Preparing to Sell? Here are 5 Renovations to Increase the Value of Your Beach Home on Kiawah Island

Making the decision to sell your Kiawah Island home — whether it’s your primary or secondary home — is hardly an overnight decision. 

We want to make sure that you get the most out of your home, both in cherished moments and closing price. To increase your home’s value at sale and appeal to potential buyers, it’s worth considering certain home renovations prior to listing. 

Let’s begin!

5 Home Renovations to Consider Prior to Selling

1. Remodel the Kitchen and Bathrooms

The kitchen and bathrooms are undeniably where most homeowners spend the majority of their time, which is what makes this an important investment. More than that, kitchen and bathroom renovations typically see the highest return on investment — oftentimes returning over 100 percent of the total cost. 

In the kitchen, upgrade the countertops, cabinets and appliances. If you have the opportunity to increase counter and storage space, do so. Luxurious marble or granite countertops and a waterfall island combined with natural wood finishes and top-of-the-line appliances are sure to wow potential buyers in more ways than one. 

Stone countertops and natural wood finishes in both the kitchen and bathroom will bring the simplistic yet elegant beauty of Kiawah Island inside, providing buyers with an oasis indoors and out.  

2. Install New Windows

Investing in new windows usually yields a high return on investment as well. In fact, homeowners are likely to see an 85 percent return after installing new windows.  

New windows will be especially important to potential buyers for energy efficiency and beautiful views. 

New windows are known to be more energy efficient, which will reduce the work required by the heating and cooling system, resulting in a lower monthly payment. And yet, that’s not what’s most important to buyers! While energy efficiency is a nice perk, many potential buyers are most likely to notice the view. 

If windows are old, or impeding their view, buyers may become disinterested. As an Island homeowner, you understand the draw of the natural beauty of Kiawah. New windows or window installments can give way to a breathtaking view, making it nearly impossible for a potential buyer to walk away. 

3. Reimagine the Floor Plan

It’s likely no surprise that open concept floor plans are popular among homeowners. An open floor plan can drastically improve the look of any home and offer more space for potential buyers. 

In addition to reimagining the floor plan, you may want to consider sensible additions such as an elevator. Buyers will love this, especially if aging and mobility are concerns. 

It’s also important to keep storage in mind when renovating a floor plan. Vacationing families will need plenty of storage, as well as “drop spots” for sandy items after a day at the beach — which is when the addition of a mudroom would be perfect!

Even Villas can be renovated! Get inspired with this Ideal Villa Makeover.

4. Spruce Up the Curb Appeal

Take into consideration the appearance of the outside of the home. Could the front door use a fresh coat of paint? What about the landscaping? Is there a designated area for outdoor entertainment?  

Sprucing up the outside of your home is just as important as improving the inside. So much so, in fact, that outdoor renovations are known to result in a return upwards of 85 percent. 

Looking for more ways to add curb appeal? Have the home repainted if needed, and repaint or replace the front door — this will be a potential buyer’s first impression of the home! Invest in tasteful and strategic landscaping as well, and add an area for entertainment. If your home already has a deck or patio, consider enhancing these areas with a water feature, outdoor fireplace or landscape design.

People looking to purchase a home on Kiawah Island will be on the lookout for homes that allow them to enjoy the outdoors and indoors, which is why investing in outdoor improvements is crucial. 

5. Consider High-End Finishes

Buyers are generally more inclined to offer more for a home with high-end upgrades, so high-end finishes may be worth your investment. 

While this could be as simple as upgrading faucets and handles, you may decide to invest in something like specialty lighting and sound, which could provide an entirely new ambiance to the inside and outside of the home. This type of upgrade doesn’t have a guaranteed return on investment, however, it will make all the difference to a buyer deciding between your home and another home nearby. 

Ultimately, the decision to renovate your home is yours to make! The renovations on this list are known to increase a home’s value, and therefore the return on investment. Plus, these renovations will reach potential buyers in various ways and make your home stand out in the crowd. 

Here at Kiawah Island Real Estate, we understand the difficulties of preparing your home for sale, especially if you’re trying to sell your home from afar. 

We understand Kiawah Island like few do, and can walk you seamlessly through the home selling process. If you have questions about selling your Kiawah Island home, contact us. We are ready to help in any way that we can.