Get the full value out of your home improvements

Trying to determine which home improvements will give you the best return on the money can be confusing. Should you go with a complex remodeling job or keep it simple? Experts say, it all depends on the house and the budget.

If you are on a tight budget and want to keep it simple, then focus on the exterior of the house, according to local professionals.

"The first place to start with almost every home is to pressure wash it," said Jonathan Roberts, a realtor for H2O Properties. "It gets off mildew and dirt and can make the house look much better. It's the cheapest improvement to make."

After pressure washing, if the home still looks dirty, a fresh coat of paint will make it feel much cleaner, Roberts said.

With a larger budget, focus on the areas that will make the house more energy efficient.

Doors, storm shutters and windows are the best places to start, according to Charles Sansom Jr., president of Kingdom Enterprises, a home remodeling company.

 "For a typical single family home in the area, a complete doors and windows upgrade will cost between $10,000 and $12,000, labor and materials included," said Sansom.

Besides increasing energy efficiency, some of these improvements will make the home eligible for discounts on its homeowners insurance.

Other than improvements to the doors and windows, Sansom recommends a better roof and an upgrade to the central air unit. Both improvements will increase the home's efficiency, lowering the monthly utility bills and raising the homes value.

Another place to get the best bang for your buck is in the attic.

"Reinsulate the attic with at least R-30," Sansom said.

If you want to remodel, there are some things to consider before starting.

"It will add value to the home but it takes much longer and may be much more expensive," said Sansom.

Kitchen upgrades get the most attention, according to Roberts. "To upgrade a kitchen, you practically just updated the whole house. People like it and appreciate the money spent there."

However, kitchen upgrades are a big investment. "You have to measure what is going to be the reward," Roberts said.

Realtors can be helpful when trying to determine what improvements will be the best for your home. "They can advise you on what it's worth as is and if the investment would be worth it," said Roberts.

The location of the home is also key since neighborhood conformity helps to determine the value of an appraisal. If your home becomes more extravagant than others in your neighborhood, its value won't necessarily increase proportionately.

Additions like Florida rooms and bedrooms typically cost more than their added value, said  Sansom. "I wouldn't recommend adding a bedroom if you are looking to resell."

"You can over build your house. It pulls down the value if it's the largest house in the neighborhood," Roberts said.