Top Denver Home Improvements for Selling: Flooring and Paint Tips

The Denver housing market is hot, and if you're renovating to sell, a few strategic updates can make a huge difference in your home’s appeal and value. Two major focal points? Flooring and paint. Buyers place a lot of weight on these features because they not only affect a home's look but also give clues about maintenance and quality. By focusing on Denver home improvements for selling, such as these targeted updates, sellers can increase a home's value, impress potential buyers, and ultimately, sell faster.

Let's dive into the most impactful flooring and paint projects to consider before listing your home for sale in Denver.

The Power of Flooring: Why It Matters

Flooring sets the stage for a home’s entire vibe. Walk in, and the flooring is the first thing buyers see, touch, and judge. The type, condition, and style of your flooring can be pivotal in determining the perceived value of your home. Here are the top flooring choices that will boost your home’s allure and give you a solid return on investment.

Hardwood Flooring: The Timeless Classic

Nothing beats the timeless appeal of hardwood floors. In fact, 99% of real estate agents agree that homes with hardwood flooring are easier to sell, and 95% say these homes sell for more. Here’s why hardwood is such a valuable investment:

Durability: Hardwood can last decades with proper care, making it a long-term asset.

Versatile Style: Darker woods like mahogany and walnut are trending for their rich, luxurious look. These shades age gracefully, hide dirt well, and suit a variety of design aesthetics, from modern minimalist to cozy Southwest styles.

Resurfacing: Hardwood can be refinished multiple times, making it look new again without the cost of replacement.

Engineered Hardwood: Budget-Friendly and Durable

For sellers looking to save on costs without sacrificing the look of real wood, engineered hardwood is a savvy option. This type of flooring is designed with a thin layer of hardwood on top of high-quality plywood or fiberboard, giving it the appearance of hardwood without the full cost.

Stability: Engineered hardwood is more resistant to warping and moisture, perfect for Denver’s dry climate.

Affordability: While not as long-lasting as solid hardwood, engineered hardwood is durable enough to be resurfaced a couple of times, extending its life and appeal.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Affordable and Practical

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is making waves in the market because it looks like real wood but is affordable, durable, and easy to maintain, perfect for families or high-traffic homes.

Water-Resistant: Unlike hardwood, LVP resists moisture, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.

Variety: Available in a range of styles that mimic wood grain, LVP is easy to match with your home’s color scheme.

Cons: Some buyers notice the difference between vinyl and real wood, especially with the sound. Still, for many buyers, the practicality outweighs this minor downside.

Tile Flooring: Cool and Clean

Tile flooring, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways, is a favorite for its clean, low-maintenance appeal. However, avoid wood-look tiles, as they often appear unauthentic and don’t age as well in the eyes of buyers.

Pros: Great for wet areas and easy to clean.

Cons: Tile can feel cold underfoot, which isn’t always appealing in colder climates. Choose neutral tiles that are easy on the eyes and versatile.

Carpet: Soft but Selective

In today’s market, carpet is less popular, especially in high-traffic areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. If you choose to include carpet in your home, opt for neutral colors with a low pile that looks modern and is easy to maintain.

Placement: Carpet is best reserved for bedrooms, where a soft, cozy feel is appreciated.

Neutral Appeal: Stick to light, neutral shades that won’t detract from other room elements.

Paint: Setting the Tone for the Entire Home

Paint color plays a significant role in a buyer's perception of a home. The right paint job can make spaces look larger, brighter, and more inviting, while the wrong color can turn buyers away. Here’s how to make the most of your home’s paint when preparing it for sale.

Neutral Colors: A Buyer’s Best Friend

When it comes to selling, neutral colors are always the safest bet. They create a clean, blank canvas that lets buyers envision their belongings in the space.

Shades of White: A classic option, white or off-white creates a fresh, open feeling. Warm whites with slight undertones work well in both natural and artificial light, making rooms feel bright and welcoming.

Greige: This warm blend of gray and beige is versatile, cozy, and modern. It works well in a variety of spaces, pairing nicely with both wood and modern materials.

Warm Grays: While cool grays have fallen out of favor, warm gray tones still offer a neutral, stylish backdrop that feels current and adaptable.

