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Garden windows can add value to your home and are an attractive feature for potential homebuyers. These windows add a custom look to your home and usable shelf space for homeowners with a green thumb. You’ll likely recoup your investment when it comes time to sell.

It’s often a good idea to take care of any health and safety repairs before an appraisal to make sure the mortgage can move to underwriting without having to pay for another appraisal. Replace any broken glass, fix uneven or sloping floors, ensure all steps have appropriate handrails, and have a professional get rid of mold, asbestos, and lead paint. Beyond these repairs, you can update appliances or fixtures and focus on aesthetic improvements like new paint to add the most value before scheduling an appraisal.

While some aspects of an appraisal, such as comparable properties nearby, are out of your control, there are several steps you can take to potentially increase your home's value. Make any necessary repairs and upgrades before the appraiser's visit, as they can only value what is currently part of the home, not its potential. Examples include renovating older areas, updating landscaping to boost curb appeal, and staging your home. You can also provide the appraiser with the cost of recent upgrades, which may increase your home's value by about 50% or more of what you paid for those improvements.

Adding a detached garage can increase the home's value by a healthy amount, provided it's well-constructed, permitted, and inspected. The return on investment for a detached garage depends on the structure's size and function, as well as its quality. On average, consumers who add a detached garage can expect their home's value to increase by between $12,000 and $36,000.