Top 5 Home Repairs That Increase Property Value

Whether you’re thinking about selling your home or just looking to refinance, increasing your home’s value doesn’t always require major renovations. In fact, the most effective upgrades often improve functionality, boost curb appeal, and address deferred maintenance—things that buyers and appraisers notice right away.

As a handyman serving homeowners across Central Florida, I’ve worked with dozens of clients preparing to list their homes or secure better financing. Over time, several wise repair choices stand out as the most reliable return-on-investment (ROI) projects.

Here are the top 5 home repairs you should consider if you want to increase your property value—and which ones you can tackle yourself versus when to call in a pro.

1. Repairing and Repainting Interior Walls

First impressions matter—nothing says “well-maintained home” like clean, freshly painted walls. Over time, interior walls get scuffed, cracked, and stained. Repairing drywall damage and applying a fresh coat of paint can instantly brighten a space and make it feel move-in ready.

If your walls show signs of:

• Nail holes, dents, or cracks

• Water stains from old leaks

• Mismatched or outdated paint colors

…then now’s the time to patch, sand, and repaint. Choose neutral tones like warm grays, soft whites, or beige to appeal to the widest range of buyers and appraisers.

Pro tip: Paint the baseboards and trim to match for a more polished look. If you’re not confident in drywall repair or large-scale painting, consider hiring a handyman to finish the job quickly and cleanly.

2. Fixing Doors and Windows

Functional doors and windows aren’t just about comfort—they also affect your home’s appraised value. Appraisers look for signs of poor maintenance, and sticky doors or broken window latches can raise red flags about a property’s overall condition.

Simple door and window repairs that make a big impact:

• Replacing worn-out weatherstripping

• Repairing cracked windowpanes or broken locks

• Re-aligning doors that don’t close properly

• Installing new hardware to update the look

Buyers will notice when interior doors shut smoothly, exterior doors feel secure, and windows open easily, especially during a showing. These small fixes give the impression of a home that’s been cared for.

3. Updating Light Fixtures and Switches

Outdated or mismatched lighting can age a home by decades. Replacing old light fixtures and updating switch plates or dimmers is a low-cost way to modernize your space.

Start with these rooms:

• Entryway and dining room

• Kitchen (especially over the island or sink)

• Bathrooms (replace vanity lighting)

• Bedrooms and living spaces

New fixtures don’t have to be expensive to make an impact. Modern flush mounts, LED recessed lighting, and energy-efficient bulbs all add value. Just make sure to keep styles consistent throughout the home.

While changing bulbs and covers is easy DIY work, installing new hardwired lighting can require electrical knowledge. If you’re uncomfortable with wiring, hire a licensed handyman or electrician.

4. Repairing or Replacing Damaged Flooring

Flooring has one of the biggest visual impacts on a home, and it’s one of the first things appraisers and buyers look at. If your floors are worn out, cracked, or stained, repairing or replacing them can significantly improve your home’s value.

Common issues worth addressing:

• Scratched hardwood or laminate

• Cracked tile or missing grout

• Stained or worn carpet

• Loose vinyl or floating floor planks

Sometimes, a professional deep cleaning is enough to revive existing flooring. In other cases, replacing worn carpet with laminate or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) makes a strong impression and adds to resale value.

At a minimum, visible damage can be repaired, and floor transitions between rooms can be replaced to ensure clean lines and consistent flow. If your budget is tight, focus on the entryway, living areas, and kitchen—high-traffic zones that most influence buyer perception.

5. Enhancing Curb Appeal and Entryways

Your home’s exterior sets the tone for everything inside. Appraisers and buyers will judge your property before reaching the front door. That’s why curb appeal isn’t just about looks—it’s a proven driver of home value.

Quick curb appeal projects with great ROI:

• Pressure washing the driveway, walkways, and siding

• Repainting or replacing the front door

• Updating outdoor lighting or house numbers

• Mulching flower beds and trimming overgrown plants

• Repairing cracks in sidewalks or steps

If your home has a porch or entry area, make it welcoming by adding a clean doormat, potted plants, and a fresh coat of paint on railings or trim.

These small, affordable upgrades can make your home stand out in the neighborhood and leave a lasting impression on visitors and potential buyers.

Bonus Tip: Take Care of Deferred Maintenance

One of the worst things you can do when selling or refinancing is leave obvious repairs unfinished. Appraisers are trained to look for signs of neglect, such as leaky faucets, cracked tiles, rotting trim, or noisy exhaust fans.

Fixing these now can:

• Improve your appraisal value

• Prevent buyer objections during a sale

• Avoid renegotiations or inspection credits

• Speed up closing timelines

Many of these projects don’t cost much to fix, but they show that the home is in good shape and won’t require extra work after purchase.

Final Thoughts

Improving your home’s value doesn’t require a massive renovation. The best repairs are often the simplest—patching walls, updating fixtures, fixing doors, and showing that the home has been adequately maintained.

Whether you're getting ready to sell or preparing to refinance, these five high-impact home repairs can help your property stand out in a competitive market—and get the return you’re looking for.

Need help knocking out a list of upgrades before a home appraisal or listing photos? Moxie Home Pros offers pre-sale handyman services throughout Central Florida, including Orlando, Winter Park, Casselberry, and surrounding areas.

Visit www.moxiehomepros.com to schedule a free estimate or learn more about our home prep services.

Don’t stress about repairs before a sale. Let Moxie handle it.