How to Increase Home Value: Simple Upgrades That Actually Pay Off

The best way to increase home value is to focus on high-impact, low-cost improvements that boost curb appeal, improve functionality, and make your home feel well-maintained. Small upgrades—like professional pressure washing—can deliver some of the highest returns with minimal investment.

1. Improve curb appeal (first impressions matter)

When buyers pull up to a home, they form an opinion within seconds. Exterior appearance plays a massive role in perceived value.

High-ROI curb appeal upgrades include:

• Cleaning driveways, sidewalks, and walkways

• Removing algae, mold, and dirt from siding

• Fresh mulch and trimmed landscaping

• Clean windows and entryways

A clean exterior makes a home feel newer, larger, and better cared for—even if nothing else has changed.

2. Pressure washing: one of the fastest ways to increase home value

If you’re searching how to increase home value, pressure washing should be near the top of your list.

Professional pressure washing:

• Instantly improves curb appeal

• Removes years of buildup buyers notice (even subconsciously)

• Protects surfaces from long-term damage

• Costs significantly less than repainting or resurfacing

Real estate professionals often recommend pressure washing before listing a home because it makes photos look better and increases perceived value without major renovations.

If you’re in Southern California, professional exterior cleaning from Strickland Bros Pressure Washing is one of the easiest upgrades you can make.

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3. Focus on kitchens and bathrooms (but keep it light)

Full remodels can be expensive, but small updates still move the needle:

• New cabinet hardware

• Updated light fixtures

• Deep cleaning grout and tile

• Fresh caulking around sinks and tubs

Clean, bright spaces feel modern—even without tearing anything out.

4. Fix what’s broken (buyers notice deferred maintenance)

Minor issues can lower perceived value more than you expect:

• Peeling paint

• Cracked walkways

• Stained concrete

• Dirty siding or roofs

Pressure washing alone can eliminate many of these “red flags” without replacing anything.

5. Make the home feel move-in ready

Homes that feel turnkey sell faster and for more. That means:

• Clean exterior and interior

• Neutral, uncluttered spaces

• Clear walkways and entry points

• No visible grime, mold, or buildup

Buyers want confidence. Cleanliness signals care.

How much value can these upgrades add?

While results vary, curb-appeal improvements—including pressure washing—can increase perceived home value by 5–10%, especially when paired with good listing photos and staging.

For a few hundred dollars, pressure washing often delivers one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement.

Final takeaway: how to increase home value without overspending

If you’re asking how to increase home value, start outside. Before remodeling, tearing walls down, or spending thousands—clean the home first.

Professional pressure washing is:

• Affordable

• Fast

• Highly effective

• Proven to boost curb appeal

If you want a simple upgrade that actually pays off, start with a clean exterior.