Warm weather, longer days, and a slower pace make summer an ideal time for home improvement projects. Even if you don’t plan to sell, giving your home a little TLC is a smart way to increase its value, grow your equity, and give yourself more financial flexibility.
The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to raise your home’s value. Here are five projects, one for every budget, to help you get the most from your home.
Boost curb appeal for <$250
First impressions matter. For less than a family crab feast, you can make a big impact and improve your home’s curb appeal.
Spruce up your nest with these quick projects.
- Mow, trim, and plant. Mulch, trim and de-weed overgrown areas, and add low-maintenance plants like black-eyed Susans or hostas.
- Pressure wash your walkway and front porch. Don’t own a power washer? Typically, rentals cost less than $50/day.
- Add solar-powered path lights. It’s an inexpensive, eco-friendly, and inviting upgrade.
Refresh interior paint for $250-$1,000
Paint dries faster in warm weather. If you’ve been itching to add a fresh coat or change your color altogether, summer is a great time to do it.
Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways since they’re high-traffic areas and will add the most value.
- Choose neutral tones. Soft grays, greigs, creams, or warm whites never go out of style and appeal to most people.
- Don’t forget the details. Trim and baseboards make a big difference.
- Keep things crisp. Use painter’s tape and detail brushes or rollers at the ceiling and base for a sharp, professional look.
Upgrade front and garage doors for $1,000–$5,000
Your home’s doors are something you use every day but don’t often think about. Upgrading them to be more modern and stylish can improve your house’s aesthetic and value.
- Make safety a priority. Your home and garage store all your valuables. Choose doors with security features that give your family peace of mind.
- Pick materials that seal in energy. Steel and fiberglass doors are sturdy and durable and will help shave dollars off your utility bill.
- Think about style. Skip the trends and opt for a door with modern styling or regionally inspired touches.
Kitchen mini-remodel for $5,000–$15,000
A beautiful and functional kitchen is a big selling point for buyers. If you’re not putting your house on the market, you’ll still appreciate strategic upgrades each time you make a meal for your family.
Make practical choices that will last.
- Refresh outdated hardware. Don’t scrap the entire cabinet if it’s in good shape. Just replace or paint the hardware for a brand-new look.
- Upgrade appliances. Update your appliances, focusing on energy efficiency and smart upgrades.
- Reface countertops. Select durable surfaces like quartz or butcher block.
Build a deck or outdoor living space for $15,000+
Adding a deck to your home gives you more room for family gatherings and encourages you to get outside. Buyers love usable outdoor spaces, and Maryland’s mild seasons mean you can use it during spring, summer, and fall.
Think through long-term enjoyment and value.
- Build for the future. Use pressure-treated wood or composite decking for quality and longevity.
- Remember style and functionality. Built-in seating, lighting, or planters create an inviting ambiance.
- Plan for the elements. Consider a pergola or shade sail to extend usability.
Track your home’s value
You’ve got big dreams for your home and we’re here to help you make them a reality. Before sprucing up your yard or planning a big remodel, make sure you know your home’s value.
Our members have access to the free Home Value Tracker tool. Use it to monitor value trends and learn how local, Maryland market shifts affect your property.
- Log in to your online or mobile banking account.
- Navigate to the Financial Planning menu.
- Click Home Value Tracker.
- Stay informed!
Need help financing your next project or making the most of your home’s equity? We’re offering discounted rates on home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) until the end of September 2025. Click here to see terms and use your house to fund your dreams.
