Anyone who has done a home renovations know what a rabbit hole it can be, making endless decisions about everything from countertop materials and flooring to plumbing fixtures. It can also add up—fast. But there’s a big difference between renovating your home for yourself and doing it to increase your home’s value and curb appeal when you plan to sell.

That’s an important distinction to make, says Jackie Mahoney, Broker Associate, Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty. “I’ve had a lot of experience renovating our own homes and also flipping houses, and there is a big difference when it comes to everything from style to budget,” Mahoney says. “Not only are you going to be more budget conscious but you’re also going to stick to a more classic, timeless style that has a broader appeal.” The focus is on upgrades that improve home value and appeal to buyers as opposed to something that satisfies your own personal style and flair.

Colorado mountain homes are a breed all their own when it comes to the specific elements buyers are looking for. Here are the top 4 ways to improve your home value with simple upgrades that will give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to a return on investment.

 

WASH AWAY YOUR WORRIES

They say you only get one first impression, which is why a home’s exterior is just as important when it comes to renovations that bring a big return on investment. “Believe it or not, a power wash to the exterior can go a long way,” Mahoney says. “It’s all about curb appeal and you’d be amazed how much a power wash can improve the appearance of a home. It’s all about presentation and it’s a lot more cost effective than replacing windows, siding or decking.” A fresh coat of paint can also improve value by giving a home a clean, updated look without breaking the bank.

IF YOU CAN’T TAKE THE HEAT, UPGRADE THE KITCHEN

It’s common knowledge that when it comes to renovations, kitchens matter the most, simply because that’s where we spend so much of our time, Mahoney says. But it can be tricky to execute a budget-friendly renovation, especially when it comes to kitchens, where upgrades can add up fast. “Cabinets can get extremely expensive, especially if you’re talking about custom,” Mahoney says. You’re going to get a lot more out of your money investing in new appliances and countertops, especially if you’re resourceful. “We once found a refurbished Viking stove online, but it doesn’t have to be top-of-the-line. You can still find affordable, nice looking appliances at big box stores, but it makes a huge difference in terms of giving a kitchen an upgraded look.” The same goes for countertop materials—it doesn’t have to be Carrera marble, but if a kitchen has dated countertops, that’s going to cost you a lot more in the long run in terms of home value than investing in something clean and updated.

 

SMALL ROOM, BIG CHANGES

When it comes to bathrooms, “all of it matters,” Mahoney says, from vanities and sinks to faucets and fixtures. Start with the bigger picture. “Tile is a big one, from flooring to the shower and bathtub.” There’s a lot you can do with porcelain tile by using different patterns (think: herringbone) shapes (geometric tiles are trending) and large-format tiles. “Stick with neutrals and clean, timeless design that will have a broader appeal,” Mahoney says. Another trick of the trade—removing walls to turn a smaller space into something more luxurious and spacious, which can be especially effective with bathrooms and closets. Dual sinks and more modern vanities give bathrooms an instant upgrade and new plumbing fixtures can also make a huge difference, Mahoney says. “Bronze and black is popular, but brushed nickel is still clean and timeless. Again, be careful to avoid anything too trendy.”

SHED SOME LIGHT

If there’s one thing interior designers are always thinking about, it’s lighting. “Updated lighting can make a profound difference in a space,” Mahoney says. The key is ambient lighting and updating old fixtures and bulbs that create that harsh overhead lighting that’s a thing of the past. LED lighting strips can be used everywhere from beneath vanity drawers and behind mirrors to along ceiling and floor seams. Automated lighting is another big one—lights set on a timer that will illuminate automatically, say in the bathroom, and then set on a timer to shut off, feel very modern and updated, but don’t cost a lot of money. These are subtle touches that don’t cost a ton of money that can make a space feel more modern and appealing.

 

FROM THE GROUND UP

Flooring in Colorado, especially in mountain homes can be tricky. Heavy use, especially for our outdoor, equipment-heavy lifestyle, require flooring that is bomb proof, scratch resistant, and won’t buckle over time because of the dryness. “Plank vinyl flooring could be here to stay in Colorado,” Mahoney says. “It’s still going to look nice in 5-10 years and is neutral enough not to be outdated.” Look for heavily grained patterns that don’t show dirt and dust, which can be hard to keep up with in our dry climate. It’s not cheap, but good flooring is worth the investment.

 

Figuring out when to spend and when to save are a delicate dance when it comes to getting that return on investment in home renovation, but in general, you want things to be as clean, updated, and timeless as possible. “It’s all about presentation,” Mahoney says. “Not everyone has the ability to imagine the potential for a home. A few simple upgrades can bring that vision to life.”