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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. 

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.

In most cases, installing a tennis court on your property will drive up your property taxes. Property taxes are determined, in part, based on improvements made to your property, which includes anything with a permanent foundation. Since most home tennis courts include a large concrete foundation, your property taxes will likely increase following the installation. A general rule of thumb is that if your project requires permits—like for a foundation or fencing for a tennis court—then your property taxes will be affected.

No, radon mitigation systems do not decrease home value or make a home harder to sell. In areas where homes experience similar radon exposure risks, a radon mitigation system is viewed as an improvement. Potential homebuyers often opt to buy a home with a radon mitigation system already installed to reduce the risk of cancer for their families.