If you’re like most homeowners, you are continuously making changes to keep your house comfortable and in good shape. As you plan your next home improvement project, also consider how the change may contribute to the investment you made in your house. Sometimes, small changes can make your home more valuable.
A Smart Thermostat
Saving energy and lowering energy bills are priorities for everyone, and a good way to achieve those goals is with a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat can connect to an app on your phone that allows you to adjust the temperature of the heat or air conditioning in your home from any remote location.
You can also program a smart thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature depending on the time of day. For example, in the summer, you can set the air conditioner at a cooler temperature while you are home but raise it while you’re at work. Some smart thermostats have temperature sensors you can place in any room you like, enabling you to further customize your heating and cooling.
A Patio
Installing a patio adds outdoor living space to your home. You can furnish it with a dining set for dinner under the stars or with a patio sofa and chairs for relaxing after a busy day. Add a barbecue and a fire pit for chilly evenings, and you’ve created a cozy outdoor area for entertaining.
There are styles of patio that can fit any budget, from a simple pad of concrete or pavers to an elaborate multi-level deck. If needed, you can add shade with a pergola, umbrella, awning, or canopy. Plants and lighting will complete the look.
Hardwood Floors
If you have lived in your home for some time, you might have already replaced your carpeting more than once. Carpets add warmth and color to your home, but they do stain and wear out, especially in homes with active families or pets.
Replacing your carpeting or vinyl floors with hardwood floors is one of the best investments you can make in your home. Hardwood floors are highly valued by homeowners because of their beauty, durability, and easy care. Unlike carpeting, hardwood floors don’t harbor dust, pet hair, and other allergens. They can last for decades with proper care and can be refreshed by refinishing.
Cabinets With Shelves
A well-functioning kitchen is a must-have for any homeowner. Remodeling your kitchen should start with rethinking the flow of your kitchen and replacing old cabinets. Today’s newer cabinets are built with features that make food preparation easier. For example, pull out shelves help minimize frustration when you need to grab ingredients from your cabinets.
Kitchen islands are versatile and can be used for installing a microwave or storing large pots and pans. Baking sheets and lids can be kept in vertically-oriented drawers. When wired with an electric outlet, an island is a perfect place for storing small appliances. Just take the rice cooker or air fryer off the shelf, set it atop the island counter, and plug it in.
A New Front Door
A new front door will add curb appeal to your home while also helping you to save on utility bills. Over time, your old door has probably developed small gaps and cracks that let outdoor air inside. Today’s new doors are better insulated than older ones and will fit tightly into the door frame.
Door windows and sidelight windows can bring in light, but they can also be frosted or finished with caming to provide privacy as well as beauty. A new front door can also add security to your home, since modern doors are made from steel or fiberglass and can be furnished with deadbolt locks or keyless entry devices.
Upgraded Appliances
Large appliances like refrigerators and stoves can last for many years, but often they start to become less efficient or become outdated as technology advances. Newer appliances are more energy-efficient and have more features that help you customize your experience.
Many newer appliances are programmable or connect to your smartphone or home assistant device. These allow you to control the appliances remotely, check on them when you’re not home, and monitor how you use them. High-tech appliances are appealing for their ability to save time, effort, and money.
Fresh Paint
Giving your rooms a fresh coat of paint not only updates the look but also adds value to your home. Painting gives you the opportunity to patch any cracks or holes and inspect your walls for any needed repairs. The new paint will protect the walls, and with today’s improved paints, even improve your indoor air quality.
Although you may want to be trendy with color, it’s often a better choice to choose a neutral palette. This will allow you to change décor easily and will appeal better to potential buyers should you decide to put your house on the market.
Updated Bathrooms
Present generations expect much more from their bathrooms than their parents and grandparents did. They’re not just rooms for necessities; they’re viewed as private refuges where you can pamper yourself, relax, and regenerate.
A multifunction showerhead is the simplest way to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom, but if your shower is old or shows signs of wear, consider replacing it. Many styles of shower replacement kits are available for the do-it-yourselfer, or you can hire a contractor. Deep, freestanding bathtubs are also becoming popular. Adjustable lighting is also a must. You need it bright enough for shaving and other details with the option to soften it for a relaxing soak in the tub.
Whatever home improvement project you choose to do next, take into consideration your budget, your time, and also the long-term value of the changes you plan. It’s a wise move to invest in additions that can make your home more efficient and more comfortable. You’ll want to meet your present needs but at the same time, make changes that add real value to your home.
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