10 Affordable Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home

Improve Your Home's Resale Value Without Breaking the Bank

Whether you’re preparing to sell your house or simply want to protect your most valuable asset, upgrading your home doesn’t have to mean draining your savings. Small, strategic improvements can significantly increase your property’s resale value and appeal to potential buyers.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve helped Chicago-area homeowners for decades—not just with restoration after disasters, but also with deep cleaning and repairs that contribute to long-term value.

Below are ten cost-effective ways to enhance your home’s resale value, all curated with Chicago homes, local market conditions, and Jon Harris’s standards of quality in mind.

1. Schedule a Professional Walkthrough

Estimated Cost: $350–$425

Start with a fresh perspective. Hire a general contractor, realtor, or interior designer for a walk-through consultation. They can identify high-ROI improvements and point out neglected issues that may turn off buyers or delay closings. An unbiased expert will help you prioritize what really matters.

2. Refresh With Neutral Paint

Estimated Cost: $400–$1,600 per room

A clean, modern paint job remains one of the best returns on investment. Stick with timeless neutrals like soft gray, off-white, or beige to maximize appeal. These tones make spaces feel larger, cleaner, and easier for buyers to envision themselves living in.

3. Make Energy Efficiency a Selling Point

Estimated Cost: Varies (many utilities offer free audits)

Today’s buyers want efficiency. Request an energy audit from ComEd or your local provider. Small upgrades—LED lighting, smart thermostats, weatherstripping—lower utility costs and demonstrate forward-thinking maintenance.

4. Invest in Professional Deep Cleaning

Estimated Cost: $234–$450+

Weekly upkeep isn’t enough to tackle years of grime. A professional cleaning service will handle neglected areas like baseboards, window tracks, grout lines, and HVAC vents. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides deep cleaning that transforms how a home feels—and what it’s worth.

5. Maximize Perceived Space

Estimated Cost: Under $500

You can’t add square footage affordably, but you can make your home feel bigger:

• Replace heavy drapes with sheer curtains or vertical blinds
• Add mirrors to reflect light
• Use open shelving to reduce clutter

These techniques increase what realtors call "visual space," which directly impacts perceived value.

6. Update Kitchens and Bathrooms Strategically

Estimated Cost: Starting at $250

Rather than gut renovations, focus on cosmetic refreshes:

• Swap out dated cabinet pulls and faucets
• Add a tile backsplash
• Upgrade light fixtures
• Reface cabinet doors

These low-cost tweaks make a big visual impact in the two rooms that matter most to buyers.

7. Boost Curb Appeal

Estimated Cost: $200–$1,500

First impressions set the tone. Tidy up landscaping, plant flowers, mulch garden beds, and install solar pathway lighting. Pressure wash the driveway and clean the front door. If the home’s exterior doesn’t welcome buyers, many won’t bother going inside.

8. Replace Worn Flooring

Estimated Cost: $400–$2,000

Old, stained carpet or outdated linoleum drags down value. Focus first on high-traffic areas. Consider modern options like luxury vinyl tile or engineered hardwood for durability, style, and ROI. Even replacing a few key areas can elevate your home’s entire feel.

9. Tackle Lingering Repairs

Estimated Cost: Varies

Leaky faucets, squeaky doors, burnt-out bulbs, water stains—these "small" issues signal neglect. Worse, they can lead to failed inspections or lower offers. Knock them out now. Repairs tied to moisture or safety should be top priority.

10. Upgrade Countertops Without Remodeling

Estimated Cost: $500–$3,500

New countertops can modernize an entire kitchen or bath. Today’s market offers midrange options like quartz, butcher block, or resurfaced laminate that look high-end without the premium price. Buyers notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the best home improvements with the highest ROI before selling?
A: Small upgrades like fresh paint, deep cleaning, updated lighting, and minor kitchen or bath enhancements offer excellent returns without the cost of full remodels.

Q: How much should I budget to improve my home before listing it for sale?
A: Most homeowners spend between $2,000–$7,000 on pre-sale improvements. Strategic low-cost upgrades often bring more value than major renovations.

Q: Do I need to renovate my entire kitchen to attract buyers?
A: No. Swapping cabinet hardware, updating light fixtures, and adding a tile backsplash can dramatically improve appeal without a full remodel.

Q: Does curb appeal really affect home value?
A: Absolutely. Landscaping, pressure washing, and a welcoming entry can increase perceived value by thousands—and help your home sell faster.

You Don’t Need a Big Budget to Add Big Value

Each of these upgrades is affordable on its own, but together they create a home that looks well-maintained, move-in ready, and worth top dollar.

Even if you're not selling right now, proactive improvements protect your investment, boost equity, and avoid expensive last-minute scrambles.

Need Help With Cleaning or Repairs?

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we help homeowners throughout Chicago and the North Shore maintain and protect their properties. Our services include:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning

We proudly serve neighborhoods across Chicago, Evanston, Wilmette, Skokie, Glenview, Lake Forest, Northbrook, Highland Park, and beyond.

Learn More:

Check out our Amazon-published book, RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset — co-authored by Sam Simon, IICRC Master Restorer and founder of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons.

About Us:
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a multi-award-winning, IICRC-certified firm with over 40 years of experience restoring homes and businesses in Chicagoland. Founded in Chicago in 1929, ServiceMaster is the nation’s oldest restoration brand, and our team brings deep local expertise to every job.

Want help with cleaning, repairs, or a property assessment?
Call (773) 376-1110 or visit servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com to request service or get a quote.