More recently than ever, we all want to stretch a buck as far as we can. There are many ways you can add to your home with out dropping thousands or even hundreds of dollars. The little details of a home may be minor, but can actually add potential selling value to your home! Here are some tips we’ve come up with:

Granite Countertops
Granite countertops have been the craze for home builders and buyers for years now. Granite is a stone that is coarse-grained rock which has been developed through intense heat, many times through volcanic activity. This stone is very durable, which is why most people prefer it to other countertops such as wood or tile. The durability, shine and unique texture give it a high-end look. Since granite is so sought-after, replacing your countertops with it could potentially add value to your home.

Backsplashes
Kitchens are the room in the house people spend most of their time in. The backsplash idea originated when people wanted to put some kind of paneling behind their kitchen countertops to prevent damage to the wall. Now, more than ever, backsplashes are a key detail in the kitchen. There are many different styles and types of backsplashes that you can use. Some popular types are glass tile, natural stone and stainless steel. A backsplash will appeal to potential buyers. It is an easy way to give your kitchen a stand out piece while adding value to your home.

Fireplaces
In Wisconsin, we have harsh winters and all-too-short summers. Fireplaces, whether they’re gas or wood-burning, create a warm and welcoming feel in your house. When your fireplace is on, you can feel relaxed knowing you are saving money on your heating bill. The fireplace can be large or small. Adding decor around it is another great way to add appeal to the room. Floor-to-ceiling stone or tile gives the fireplace a high-end look. Even adding a simple mantel will make it look great. Large fireplaces are common for living areas and a small ones are becoming more popular for master bedrooms.

Finished Basements
The basement is usually associated with thoughts of cold, clutter, unfinished and storage. Not anymore! These days, basements are seen less as unused space and more as an extension to the home. The basement can have whatever you want in it—a workout room, an extra bedroom, a home theater, an office space, you name it! A finished basement is definitely valuable when trying to sell your house because it adds more square footage to your home.

Paint
The paint that you use in each room is the backbone for the feeling and mood rooms give. Color makes your house feel more welcoming. The paint color you use will depend on what you want the atmosphere of the room to be. Warm colors (red, orange and yellow) are all high-energy colors that encourage different degrees of activity while cool colors (blue, green and violet) are calming colors. Dark colors, such as brown or gray, work well for accent walls. Neutrals are a great way to brighten the space. Carrying the same color throughout the house and adding accent walls in the room is an easy way to connect each room and create flow. Remember, neutrals don’t just mean tans and beige! There are some great neutral greens, yellows and blues! For more on paint colors, click here!

Similar to the paint, the lighting is an important aspect of your home. Lighting has the ability to change the whole look of an area. A well-lit room can change the way you perceive the area. The light can make an area feel larger or smaller just by on how bright or dim the area is. Not only is the brightness of the lights important, but so are the types of lights you are using. More than ever, people are wanting to “go green.” Energy-saving lightbulbs aren’t only better for the environment, but they will also save you money. Switching 15 regular incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient ones can save you about $50 per year! For more tips on how to make your home energy-efficient, click here!

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