10 Cheap Home Improvement Projects to Increase Resale Value

Increasing your home's resale value doesn't always mean spending big bucks. Sometimes it's the little things that matter. In fact, unless home improvement projects involve improving the functional quality of a home, for example, adding a second bathroom or remodeling an outdated kitchen, homeowners are better off saving their money and considering these 10 relatively cheap home improvement projects instead.

1. Wash the exterior of your home. Renting a power washer for an afternoon or a day and washing the exterior of your home-both siding and windows-can make a world of difference in your home's appearance. You'll probably be surprised at just how much dirt has accumulated.
2. Paint exterior trim and doors.
   Painting your home's exterior door and window trim is an easy and cost effective way to spruce up your home. In most cases, painting the exterior of your home is probably not a cost effective home improvement if you are planning on moving in the near future.
3. Paint interior spaces in a neutral color. You may love the lavender and moss green color scheme, but chances are potential buyers will not. Painting your interior living spaces in a neutral color scheme will increase the odds of someone buying your home. Even if the potential buyers don't particularly like that shade of eggshell white, it's usually something the new owner can live with.
4. Replace corroded bathroom fixtures. If your chrome bathroom fixtures are corroded or have lost their shiny finish, it's probably time to replace them, especially if you are thinking of selling your house. Although you may be tempted to choose new fixtures in silver or gold plate in an attempt to upgrade, if the new owners decide to upgrade they will replace the fixtures anyway, so stick with the standard chrome finish.
5. Build a deck. Adding a basic deck to your home is a good way to increase your home's living space and a worthwhile investment in terms of resale value. A deck is a do-it-yourself project for most people, although some may hire a contractor to get the job done.
6. Add a a gas fireplace. A fireplace adds lots of charm as well as romance to any living space, whether it's in the living room, family room, or master bedroom. A vent-less gas fireplace, which uses either canned gel gas or liquid propane, needs no venting system and is a good choice for most families.
7. Garage organizer and storage system. Everyone wants a neat and tidy garage. Unfortunately most of us don't have one and gardening equipment, bikes, sports gear, and tools are usually sprawled all over. That's why a garage organizer and storage system-even if it's a basic one-is such a good idea. Potential buyers will be impressed when they see everything in its place.
8. Tidy up the yard. Trimming straggly hedges, pruning shrubs, weeding flowerbeds, watering the lawn to keep it green and healthy, and replacing mulch are fairly simple measures that will improve the appearance of your home. Add color and interest to the front entrance by placing several large pots of flowers by the front door.
9. Change kitchen cabinet hardware. Upgrading or simply changing cabinet hardware such as knobs and pulls can work wonders in sprucing up a kitchen. Just don't get carried away by choosing hardware that is too fancy for your kitchen.
10. Buy a new garage door opener. Investing in a new garage door opener is a smart move if yours happens to be more than 10 years old. Newer garage door openers are more sophisticated, yet easier to use and come equipped with more safety measures than they did years ago.