The season of growth, is finally in full swing. If you’re a homeowner, you may want to think about growing something even more valuable than your garden – the value of your home.

Spring is a great time for home improvements, but there are some that can yield better return on investment. Here are some smart ways to improve your home – and its value:

1. Building a deck. A new deck or patio is not only a great way to spruce up your back yard and build outdoor space, but also can generate as much as an 82% return on your investment if the deck is made of wood according to bankrate.com.

2. Adding more indoor space. In general, more space will make your home more valuable. Adding a new bathroom is the best way to add value to your home. You can either build an addition or transform existing space, such as an attic to create additional rooms, including an extra bedroom.

3. Remodeling your kitchen. The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in your home and arguably the most expensive to remodel. The good news is, you don’t have to undertake a full remodel, but you can consider upgrading your appliances, painting or refinishing existing cabinets, and upgrading countertops to freshen the appearance of your kitchen. A minor kitchen remodel can recoup nearly 80% of your investment. It’s important not to make renovations that cause your home to exceed the ceiling of house prices in your neighborhood.

4. Giving your bathroom a facelift. Another smart way to improve your home is to upgrade your bathrooms. Again, you don’t have to undertake a full remodel, but you can enhance the appearance of your bathroom by updating vanities, fixtures, mirrors, or flooring. You should be able to recoup approximately 70% of the cost of a bathroom remodel.

5. Replacing old windows. New windows will not only give your home a fresh and clean look, but also will help you reduce energy costs. Bankrate suggests that you could recoup up to 77% of your costs if you replace your old windows with new wood or vinyl windows.

The key to affording home improvements.

Now that you have an idea of what you can improve, how can you finance the costs? The answer may lie within your home or more specifically, your home’s equity. A home equity line of credit or loan is a smart way to borrow. It lets you borrow against the equity in your home and enjoy unique benefits – lower rates, potential tax savings, and flexibility.

Now that the seed has been planted, take a moment to learn what spring projects can help you improve your home’s value. Then, apply for a home equity line or loan. Get growing… while rates are still low.

Related links:

https://www.dnbfirst.com/index_2.php?page=Home_Equity_Lines_of_Credit

Vince Liuzzi serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer at DNB First.