appears well maintained.
- ROI: Repairing carpentry damage often prevents bigger costs down the line and adds value by eliminating potential buyer objections.
Staging Strategy
Even if you’re not selling right now, addressing these repairs increases long-term value and saves you money later. A home that’s structurally sound and aesthetically polished always commands a better price.
3.) Upgrade Your Landscaping
Your yard is the stage for your home. Simple improvements like fresh mulch, trimmed bushes, and colorful flowers can increase home value by transforming the property’s curb appeal.
Why It Matters for Value
- First Impressions: Landscaping is often ranked among the top outdoor features that help homes sell faster.
- ROI: Depending on scope, landscaping can provide a 100% ROI or more because of its impact on perceived value.
Pro Tip: Easy Landscaping Wins
Define flower beds with clean borders. Add solar path lights for evening ambiance. Plant perennials for low-maintenance beauty year after year.
4. Brighten with Interior Painting
Few updates do more to increase home value than interior painting. Neutral, modern colors help buyers visualize themselves in the home and create a “move-in ready” feel.
Why It Matters for Value
- ROI: Interior painting is one of the highest ROI projects, with returns averaging 100% or more.
- Mood Setting: Color psychology plays a big role in how rooms feel.
Color Psychology for Interiors
- Soft Grays: Modern and versatile; work well with most furniture.
- Warm Beiges and Whites: Welcoming and timeless.
- Light Blues and Greens: Calm and refreshing, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms.
Pro Tip: Avoid Overly Bold or Personalized Colors
When planning to sell—these may turn off buyers. Instead, use accent décor for personality and keep walls neutral. For folks who just landed a new property and plan to turn it into their dream home, check out this article on maximizing your self-expression.
5.) Focus on Kitchens and Bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. Period. These rooms are where buyers pay the most attention, so upgrades here yield some of the best returns.
Why It Matters for Value
- ROI: Minor kitchen remodels can recoup 70–80% of costs. Bathroom updates often bring 60–70%.
- Buyer Psychology: Updated kitchens and baths reassure buyers that they won’t face expensive renovations right after purchasing.
Upgrade Ideas
- Paint or refinish cabinets for a budget-friendly refresh.
- Update lighting fixtures to modern styles.
- Replace outdated hardware and faucets.
- Add a fresh coat of paint in light, neutral shades.
6.) Declutter and Create Space
Decluttering is one of the most underrated ways to increase home value—because it costs little but delivers big results. A tidy, organized home feels larger, brighter, and more welcoming.
Why It Matters for Value
- Staging Impact: Decluttered homes show better in photos and in person.
- Psychological Impact: Buyers can more easily imagine their own lives and belongings in your space.
Pro Tip: Staging Strategy
- Remove 25–30% of furniture to create a sense of openness.
- Organize closets to show off storage potential.
- Use simple, stylish storage baskets to control smaller items.
7.) Improve Lighting
Lighting changes everything. Bright, well-lit spaces feel cheerful, clean, and welcoming, while dark corners can make a home feel smaller and less appealing.
Why It Matters for Value
- ROI: Replacing old bulbs with LEDs is inexpensive but makes a big impact.
- Mood: Lighting sets the tone for comfort, safety, and livability.
Pro Tip: Layer Lighting
Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Maximize natural light by keeping blinds open during showings. Consider updating outdated fixtures with modern styles.
8.) Add Memorable Finishing Touches
Buyers often remember how a home made them feel. Simple touches like fresh flowers, scented candles, or even the smell of something baking can leave a lasting impression.
Why It Matters for Value
- Emotional Connection: Buyers often make decisions based on how they feel, not just facts.
- Staging Strategy: These finishing touches can help tip the scales in your favor.
Pro Tip: Keep it Subtle.
Overpowering scents or cluttered décor can have the opposite effect.
Maximizing ROI When You Increase Home Value
Not all upgrades are equal. If you’re looking to get the best bang for your buck, prioritize projects with high ROI like painting, landscaping, and kitchen or bathroom updates. These deliver the most value without requiring a full renovation budget.
When it comes to projects that increase home value, professional painting is one of the smartest investments you can make. At A.G. Williams Painting Company, we’ve helped generations of homeowners in New York and Connecticut make their homes more beautiful, more livable, and more valuable.
From exterior painting that boosts curb appeal to interior painting that creates a move-in ready atmosphere, our experienced team delivers flawless results that last. We also provide carpentry repair services to restore damaged areas and protect your investment.
Ready to make improvements that truly increase home value? Contact us today for a free estimate and let’s transform your home together.