Accent Walls: A Subtle Splash

If you want to add a pop of color without overwhelming buyers, an accent wall can do the trick. Choose a subtle tone, like a soft blue or pale green, that complements the rest of your home’s color scheme without dominating the space.

Trim and Finishes: Pay Attention to the Details

Don’t overlook details like trim and finish. A crisp white trim, such as Benjamin Moore’s “White Dove,” can make walls pop and add a polished look. For walls, eggshell is a good choice because it has a soft sheen that’s easy to clean but not overly reflective. For trim and molding, semi-gloss provides durability and is easy to wipe down.

Painting Tips for a Pro Finish

Painting may seem like a straightforward task, but there are several professional techniques that can make a noticeable difference in the final result. Here are a few expert tips to help you achieve a flawless finish that maximizes your home's appeal to potential buyers.

Test Colors

Always test paint colors on multiple walls before making a final choice. Lighting changes throughout the day, and a color that looks perfect in the morning might shift dramatically by evening, especially in rooms with large windows or limited natural light.

Testing paint in different lighting will help ensure the color remains consistent and appealing throughout the day. Try testing samples on various walls and reviewing them at different times to see how they interact with the existing décor and flooring.

Use Quality Paint

Investing in high-quality paint may seem more costly upfront, but it saves time and effort in the long run. Quality paint provides smoother coverage, often requiring fewer coats to achieve the desired depth and finish. Higher-quality paints also offer longer-lasting colors, better stain resistance, and are often easier to clean without losing vibrancy. With a single coat or two, high-grade paint will give you a beautiful, even finish, saving you from constant touch-ups or repainting down the line. Buyers can often tell the difference in quality, which can contribute to a higher perceived value.

Hire a Pro

While DIY painting might seem like a cost-saving option, hiring a professional painter can make a world of difference, especially if you’re aiming to impress buyers. Pros bring expertise, tools, and techniques that ensure a smooth, even application, clean edges, and a high-quality finish that instantly boosts a room’s appeal. They’ll also complete the job faster, meaning less disruption to your day-to-day life, especially if you’re repainting multiple rooms or preparing for a tight listing deadline. For challenging areas like trim, ceilings, or high walls, a professional touch truly stands out.

Related Article: Best Home Improvements Before Selling Your Denver Home

Other Simple Updates That Increase Home Value

While flooring and paint are high-impact, a few additional updates can make your home even more appealing to Denver buyers. Consider these options to further increase the home’s value without breaking the bank:

Stone Veneer

Adding a stone veneer to the exterior of your home can give it a luxury feel that’s highly appealing to Denver buyers. Stone exteriors are particularly popular for their durability and the sense of elegance they bring, and they’re an upgrade that can see a great return on investment.

Updated Lighting

Updating outdated light fixtures can make an instant impact. Choose modern, neutral styles that fit the scale of each room. Replacing heavy, ornate fixtures with simpler, lighter ones can make your home look more spacious and welcoming.

Minor Repairs

Before listing your home, be sure to tackle any lingering repairs. Fix squeaky doors, loose handles, leaky faucets, or worn-out weather stripping. Small repairs add up and show buyers that the home has been well-maintained.

Landscaping and Curb Appeal

Don’t forget the power of curb appeal. Fresh landscaping, a well-maintained lawn, and a tidy walkway can make your home stand out before buyers even set foot inside.

Flooring and Paint: The Cost vs. Return

The average cost of new flooring depends on the material, size, and professional installation fees, but the return can be substantial, with a solid hardwood installation often recouping around 70-80% of the cost. Paint is another cost-effective update with a high return, as it can increase the perceived value of a home significantly for a relatively small investment.

Conclusion about Denver Home Improvements for Selling

Preparing your Denver home for the market can feel overwhelming, but focusing on impactful updates like flooring and paint can make a world of difference. Flooring options like hardwood or luxury vinyl plank not only increase your home's appeal but also offer excellent durability and style for prospective buyers. Likewise, neutral paint tones and thoughtful finishes can transform your home into a warm, inviting canvas where buyers can envision their future.

By investing in these key improvements, and adding touches like updated lighting, minor repairs, and enhanced curb appeal, you’ll increase your home’s market value and make it more attractive in Denver's competitive housing market. With a little planning and smart choices, you’ll be on your way to a home that stands out and delivers value in every detail.