If you’re thinking about selling your Dallas-Fort Worth home, now’s the time to think about DIY home improvement. Knowing how to get the biggest bang for your buck is the key to choosing the right projects to update your home. The following are three projects that tend to have the biggest impact.

Get a New Front Door

The front door is the first thing people notice when they are looking at your home from the street. A fresh, stunning front door creates maximum curb appeal that make a difference in a buyer’s market.

This project can be as simple as choosing a new door and hanging it. Experts say this small DIY home improvement can yield an 86 percent return on your investment, so don’t skimp on quality. Choose a style that reflects your home’s architectural style, but don’t be afraid to modernize the look, like this partially glass door on a craftsman-style home. Other architectural styles beg for finishes that create Old World charm, like this century-old door with distressed paint.

Add or Extend a Deck or Patio

Metroplex homeowners are all about outdoor living. Our mild winters have many people spending more time on their patio or deck than inside their home much of the year. If you don’t have a patio or deck, add one. Or if your outdoor living space is looking worn, it’s time to spruce it up.

You can add interest to a patio by adding a section with ceramic tile or by hanging elegant patio curtains. If your patio or deck isn’t covered, consider covering a portion of it. Don’t forget to add some color with flower beds and potted plants.

If you really want to up your game, create an outdoor kitchen. Adding a prep area and sink, an oven, and a small refrigerator next to your barbecue grill creates a wow factor.

Replace the Windows

Energy efficiency is a priority for most Metroplex homeowners. Summer cooling bills can be high if windows leak. Replacing your old windows with more energy-efficient models can translate into a 72 percent return on investment.

Local energy company TXU recommends that homeowners upgrade to newer energy-efficient windows. They’re designed to allow in the maximum amount of light while keeping out the heat. You can choose new windows based on their Energy Star rating to get the maximum amount of efficiency.

Just a few updates to your home will get it ready to go on the market. A few weekends of DIY home improvement projects can help add value and sell your home.

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