8. Liven Up the Landscape
Landscaping is among the three most effective home improvements you can do to generate the biggest return on your money. It creates curb appeal in spades and also can help prevent expensive potential damage, like fallen tree limbs and mold. Think of it as a safety net mixed with some green marketing that can increase your house’s value by up to 5 percent.
Average Cost: You can put in some attractive landscape for a little over $1,000, or invest in the whole front-lawn package for about $3,300.*