When you decide to undertake a remodeling project, your primary goal will probably be to increase the beauty or utility of whatever space you are improving. Your family’s needs may be shifting in a way that necessitates a home-improvement project, or maybe it is simply time to upgrade a home you have lived in for many years.
But there is another side to remodeling projects, and that is adding financial value to your home. Keep reading to learn about a few remodeling projects that can increase home value and will pay for themselves in the future.
Kitchen Renovation
Your kitchen is one of the most valuable selling points should you ever put your home on the market. Outdated kitchens are often used as bargaining chips for buyers, which makes this one of the most effective remodeling projects that increase home value.
Some of the top kitchen features home buyers are looking for include:
- Stainless steel appliances
- Natural stone kitchen countertops or quartz
- White kitchen cabinetry
- Extra storage spaces, such as walk-in pantries
- Hardwood floors
- Double kitchen sinks
- A center island
- Farmhouse styles with lots of wood
- Vinyl and resilient flooring, especially for aging in place kitchens
Bathroom Renovation
Bathrooms are another key factor in a home’s value. If you have an old pink or lime green bathroom, a renovation might be in order. However, beautiful vintage details can be powerful selling points, with some buyers even actively seeking them out. Therefore, updates can be careful balance between a home’s original charm and modern-day functionality.
And it’s not just bathroom quality that boosts your home’s value, but the number of bathrooms as well. Buyers prefer homes with two or two-and-a-half bathrooms, so adding a full or half-bath to your home is one of the most effective ways to increase its overall value. Bathroom features to consider are:
- Walk-in showers
- Master bathroom on the first floor
- Comfort-height toilets (which are slightly taller than most toilets)
- Shower seats and grab bars
- Non-slip flooring
Basement Conversion
If your basement has a high enough ceiling (80” ceiling height minimum), consider converting it. Make sure that your design includes a closet, and the room is heated, since heated space adds to the total square footage of your home. And not only can you use the closet for storage, but it will automatically become a legal bedroom in the eyes of the real estate industry.
One thing to note, an egress window is required by code in any new basement bedroom to allow escape in the case of a fire.
Home Additions
Adding extra space in the kitchen or bath are the most obvious value boosters. But other options include a primary suite with a bedroom and bath, or a sunroom; both will dramatically increase square footage and living space.
Another beneficial way to increase square footage is to simply add on to your home. For maximum value, make sure the space is heated and designed to match the rest of your home. A number of home addition project ideas include, but are not limited to:
- Extra space to expand your kitchen
- Home storage, like a walk-in pantry or closet
- A separate primary suite with a bedroom and bathroom
- A sunroom
- A conveniently located laundry room
- A home gym
Other opportunities:
Open Up Your Floor Plan
Are you a fan of the much debated open-concept floor plan? Knocking down the right walls can be one of the best ways to improve resale value. If you like the idea of connecting these spaces, but tearing down a wall isn’t an option for you, there are other clever ways to visually open up a living space without making major structural changes.
Energy Efficient Features
More and more people like the idea of living in an environmentally friendly home. In fact, it’s important to more than two-thirds of buyers. If you’re planning home upgrades, consider incorporating features like double-pane windows, LED lighting, water-conserving toilets, and Energy Star appliances.
Also think about what environmentally friendly features you would enjoy yourself. Programmable thermostats, fans, window shades, and lighting systems can make home life more comfortable and convenient. Other high-tech features that buyers increasingly want are:
- Security cameras
- Video doorbells
- Wireless home security systems
Boost Curb Appeal
It’s no surprise that a spruced-up exterior can improve home value. Is your front door looking a little shabby? Maybe you’d like a bigger porch. Maybe your garage is too small. Or maybe a new set of front steps with fashionable railings would be the cherry on top of an otherwise stellar exterior. First impressions are everything.
Finally, your enjoyment of your home is a significant part your return on investment. The day-to-day comfort of living your life in a well-designed space has immeasurable value. As experienced remodelers, we can help you plan home upgrades that meet your personal wants and needs while increasing your home’s resale potential. Whatever your home improvement goals are, we’ll help you reach them.
