Simple Summer Home Upgrades That Add Value

With summer just around the corner, it’s a great time to refresh your home’s look — whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want to enjoy your space more. A few well-chosen upgrades can enhance your comfort now and increase your resale value later.

Home improvements are a natural part of homeownership, whether you’re settling into a fixer-upper or looking to refresh a place you’ve lived in for years. And while not every project delivers the same return, some upgrades stand out for their impact.

If you’re ready to invest in your home this summer, here are a few updates that can deliver value, both today and when it's time to sell.

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1. Update appliances

Luxurious Laundry Room Interior With Washing Machine, Dryer, Laundry Basket And Folded Towels In The Cabinet

New appliances can be a big win for potential buyers. The fewer things they have to replace when they move in, the more they save in the long run. Consider updating your kitchen appliances to match, making your kitchen look uniform and welcoming.

Appliance bundles can be a great deal and ensure a cohesive look. They’re also a smart way to upgrade to modern, energy-efficient features like smart fridges and advanced cooking technology.

Check to see how long you’ve had other appliances in your home, like your washer and dryer, air conditioner and water heater. Older models can drive up utility costs, so it might be time to replace the oldest ones with newer, energy-efficient versions that help you save on electricity.

2. Upgrade bathrooms

If you want potential buyers to feel instantly at home, update the bathroom. Updates to the bathroom could be anything from installing rain shower heads to increased storage.

Swapping in modern fixtures, updated lighting or a sleek new mirror can instantly elevate the space and make it feel brighter and more inviting. Even small changes like matte black faucets or vanity lights can give the bathroom a fresh, spa-like feel.

If your current bathroom setup feels cramped, it might be time to schedule a demo day. But even if a full renovation isn’t in the cards, tackling small projects over time — like updating fixtures, painting, or replacing hardware — can make the upgrade feel more manageable.

Bit by bit, you can transform the space without the stress of a major overhaul.

3. Update the kitchen

Traditional large L-shaped kitchen with large island and kitchen appliances. Kitchen interior with white cabinets and wooden island.

A kitchen can make or break a home’s appeal. Old or outdated kitchens can turn away potential buyers, and if you’re in a buyer’s market, you want as many people as possible to compete for your place.

Major kitchen remodeling can take many months to complete, upwards of seven months for large projects. If you’re trying to sell your home by a set date, you may want to start renovating now. If your budget doesn’t allow for a big kitchen remodel, see what you can get done for a little less.

For instance, check the cost of painting the cabinets and changing the hardware. See how much it would be to change the countertops or a backsplash. Little kitchen updates can go a long way.

4. Update the flooring

Scandinavian Style Cozy Living Room Interior

New flooring can instantly elevate the look and feel of your home. Whether you opt for luxury vinyl planks, hardwood or tile. Fresh floors add value and enhance a home’s aesthetic, especially if the current flooring is worn or dated.

While your style may influence the final choice, it’s smart to consider popular, durable options that will suit most tastes if you plan to sell in the near future.

Not ready for a big renovation? Start small by adding modern, stylish rugs. They can refresh a space, cover imperfections, and give rooms a cozy, pulled-together look without the commitment of a full flooring project.

5. Upgrade the lighting and technology

Luxury Living Room At Night With Sofa, Floor Lamp And Dining Room

If you haven’t updated your lighting in a while, now’s a great time to start. Well-placed, modern lighting can instantly brighten a room and highlight your home’s best features.

Swapping out dated fixtures or adding layered lighting — like under-cabinet lights or dimmable sconces — can give any space a fresh, polished look.

Smart home technology is another easy upgrade that adds both comfort and convenience. Consider installing a smart thermostat to control the temperature remotely, or smart light bulbs that adjust based on your schedule.

These small changes can make daily life more efficient and give your home a modern edge.

Dori is an award-winning journalist with nearly two decades in digital media. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Newsweek, TIME, Yahoo, CNET, and many more.
Dori is the President of Blossomers Media, Inc.

She’s extensively covered college affordability and other personal finance issues, including financial literacy, debt, jobs and careers, investing, fintech, retirement, financial therapy, and similar topics. With a strong journalistic background, she’s also worked in content marketing, SEO, affiliate marketing, content strategy, and other areas.

Dori graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Journalism from Florida Atlantic University. She previously served as the president of the Florida Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, where her chapter won the coveted “Chapter of the Year” award for two consecutive years.