What’s up, my LA home-owning friends! As a fellow Angeleno, I know our crazy housing market inside and out. Getting top dollar when you decide to sell is tough, but not impossible with the right approach. The key is making smart renovations that maximize appeal and value for potential buyers.
Luckily, your pal here has all the insider info on the best Los Angeles home improvements that translate into major returns when you list your property. I’ve flipped enough houses and advised enough selling clients to know exactly what buyers in LA are looking for. So read on for the definitive guide to renovations that will score you big money upon resale!
Alright, enough intro chatter – let’s dive into the list of most lucrative home upgrades for selling your place down the road!
Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels
This dynamic duo of renovations sits firmly atop the list of best ROI projects in LA. We’re talking 60-75% returns or more when executed properly.
Buyers drool over stunning new kitchens and bathrooms more than anything. So even though these jobs ain’t cheap, consider the makeover money that awaits a few years later.
Aim for that “wow factor” with high-end appliances, fixtures, lighting, and surfaces – especially quartz countertops which are super on-trend. Open concept layouts attract lots of attention too with their spaciousness.
I’ve seen Surfside completely transform cramped, dated kitchens into incredible chef’s paradises that home shoppers flock to see in person.
Same goes for dingy old bathrooms turned into spa-like oases with roomy walk-in showers, alleviating buyers’ fears of future renovations.
Manufactured Stone Veneer
Curb appeal seals the deal right from the jump in Los Angeles. So exterior facelifts like manufactured stone veneers, cost-effective faux finishes mimicking real stone, work magic on selling prices.
Surface area and intricacy of detail impact cost, but even smaller jobs yield great returns by drawing interest from the street. Gray and beige tones give off an elegant, inviting vibe in our sunny climate too.
Window & Door Replacements
Energy efficiency rules the roost with LA home buyers in 2023. New windows and doors provide both aesthetic and functional upgrades to reduce heating/cooling costs.
Well-sealed modern windows block outside noise better too, especially worthwhile for properties near busy roads. Expect 60-90% returns on these straightforward swap-outs.
I just handled a sale in West Adams where the owner installed a custom arched window over the kitchen sink. That unique accent window alone sparked a bidding war!
Smart Home Technology
One word – automation. From security to temperature control to lighting and beyond, today’s buyers demand tech-loaded homes with all the latest gadgetry.
Programmable smart thermostats and doorbell cameras represent great starter upgrades to dip your toes in. Integrated music systems and sleek touchscreen command centers take things to the next level.
Surfside actually partners with top electronics brands to create affordable, user-friendly smart home packages. This emerging remodeling niche offers large returns as demand intensifies moving forward.
Garage Additions & Conversions
Somewhat controversially, I place garage expansions and detached structure conversions near the top for LA. Our car culture dictates extra vehicle storage space as a huge selling factor.
Convert that unused back house or expand the main garage even minimally to gain a competitive edge. Attached flex spaces with bonus rooms above prove enticing too.
Just don’t overextend your footprint into the yard too much. Outdoor leisure space remains invaluable in our densely populated neighborhoods.
What NOT to Remodel Before Selling
Now for the critical don’t list that buyers may frown upon:
Swimming Pools
Unless you occupy an ultra high-end property, adding a pool rarely pays off enough to justify the costs. Maintenance hassles also deter buyers. Consider resurfacing/replacing existing pools instead.
Too Many Bedroom Mergers
Remember, families want their kids in separate rooms, despite any wowed reactions to double master suites. Stick with one consolidated bedroom max, if any.
Overpersonalized Design Choices
Eccentric styles that speak too loudly of current owners’ tastes backfire more often than not. Examples include wild paint colors, odd tilework, flashy wallpaper, etc. Keep renovations broadly appealing to yield maximum buyer interest.
Granite Countertops
I know, I know. Granite seems like an automatic kitchen upgrade choice. But quartz counters now outpace granite for resale value with superior durability and appearance. Try coordinating your potential future quartz tops with existing granite to avoid a jarring mismatch.
Parting Thoughts
Ultimately, the most lucrative home remodel projects before selling revolve around modernization and broad appeal. Aim for that move-in ready feel that attracts offers quickly without necessitating future renovations.
Lean on the seasoned LA real estate experts like myself and interior design pros like Surfside Builders to guide your plans. We want you to adore your property’s new look AND rake in every possible dollar down the line!
Here’s to nailing the preparation phase so you can relax into retirement, free of housing cost worries, when selling day finally comes. Hit me up anytime for remodeling brainstorming or realty tips unique to our sprawling LA market. Your home’s value growth depends on making shrewd decisions now!
