The truth is that most home improvements do not increase the value of the house as much as they cost the Owner. In this market you have to be smart about how you spend your money. If you have a home for sale and want to make home improvements that actually increase the value of your bottom line then follow these top 10 home improvements that will give you the most bang for your buck. 

1. Thorough Cleaning - 973% Average Return on Investment: Remove clutter by storing items in a shed, the attic or friend's home. Rent a storage space or sell excess items on Craigslist if needed. Keep every room very clean during your open-houses. Do pre-open house cleanliness inspections. Use plenty of air fresheners and turn the ceilings fans on the low speed setting.

2. Open and Light - 865% Average Return on Investment: Replace any burnt-out light bulbs and use the highest wattage light bulb listed on the light fixture, if possible. Have defective or damaged electrical components repaired or replaced. Make sure skylights are clear and keep window coverings and interior doors open during the day to take advantage of the natural light.

3. Curb Appeal - 426% Average Return on Investment: Curb appeal is everything! Store away personal effects from front yard. Hire a gardener or landscaper to trim back the overgrowth and maintain the yard. Make sure that your lawn has a healthy Green & Clean appearance. Get the grease and black marks cleaned from the driveway and walkways.

4. Electric and Plumbing - 260% Average Return on Investment: Consider repairing or replacing any defective plumbing or electrical items in your home. Clean your plumbing fixtures with CLR and leave the areas around them clutter free. Clean the glass lenses on your interior and exterior light fixtures.

5. Staging - 251% Average Return on Investment: Buy some fresh flowers, live plants and other decorations to liven up the home. Dispose of old furniture or other large and unnecessary items. Remove your personal photos from the walls. Consider lightly decorating the kitchen and bathrooms.

6. Update kitchen and bath - 168% Average Return on Investment: Update kitchen and baths by resurfacing cabinets or painting with neutral colors. Replace toilet seats, dated fixtures and drawer/cabinet handles. Remove shower curtains, old bath rugs and items from the shower/ tub area. Freshly caulk and redo grout at the countertops, sinks, tubs, showers and floors.

7. Paint interior - 148% Average Return on Investment: Repair any damaged interior walls by patching all chips, holes and cracks; then touch up or repaint interior walls with two neutral colors for the walls and trims.

8. Carpeting - 104% Average Return on Investment: If the carpets are only lightly soiled, then shampooing and/or spot removal should be sufficient. If there are tears, fading, heavy wear, smells or deep stains, then replace the carpeting with a new standard grade neutral color.

9. Flooring - 101% Average Return on Investment: Repair and refinish damaged floors, or replace with shiny new cost effective linoleum flooring.

10. Paint exterior - 76% Average Return on Investment: Repaint or resurface the outside walls of house, as needed. Patch and repair any damaged areas. Repaint the front door and garage doors.

Builders United, LLC is your one stop Las Vegas Valley construction company for any and all types of residential repairs in Clark county. Call us today for a FREE ESTIMATE to help you maximize your home's potential and make smart and cost effective upgrading decisions.