When people think of investing, the first thing that comes to mind is the stock market. However, there are other investment options that are more concrete. Your home is a life investment so it pays to invest to add to its value.  Should you ever decide to sell, investing in your home makes it more attractive to buyers and therefore much easier to sell. Below are some helpful ways to invest in your home.

Home Exterior: The lawn and property is a very valuable feature. Invest in lawn care to have a green weed-free lawn. Add decorative items as well as attractive bushes and flowers.  Check to see if you need a new coat of house paint. As well, make sure there are no cracks in the foundation. If you have a patio deck, is it time for new paint or stains?

Home Interior Paint: Check all of your room and hallway walls to see if any wall is in need of new paint or perhaps a new color.

Windows and Doors: Replacing old windows and doors with the energy efficient type adds value.

Kitchens: A kitchen is a room that prospective buyers definitely want to see. You will definitely  add value to the home with a kitchen remodel. It will make the home easier to sell as the home will be more appealing. If you have the budget, you can do some appliance upgrades.

Bathroom: Bathrooms are a popular feature prospective buyers will check out. So do you have an old bathtub, showerhead, toilet, or sink that needs to be replaced? As well, you may want to have the plumbing system checked out for any leaks or damage.

Basement: Is your basement dark and dreary?  You may want to brighten it up with new paint and lighter color furniture. Check for any signs of moisture in and on the walls to ensure there are no water leaks. You could even add a new bathroom and bedroom..

Attic: If you have an unfinished attic, this may be a good time to finish it. You could convert the attic into a new bedroom or maybe a den or home office. Many homeowners turn their attics into a guest apartment.

Home Warranty Plan vs Home Insurance: You want to protect your investment so it is important to ensure you have financial protection. Some people may think their home insurance will provide protection. However, this is not always the case.

A home warranty plan is a contract between a new or existing homeowner and a home warranty company that provides for repair and replacement service on a home’s major units, appliances, and systems due to such events as normal wear and tear, mechanical breakdown, and ageing. Buying a home warranty can help reduce some of the financial strain that new and current homeowners have to deal with when an appliance or home system suddenly breaks down.

Homeowners insurance differs from a home warranty. These policies offer broad coverage with specific exclusions. It basically financially covers a home’s structure and belongings in case of such events as: theft and vandalism, tornadoes, hurricanes or earthquakes, floods, fires, windstorms, lightning, hail or failing objects like a tree, personal property, liability claims from third-party injuries that take place on your property, and living expenses if your home is deemed uninhabitable.

So when it comes to home warranty plan vs home insurance, having both maximizes home protection.

Increasing the value of your home is not only financially beneficial, but until you decide to sell, you can enjoy the improvements. To save money, decide what you can do yourself and what improvements will require a professional. If you are not sure if you can do it yourself, it may be best to hire a professional. If you are on a tight budget, don’t add anything that is not necessary, like expensive luxury items that may not add much to the overall value of the home. If you are looking to make an investment, consider investing in your home. It is a wise and secure investment.