9 small changes that can boost your appraisal by $10,000 or more

When it comes to appraisals, the little things often make a bigger impact than you’d expect. You don’t always need major renovations to see your home’s value climb. Small upgrades and maintenance projects can shift how an appraiser views your property and help you walk away with a stronger number.

The key is focusing on areas that change first impressions and make the home look well cared for. Here are nine small changes that could add $10,000 or more to your appraisal.

Painting Interior Walls

Fresh paint is one of the easiest ways to improve your appraisal. Neutral colors make rooms feel brighter, bigger, and more updated, which appraisers notice right away. A couple of gallons and a weekend of work can completely transform your interior.

Because paint covers so much of your home’s surface, it has an outsized effect on how the property is perceived. A fresh coat signals regular upkeep and makes the home feel move-in ready, which appraisers value highly.

Updating Light Fixtures

Outdated lighting can make even a well-maintained house feel stuck in another decade. Swapping in modern fixtures instantly lifts the look of key spaces like the entryway, kitchen, and dining room. You can upgrade several rooms without breaking your budget.

Lighting affects both function and style, and appraisers consider how updated a home feels overall. By modernizing your fixtures, you give the impression of a cared-for, current property, which can translate directly into a higher value.

Refreshing Curb Appeal

The outside of your home sets the tone before anyone walks in. Adding fresh mulch, trimming hedges, planting flowers, and pressure washing walkways all contribute to stronger curb appeal. These low-cost improvements pay off more than most realize.

Appraisers factor in first impressions, and a clean, well-kept yard makes a home feel more valuable. Small touches outside can signal to them that the entire property has been maintained, which strengthens their assessment.

Replacing Worn Flooring in Key Spots

You don’t need to redo the whole house, but replacing carpet in high-traffic areas or laying down updated laminate where flooring is in rough shape can make a big difference. Fresh flooring immediately improves the look and feel of a room.

Appraisers notice flooring condition because it directly impacts livability. Addressing worn or stained areas gives the impression the home is ready to go, and that often leads to a higher appraisal value.

Updating Bathroom Fixtures

Bathrooms are always under the microscope during appraisals. Replacing faucets, showerheads, and light fixtures with modern options gives the space a clean, updated look without a full remodel.

Even small improvements in bathrooms carry weight because they’re such important areas of the home. Fresh fixtures suggest that the plumbing and electrical have been maintained, which adds confidence for appraisers and can nudge your value upward.

Improving Energy Efficiency

Swapping in a smart thermostat, sealing windows, or adding weatherstripping are small upgrades that highlight energy efficiency. These changes don’t cost much but stand out as features appraisers value.

Energy efficiency is a growing factor in home appraisals. Even small steps that reduce utility costs can tip the scales in your favor, especially if the upgrades are visible and documented.

Replacing Old Appliances

You don’t need top-of-the-line models, but updating an outdated stove or refrigerator with a clean, modern option can raise your appraisal. Appliances are considered part of the home and directly affect its appeal.

Appraisers notice when kitchens look current, and newer appliances signal ongoing investment in the property. Even a single replacement can boost how they value the space.

Refreshing Doors and Hardware

Interior doors with scratches, dings, or dated knobs can drag down the overall impression of your home. Replacing a few worn doors or simply updating the hardware can make the house look more modern and cared for.

Since doors are used constantly, these upgrades stand out to appraisers. They’re inexpensive fixes that make the home feel refreshed, which adds to its perceived value.

Adding Attic Insulation

If your home is lacking insulation, adding more is a cost-effective way to improve efficiency and value. Appraisers consider insulation as part of the home’s overall condition, and better insulation means lower energy costs for future owners.

This small upgrade doesn’t change the look of your home, but it does affect how it performs. By improving insulation, you’re boosting comfort and efficiency — two things appraisers factor into their assessment.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.