A house is one of the biggest purchases a person will ever make, and most want to keep their homes looking beautiful not only for themselves, but also to entice future buyers. It’s also a regulation in most homeowners associations. From time to time, it’s a good idea for an HOA board to encourage residents to invest in some home remodeling to add to its appeal. Of course, before making any major changes to the home, residents need to go through the proper channels such as the association architectural committee for approval and the city for the necessary permits to make sure they don’t run into any legal issues.

So when it comes time to give a house a face lift, touch-ups and renovations should be considered that will not only make a home look better than ever but also help increase its value:

1. Re-paint Interior Rooms

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to dramatically change the entire look of a room is to add a fresh coat of paint. Not only will it immediately make walls look crisp and clean, but also change the ambiance of the home. Since darker colors seem intense on walls and can make a room look smaller, it’s usually best to stick with lighter, warmer hues for the overall color to make a home feel open and welcoming.

If the painting is being done by the homeowner instead of a professional, here are a few tips:

• Apply a coat of primer first so that walls won’t soak up as much paint. Use two coats of paint to ensure a rich, even coverage.
• Use painter’s tape along the outside edge of the area being painted to get sharp, even lines.

Remind residents that if they're considering re-painting the outside of their homes, that is a whole different issue that the HOA board will need to approve.

2. Update the Kitchen and Bathrooms

If the kitchen or bathrooms look like they belong in an era long since passed, it might be time to update them. That can be as simple as re-tiling the floor and replacing faucets and cabinet hardware or as complex as completely remodeling the rooms.

When doing a remodel, consider avoiding décor that's too trendy and instead stick with classic looks that will stand the test of time. This will help avoid the need to redecorate again in five years and also make the house all the more appealing to potential buyers looking to move into the homeowners association.

3. Add a Home Office

People’s work and home lives are drastically merging as more and more employees have the option to work remotely from home. Because of this, turning an empty basement, attic or bedroom into a dedicated home office can provide a peaceful place to work and also be a real selling point for potential buyers.

A good home office will have enough space to comfortably work in and have easy access to the internet, electrical outlets and cable and phone jacks. Touches like built-in bookcases and desks can add that extra something that makes a home office a productive place to work. Again, when taking on a large remodeling project, the resident must consult the HOA board first.

4. Let There be Light

When a room doesn’t have enough light, it can feel very drab and enclosed. Bring in some much-needed brightness by adding new light fixtures to a dreary room. Don’t be afraid to use different types of fixtures to get the best results.

For example, in a kitchen a hanging pendant can be used to spotlight a specific area like the kitchen’s island, recessed light fixtures to spread the light over an entire room, and track lighting under the cabinet to make the kitchen feel open and bright. If unsure which types of lighting fixtures will work best for the home, a residential lighting designer can help.

5. Finish the Basement or Attic

Every inch of the home can be utilized by turning an unfinished basement or attic into extra living space. These areas are untapped gems that can be used as game rooms or extra bedrooms. Basements and attics have special characteristics that need to be addressed.

For example, basements are prone to water infiltration and attics often have slanted ceilings. It’s a good idea to bring in a professional to guide through these obstacles and make sure all major components like plumbing, electric, walls and floors are done correctly.

A home is an investment. Homeowners associations usually support maintaining and upgrading appropriately as it helps to keep the value of the community high. Don’t forget to read your governing documents or consult the HOA board if you're unsure which upgrades will require approval.