As the weather turns cool and the holidays keep us indoors, many homeowners in Lynchburg start to look around and think, “What can I do inside to make my home better – and maybe boost its value while I’m at it?” The good news is some indoor projects can do exactly that. The key is knowing which ones give you a strong return on investment, and which are more about personal enjoyment than resale value.
Projects that pay off
Whether you are in Lynchburg or anywhere in the country, improvements to kitchens and baths have always topped the lists. When I ask clients who are looking for a home to give me their top priorities, “a nice kitchen” is almost always mentioned. Improving these two spaces in your home doesn’t have to be a full gut job. Even focusing on just one zone in these spaces will help. Things like new countertops, modern cabinet hardware, updated lighting and energy-efficient appliances can make a major impact. Buyers will notice a kitchen or bathroom that feels fresh and functional. Even small touches, like upgraded fixtures or new mirrors in the bathroom can add perceived value.
Another popular home improvement project we have seen to increase the value of a home over the last few years is flooring. Refinished hardwood floors glow and feel warm, truly inviting the next buyer to walk in and feel at home. Newer technology like high quality luxury vinyl plank can also transform a space,, when refinishing the existing floor isn’t an option.
The big take away is keeping consistent flooring throughout. Of course your kitchen and baths will have a different water-resistant flooring, but homes that have multiple types of vinyl flooring, different color carpets, or just a hodgepodge of flooring from bedroom to bedroom see their homes take a little bit longer to sell, and most likely for a slight discount versus if they had consistent flooring throughout the home.
Projects that don’t always pay back
While it might be tempting to close off the garage into a home gym or theater, these projects can sometimes limit your buyer pool. Removing a garage or reducing functional storage space often reduces appeal. Similarly, overly personalized projects – like bright accent walls, built-in aquariums or specialized hobby rooms – can make it harder for buyers to picture themselves in the space.
The bottom line
If you’re considering an indoor project this season, focus on upgrades that improve your home’s livability, energy efficiency and overall aesthetic without over-customizing. The goal is to make your home more enjoyable now and more marketable later. And if you’re not sure which project makes the most sense for your home and budget, talk to a local Realtor. We see firsthand which improvements catch buyers’ eyes – and which ones make them quietly calculate how much it’ll cost to undo them.
Billy Morris
2025 President of the Lynchburg Association of Realtors
An Associate Broker at John Stewart Walker, Inc.