One of the privileges of owning your home is the ability to renovate, remodel, and improve it at your discretion. However, what that looks like can depend significantly on the size and style of your home and your individual budget and taste. If you have kids, a craft room might be useful, or you may want to turn the basement into a bar room so you can have your friends over on the weekends. Beyond providing additional entertainment options and improving your interior design, it’s also a good idea to focus on projects that will produce a positive return on investment. Even if you don’t intend to sell in the near future, it’s always beneficial to improve the value of your property. If you’re planning on making some improvements at home, keep reading for some ideas and inspiration to help you get started.
What home improvements should you prioritize?
It can be tricky to know where to start when it comes to home improvement. If your goal is to add value to your home, it’s smart to target projects that hold their value well. Landscape design is one of the best upgrades you can make as a homeowner, in terms of the return on investment that it provides. Not only that, but exterior remodeling always adds to your home’s curb appeal, which can be a big deal when it comes time to sell. You should also prioritize keeping your roof and gutters in excellent condition, for the same reason.
Kitchens and bathrooms are popular choices and for good reason, though it’s important to stay within your budget. Consider adding a new shower or an updated faucet, rather than tearing up the entire bathroom. Most homeowners and buyers want durable stainless steel appliances in the kitchen and modern fixtures in the bathrooms. It’s a good idea to look for a contractor that does quality work who can address multiple needs, like this one that handles home improvement in Madison, WI. It can save you both time and money to have the same company handle replacement windows, bathrooms, cabinets, and more.
Where can you find design inspiration?
Inspiration can be found anywhere, especially with the advent of the internet and websites like Etsy and Pinterest. However, there’s no replacement for an interior designer. For a major home project, you should look for help from home builders and design professionals like those at Interiorly. While it’s easy to think you’re a design expert after spending some time online, it’s worth enlisting expert help if you want to ensure a wonderful experience with things turning out exactly the way you want them to.
Technology can also provide inspiration, especially as smart homes are becoming more and more desirable. There are a number of smart devices that can both improve your quality of life and save you money. A smart thermostat is a great example of a device that can do both. By allowing you to control your HVAC system remotely or operate it via a timer, you can avoid running it when you don’t need to, which can significantly lower your utility bills. There are plenty of other smart devices and appliances you can consider, depending on your lifestyle needs.
Any good renovation or remodel should balance improving your quality of life with adding to the value of your home. While not every project has to have a positive return on investment, it’s essential that you understand how the changes you make will impact your home’s equity over time. If your goal is to improve your home’s value, landscape design and a modern kitchen remodel can go a long way. You should also consider eco-friendly, efficient, and sustainable additions like a smart thermostat or even solar panels, which are becoming more and more popular with prospective buyers, in addition to helping you cut down on your energy bills. No matter what your budget is, your home is always worth upgrading—just be sure to invest in the right improvements.
