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7 Home Improvement Projects That Add Value to Your Home

By: Jan Hajek | Date Posted: October 15, 2020

One of the best moves you can make for your home is to add value through home improvement projects. A remodel or renovation has benefits now and into the future.

You can enjoy the fruits of your labor now and sell your house for more than you bought it. But to get the most value out of your home improvement project, you have to choose the best ones. Because the truth is, not ever reno will add value.

As a homeowner, you want to create the best home possible. You should know the areas of your home to upgrade, which spaces to spend the most time and money on, and what spots are better left alone.

Here are 7 home improvement projects that will add the most value.

1. Kitchen Remodel

One of the first places homeowners think to add value in the kitchen. A kitchen remodels will almost always add value because homebuyers and homeowners alike are always looking for an upgraded kitchen.

But you also have to be careful in the kitchen because a remodel can quickly get so out of hand you won’t recoup any of the money. Keep your home in mind before adding all the bells and whistles and be smart about the upgrades you choose.

You don’t always have to rip out the kitchen and put in a brand new one to add value. Sometimes you can paint and replace the cabinet doors and add new hardware. Even installing new fixtures like sinks and faucets can entirely add a new look to the kitchen design.

2. Bathroom Upgrade

If the kitchen is the first place homeowners think to add value, the bathrooms are second. Just like the kitchen, homeowners are looking for updated and well-designed bathrooms. But also like the kitchen, a bathroom renovation can go overboard.

A bathroom home improvement project doesn’t have to have the fanciest fixtures and most recent gadgets to add a lot of value. Refreshing the room with new paint or tiles, and updating the features can transform the space.

If you have space and money, you can also add a bathroom to your home. Whether it’s a half bath or an en suite, homeowners will also love what a new bathroom will bring to the table.

3. Improve Energy Efficiency

As people become more environmentally conscious, they want their homes to reflect this. Not only does saving energy benefit the environment, but it can also save a homeowner a ton of money. So this is a must-do home project.

Seal up cracks around your house that might leak air. Check around doors and windows, around electrical sockets, light switches, and recessed lighting. The attic, basement, and anywhere ducts or wires lead outside can be sneaky places for leaks.

You can also add energy efficiency with CFL lightbulbs, which can save you in cooling costs as well as in energy usage. A programmable thermostat and a high-efficiency water heater are also great ways to improve the way your home uses energy.

4. Invest in Outdoor Living

As more homeowners look for space to entertain, an outdoor area has risen to the top of the list. Creating an indoor-outdoor living space in your home will go a long way in adding value.

Create this outdoor living space by adding a deck to the back of your home. Wood decks have a better return on investment than any other material. For your deck, consider spaces for both eating and lounging for the most use of the outdoors.

The best decks have unique features like built-in seating or a fire pit. These great ideas can help you transform your deck into the ultimate outdoor living area.

5. Add Accessibility Features

These are features you may have never thought about, but they can add so much value to your home. Accessibility keeps in mind people of all ages, sizes, and physical abilities when designing the space.

Universal design principles help create a space that anyone can access. This means that if you choose to sell your house, a buyer won’t have to modify the design to fit them.

Having accessibility in your home also means not having to modify for yourself should anyone who lives in the home have a change of mobility. This may seem like a huge extra step, but with a little creativity, it can be easily accomplished.

6. Bonus Spaces

Investing time and money in a space that’s a little unexpected can have big rewards. Remodel the attic or basement and instantly add usable square footage to your home. This is a great alternative to expensive additions.

Attics and basements are great bonus spaces for the home. Attics are great for guest rooms, home offices, and children’s playrooms. Basements make wonderful family rooms, entertainment areas, and workout spaces.

The more versatile space is, the more value-added. While you’re living in the space, you’ll benefit from being able to spread out; homebuyers will love to imagine personalizing the space. So it’s really a win-win.

7. Basic Maintenance

You’ll be surprised how far basic maintenance can go in adding value to your home. Think of these home improvement projects as anything going on behind the scenes that keep your home running smoothly.

Get rid of mold,have a Cincinnati roofing company, fix leaks in the roof and pipes, keep the exterior paint fresh. These are the projects that make a home look well kept, creating a safe and durable home that all homeowners want.

Keeping up with these projects will make your home healthier to live in. And when the time comes to sell, these finished projects can tip a buyer’s scales in your favor. A home that’s well-cared-for is at the top of all homeowners’ and homebuyers’ lists.

Added Value With Home Improvement

These home improvement projects can not only transform your home but add value to it. But you should also enjoy living in the home with all the upgrades if you don’t plan to sell right after renovating.

It’s important to remember that not every project will add value. You should aim to strike a balance between value and personal taste. Not every house needs all of these upgrades, so choose the right one for your home.

Whether you plan to sell or live in your home for a few more years, these upgrades are great ways to add value to your home.

FAQs


Which home improvements add the most value?

1. Kitchen Remodel
2. Bathroom Upgrade
3. Improved Energy Efficiency
4. Investment in Outdoor Living
5. Accessibility Features
6. Bonus Spaces
7. Basic Maintenance

What home improvement should I do first?

One of the first places homeowners think to add value in the kitchen. A kitchen remodels will almost always add value because homebuyers and homeowners alike are always looking for an upgraded kitchen.

What comes first in a home renovation?

One of the first places homeowners think to add value in the kitchen. A kitchen remodels will almost always add value because homebuyers and homeowners alike are always looking for an upgraded kitchen.

Is it worth it to remodel a kitchen?

According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost Vs. Value Report, a major kitchen remodel costs $68,490, and homeowners recoup $40,127, which is 58.6 percent. An upscale kitchen remodel costs $135,547, with a 53.9 percent ROI.

What home improvements do not add value?

1. Dated decor
2. Too much wallpaper
3. Overly stylized decor
4. Loud design elements
5. Ornate lighting
6. Wall-to-wall carpeting
7. Wine cellars

Thank you for reading!

Jan Hajek
 

I am an experienced writer. I write about home improvement topics such as construction, electrical work, plumbing, security and safety, interior design, exterior design, tools and woodworking, gardening, and garage organization. I love helping people improve their homes and make them more enjoyable places to live.

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