According to Zillow, the average home value in the United States is $363,505 as of September 2025, which is up .2% from last year. Some states have home prices that are much higher, however. In California, for instance, the median sales price is $830,300. Home values can also vary wildly depending on what city you live in; in Brooklyn, New York, the average sales price is $1,452,667.
If you also plan to sell soon, consider taking on projects that can help boost your home value. The more “valuable” your property is, the higher the price you can get for it, and the more “profit” you can make from the sale.
Get the Plumbing System in Order
Your plumbing system, which brings in clean, fresh water and takes dirty wastewater out of your home, should be a focus of your home value-boosting project, whether you plan to take on basic repairs or a full-on bathroom, kitchen, or home remodel.
Outdated, malfunctioning plumbing components, such as drains that take forever, low water pressure, or toilets that require multiple flushes, are more than mere nuisances. They can also cost you a lot in water waste and damage. If potential homebuyers discover these problems, they’re likely to say no to your home or ask you to lower your asking price considerably.
Effective kitchen remodels are a guarantee you’ll address these underlying infrastructure issues while simultaneously modernizing the most important room in your house. By upgrading old pipes and fixtures during the renovation process, you protect your investment from future leaks and significantly boost your property’s market appeal.
As the U.S. EPA says, the average household’s plumbing leaks account for almost 10,000 gallons of wasted water yearly. Leaks, especially hidden ones, can also cause expensive water damage. They can even encourage more destruction (and potential health woes) through mold growth.
Combat those problems and boost your home value along the way by partnering with a professional, state-licensed plumber. They can help improve and get your plumbing system in order through the following services and strategies.
Identifying and Fixing Existing Issues
A professional plumber has the skills, tools, and latest equipment needed to detect and address leaks. They can immediately repair these, including those affecting pipes behind walls, under floors, and inside ceilings.
Plumbers can also assist with excessively low or high water pressure problems. They can also improve your drainage system’s performance by clearing severe clogs with equipment like hydrojetters.
Upgrading Fixtures
A plumber can upgrade your outdated, faulty fixtures to modern, sleek, and better-looking ones. They can make your home greener and more sustainable by installing water-efficient fixtures like low-flow taps, showerheads, and toilets.
Insulating Pipes
Insulating pipes can help prevent them from:
- Freezing
- Bursting
- Causing potential indoor flooding during the winter
A professional plumber can help you choose the right materials and insulate bare, exposed pipes on your behalf.
Determining Other Appropriate Replacements or Upgrades
A professional plumber can provide you with expert appraisal insights into which components of your plumbing system can benefit from replacements or upgrades. An example is if you have a 15-year-old tank-style water heating system. In this case, the plumber may either recommend upgrading it with a more energy-efficient replacement or installing a tankless water heater.
Bring the Electrical System Up to Code
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the organization behind NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code (NEC). States throughout the U.S. enforce this code, which sets the benchmarks and standards for safe electrical design and installation. The NFPA updates the NEC every three years, with the latest version being the NEC 2023.
Updates to the NEC incorporate improved technologies, designs, and practices. Bringing your home up to the latest code can therefore help enhance its energy efficiency, safety, functionality, and overall value.
Some of the improvements to consider that can add to your home value and appeal to buyers are:
- Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)
- Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs)
- A modernized main electrical panel and circuit breaker
- Smart meters
Once you have a higher-capacity electrical panel, you should also consider adding wall outlets. Today’s modern outlets include those with USB ports for convenient charging of smart devices like smartphones and tablets.
Replace Outdated Appliances With Energy-Efficient Ones
A recent article from Today’s Homeowner says that nine in ten homebuyers prefer homes with energy-efficient elements that help lower energy costs. Some of the energy efficiency upgrades that buyers cite as “important” are those for the:
- Heating
- Cooling
- Siding
- Windows
- Doors
- Lighting
If you have the budget and your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is also old (e.g., it’s over ten years old), consider upgrading it to a modern, more energy-efficient version. LED (light-emitting diode) lighting is another energy-efficient property investment homeowners should consider. They use much less energy while producing the same “brightness” as incandescent, halogen, and compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs.
The above upgrades can help boost your home’s appraisal value and attract more potential buyers. Even if you don’t sell, they can still benefit you by helping lower your energy bills and making you a greener, more sustainable consumer.
Enhance Curb Appeal
Curb appeal refers to the exterior side of your home easily viewed from the street. It’s the first thing potential buyers see, making it a significant aspect of first impressions. An article published by House Beautiful also cited a University of Texas at Arlington study that found keeping a home’s exterior attractive and in top condition can boost home value by as much as 7%!
Here are some ideas to enhance your home’s curb appeal:
- Give exterior walls a thorough cleaning or a new paint job
- Repair or replace faulty fencing and gate components
- Replace an old front door
- Fix or replace the mailbox and house number
Clean up your lawn, too. Mow the grass, trim the shrubs, and add a pop of color by strategically placing flowering plants. All these can help boost curb appeal and add to your property’s overall value.
Boost Home Value With These Tips
Getting your plumbing system in order, bringing your electrical system up to code, investing in energy-efficient appliances, and enhancing curb appeal are all strategies that can help boost your home value. Even if you decide not to sell, these upgrades and improvements can still benefit you, as they can make your space safer and more livable.
Check out ABC4.com’s Home Improvement segment for more insights into housing trends and practical tips like this!
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