No-Demo Renovation Projects to Attract Homebuyers

If you're thinking about putting your home on the market, but unable to handle the cost and disruption of renovations that will enhance its salability, there are several no-demo-required projects you should consider.

According to research from Thumbtack and Zillow, certain home features that have proven to be highly desirable in today's market don't require knocking down walls or a big budget. Thumbtack data finds these projects cost less than $5,000 on average nationwide, and boost daily saves and shares on the Zillow real estate platform:

Window boxes.

These simple rectangular containers turn into big attention-getters when filled with flowers, plants or herbs. Sitting just below the outside window sill, these boxes add color and curb appeal to a home. In fact, according to Zillow, homes with a window box can get 48% more saves and 52% more shares per day compared to similar homes without this feature. The average national cost is $100–$150 for professional installation and $15–$900 for materials, depending on the types purchased.

Open shelving. 

With open shelving, you can display attractive objects in your home without cluttering your interior landscape with bulky furniture. Homes with open shelving can get an additional 37% more saves and 45% more shares per day on Zillow. The average national cost is $275 for professional installation, without the cost of shelves. Plus, according to Thumbtack data, closet system and shelving installations are up 31.5% year over year, indicating that homeowners are leaning into this trend.

Vintage touches and finishes. 

Homes with vintage features not only have charm and character, but they can get 28% more saves and 31% more shares per day on Zillow compared to similar homes. The pricing for vintage decor and features varies dramatically, but homeowners can find great vintage pieces and accessories for less than $100, such as vintage crown molding, which costs $2–$50 per linear foot, depending on the material.

An outdoor TV. 

Rising in popularity thanks to the outdoor entertaining trend, homes with an outdoor TV can receive 28% more saves and 26% more shares per day than expected on Zillow. The average national cost is $175–$300, though costs could increase depending on electrical capabilities and weatherproofing. Outdoor TV installations are up 12.7% year over year, according to Thumbtack data.

A picket fence. 

Nothing says home quite like a white picket fence, leading to 27% more saves and 31% more shares per day on Zillow compared to homes without one. The average national cost to install a picket fence is $7–$45 per linear foot, and a recent Thumbtack study found that more than one-third (39%) of homeowners said their dream yard would have a fenced-in space for pets.

A fire pit. 

Another indication of the importance of outdoor living features is the rise in popularity of fire pits. Homes that have a fire pit can witness up to 19% more saves and 23% more shares per day on Zillow. While the price varies depending on how elaborate you want your fire pit to be, DIY kits can cost just a couple of hundred dollars.

These are just some of the low-cost, low-hassle renovation projects that can make a big difference to prospective homebuyers. Consult with a local real estate professional to find out which features can offer a wow factor to buyers in your area.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2024. All rights reserved.

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