Renovations that Boost Your Home's Value
Home renovations are a pain, but in the end make us happier (and sometimes healthier). Some of the best home improvements are expensive but add value when it comes time to sell or refinance. Here's our list of major home renovation projects to consider.
1. Add an ADU. Accessory Dwelling Units are great. They provide homeowners with an affordable and effective way to extend their primary residence with extra square footage right on your property. Californians can create and ADU as a detached building, or in an addition, second-story, basement, or garage. (We wrote about this. Read the whole article HERE.)
2. Remodel the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home, so updating this space brings benefits beyond having a nice-looking room. The truth is that remodeling your kitchen has many benefits. You will likely cook more meals at home. Have friends and family over on a regular basis. Enjoy moments of deep conversation and laughter. If it's not in your budget to do a full renovation, consider refacing your cabinets and buying new appliances.
3. Upgrade your bathrooms. Your bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. Not only is it a room you use every day, but bathrooms, along with kitchens, are among the most important rooms buyers look at when you are selling your home.
4. Replace your windows. Your home's windows play a very important role in your life. The best windows provide natural lighting, increase air flow, and make your house look great from the inside out. Windows also play a big role in your home's efficiency. Modern windows offer better insulation, which makes it easier for your heating and cooling system to keep your home comfortable.
5. Finish out your attic or basement. Finishing an attic or basement could give your family some much needed extra space, add value to your house, and could be less expensive to accomplish than many other significant home improvement projects.
6. Install a patio and have a professional design the landscape. If you’re looking for an easy, inexpensive way to improve your outdoor space, consider installing a patio. Not only is this a beautiful addition to any yard, but it’s also the perfect way to expand your outdoor living area. Landscaping adds value as well, turning a boring yard into an oasis. Read more HERE.
7. Improve energy efficiency. This project can encompass any number of others as there are many ways to improve your home's energy efficiency: replace appliances with more efficient ones, insulate the attic, install new doors and windows, install new bathroom fixtures and replace the water heater, and installing solar panels.
Here are a few more projects based on trends we're seeing in the market:
1. Create a home office.
2. Open up the floor plan.
3. Repaint. (Read about our favorite painter HERE.)
4. Refinish your floors.
5. Add a home gym. (We wrote about home gyms. Read the article HERE.)
5. Replace the garage door.
6. Update your mailbox and house numbers.
Some of these projects can be done by an ambitious and experienced homeowner, but most major renovations should be contracted out. Larger projects often require permits and as always, you’ll want to hire a contractor who specializes in the type of renovation that you want to have done.