Does Crown molding really increase your home’s value? 

One major drawback of installing crown molding in your home is that it can be quite expensive. To be precise, the average cost of crown molding installation can range from $7 – $16 per linear foot, depending on various factors like labor cost and molding material. In total, it can cost you about $2000 -$4000 to install crown molding throughout your home. On the other hand, crown molding is a great way to transform the look of any space from modern to classic, by giving it that elegant touch. And according to real estate experts, it’s one of the few basic home improvements that will increase the market value of your house. But, does crown molding really increase your home’s value? 

Well, here’s a deep dive into whether adding crown molding will increase your home’s appraisal value and give you that positive ROI every homeowner yearns for when reselling their property! 

Important things to consider before adding crown molding to your home 

• The potential buyer of your home 

The first thing you need to consider when planning to install your crown molding to increase your home’s resale value is the taste and styles of potential buyers. If you’re not sure how fast the home will sell or when you’ll list it, go for a neutral & timeless look. That way, potential buyers will not spend a lot of their time wondering how affordable and easy it will be to remove the molding if it doesn’t match their style or taste. 

• Your home’s architectural style 

Choosing a style of crown molding that doesn’t match your home’s architectural design might actually reduce its appraisal value. For instance, if you have a traditional European-style home, some potential buyers will expect it to have a certain level of detail. In comparison, installing intricate molding in a very modern and contemporary house will make it look out of place. To avoid that, make sure you choose a style of crown molding that matches the overall décor style. 

• Use the right crown molding size 

In general, the standard crown molding size is 3.25” for ceilings, doors, walls, and windows, while baseboards are usually an inch larger. However, the right crown molding size for a certain home may vary depending on various factors such as the floor-to-ceiling height. Besides, crown moldings are available in various widths ranging from 1/5” to 6 / 8”. That said, make sure you consider such factors before you settle on a particular crown molding.  

Moreover, you can use simple molding styles in plain bedrooms and small areas. And try using a more complex shape in the living or large dining room. It’s also worth mentioning that crown molding works best in rooms that have high ceilings. However, you can do more research to determine the best rooms to install crown moldings in your home. 

• Keep things simple when installing crown molding 

A common mistake most homeowners make when trying to increase the resale value of their homes is going overboard with upgrades. As a result, they end up using more money than they will recoup after selling the house. For instance, upgrading to high-end finishes in a mid-range neighborhood doesn’t guarantee that the resale value will increase, regardless of how beautiful the house is. 

The same case applies to installing custom crown molding, which might cost you up to 5 times per linear foot than regular trim. At the same time, potential buyers may not share the same tastes and preferences as you, thus reducing the resale value. To avoid this problem, keep things simple when undertaking various home improvement projects including crown molding installation. In addition, look at the open listings or recently sold homes near you to determine what types of crown molding are average or normal in your area.

• Hire a professional 

Compared to other home upgrades, crown molding is one of the less-expensive projects you can do to improve your home’s appraisal value. However, if it’s installed poorly, it may lower your property value. For that reason, it’s important to ensure that the crown molding is installed properly, especially if your aim is to increase your home value. 

Unfortunately, crown molding installation can be tricky since it requires complex miter and coped cuts. In addition, this architectural feature requires slightly-above average woodworking skills and a fair understanding of geometry to ensure that it fits perfectly where the ceiling meets the walls. Not to forget that it involves working with complex tools like a nail gun and miter saw for crown molding. More notably, if it has gaps at the corners, it will look sloppy and will not add any value to your home. 

So, if you’ve no experience at all installing crown molding or other trims, I’d recommend that you hire a professional. Although this will reduce your ROI and increase the installation cost, it’s better than a poorly done job. 

Does crown molding really increase your home’s value? Is crown molding worth it? 

Adding crown molding to your home creates stunning visuals since it’s a valuable interior design feature. Therefore, it will add appeal and perceived value, which might help you sell it faster compared to a house without crown molding. 

Unfortunately, this doesn’t guarantee that it will increase your home’s value, especially considering that crown molding is a personal preference. Therefore, some potential buyers might adore it, but others might not even notice it. Besides, real estate appraisers don’t consider the value of molding in the home’s appraisal value. So, while adding crown molding is a great addition to your home when installed properly, that doesn’t mean that it will help you sell your house for more money!