Whether you are thinking about putting your house on the market in the near future or you simply want to start making some improvements for your own enjoyment, there are a few projects that will give you the most bang for your buck. While you obviously want to incorporate details and elements that will make you happy, it is also important to consider the resale value of your home while tackling any project. To help guide you through this process, following are a few of the top home improvement projects that can increase the value of your home.

1. Update the front door

The front door is one of the very first things that prospective buyers and guests see when they come to your home. If this element is outdated, damaged, or an eyesore, you may have a difficult time convincing others that the rest of the house is not the same way. When it comes to updating the front door, you have several options. If the door itself is still in good shape, give it a fresh coat of paint. If the style is extremely outdated or the door is in really rough condition, then you need to consider replacing it entirely. One of the more popular options today is steel entry doors. In fact, experts estimate that a steel door can give you a 91.1% return on your investment. If that does not work with your budget, you will still come out ahead by updating the door with a fiberglass or wood option to enhance the look of the home.

2. Make some minor kitchen improvements

To increase the value of your home, you do not need to do a complete remodel of your kitchen. With some minor renovation projects, you can drastically change the look and feel of this space, without completely blowing your budget. For example, instead of installing brand new kitchen cabinets, it may be a better option to simply reface the existing cabinets. Another popular detail is having the kitchen cabinets go all the way to the ceiling. If you currently have some space above them, you can either add some smaller cabinets to the top or incorporate crown molding to achieve the look you are going for. Additionally, new countertops can make a huge difference in the look of a kitchen. By choosing a luxurious option like quartz or granite, no one will even notice that your cabinets are not new as well.

3. Make additions to your deck or patio

The housing market heats up in the spring and summer each year. If you are thinking about putting your house for sale during these months, then you definitely want to pay extra attention to the outside features of your home. Especially in the Carolinas, people want to spend as much time outside as possible, whether they are relaxing or entertaining. If your patio area is lacking, consider power washing at a minimum. Some new pavers to freshen up the space and make it a little larger would be even better. If you have a wood deck that has seen better days, this should also be on your top list of projects. A wobbly or rotting deck can be a deal breaker for many prospective buyers. Plus, these projects will get you roughly a 75% return on your investment.