Home Improvements That Are Worth the Investment

Your home is your haven. It’s where you spend time with your family and friends. It protects you from the outside environment, keeping you safe and comfortable. It’s also your biggest investment. You want it to last. Whether you’re looking to sell in the next few years or you want to keep it for the foreseeable future, you want your home to be in the best condition possible. Many home-improvement projects can help you to make your home better. Some can be quite expensive and you may be trying to decide if they’re worth it. Here are some improvements that are worth the investment.

A Kitchen Upgrade

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home. It’s where meals are prepared and where friends and family come together. Most homebuyers look for a modern kitchen that looks great and offers the best amenities.

Kitchen upgrades of all sizes are worth the investment. If you’re on a budget, putting new doors on your cabinets, exchanging the hardware, and painting the walls and backsplash can all greatly increase the appearance (and value) of the space. If you have more money to spend, you can replace the cabinets, spring for new granite or marble countertops, and redo the floors.

Bathroom Remodel

The bathroom is another area of the home where people spend a lot of time. While it’s typically thought of solely as a functional room, it’s now becoming a space where people go to relax and recuperate from the stresses of the day. Many bathrooms in older homes look incredibly outdated. Like the kitchen, you don’t always necessarily need to gut the space and rebuild it from scratch to get the most out of your investment. You can work with the existing layout if the plumbing and electrical wiring aren’t too old. Replace the toilet and fixtures, put in a new vanity, and upgrade the lighting. Add some new tile or a fresh coat of paint.

Increasing Energy Efficiency

Energy bills are one of the biggest expenses that most homeowners have. Many necessary appliances use a significant amount of energy, including your HVAC, water heater, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and more. Upgrading these appliances to newer, energy-efficient models can help to save you a lot of money on your monthly bills. Newer kitchen appliances also look nicer, adding visual value to one of the most used rooms of your home.

Going Solar

Solar power is gaining a lot of popularity. Many people are beginning to add solar panels to their homes. These panels absorb sunlight and convert it into energy, which can help you to save even more money on your monthly bills. You may also be able to qualify for rebates for going solar.

Finishing the Attic or Basement

Adding space to your home can help to increase its value. This doesn’t mean that you need to build on an addition. Instead, you can add useable space to your home by finishing the basement or attic. Add interlocking rubber tiles to your floor, upgrade the lighting, and improve the airflow to convert the space into a home gym. Another option is to finish the space and turn it into an in-law suite or apartment. You can transform the attic into a playroom or home office, giving you a great place for the kids to play or for you to get work done.

Adding a Deck

A more obvious way to add space to your home (and add value) without building an addition is to add a deck. A wooden deck often provides the greatest return on investment if you plan on selling your home. In addition to adding value, a deck adds useable space for you to cook out, entertain, and simply relax outdoors.

No matter if you plan on keeping your home or you want to sell it, taking care of your house is essential. Some projects may be expensive, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be done. Whether you plan on keeping your house or selling it, these projects give you something for the money you put in.