If you are like most homeowners, you want to live in a beautiful home. You also want the resale value to be as high as possible, just in case you choose to sell one day. If you are planning a home renovation, you should choose renovations that will make your home look better, make it more functional and increase the value the most. The renovations listed below will check everything off this list:
#1 Kitchen Renovations
The kitchen is the heart of your home, and it is the room that most home buyers look at first. If you want to increase your home’s value and make it more modern, you should start your renovation in the kitchen. You can do several things in the kitchen to make it look more modern and make it more functional. Click here to find out about a renovations company.
*New appliances: The first thing you should do is swap out your dated appliances with modern, stainless steel appliances. If you upgrade the appliances, you can choose energy-efficient ones that will not only save you money on your monthly energy bills but can also take advantage of tax credits.
*Kitchen cabinets: Upgrading your kitchen cabinets will give the room a complete makeover. If your cabinets are still in great condition, you can have them re-faced rather than replaced. You can also swap out the old hardware for modern hardware, which will improve the appearance even more. This is a huge money saver, and it will have the same effect.
If your kitchen cabinets are worn and damaged, replacing them is the best option. This will be expensive, but it is your only option if your existing cabinets are in disrepair. If you are replacing the cabinets, it is best to go with cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling. This will give your kitchen a more modern appearance, give you more storage space, and you won’t be wasting precious space in your kitchen.
*Replace your countertops: You can really increase the value and the appearance of your kitchen by replacing your dated laminate countertops with granite. A high-end change like this will make your kitchen look more attractive and modern.
*Add a splashback: Modern kitchens have tile splashback to give the room a pop of color and flair. If you don’t have a backsplash currently, it is a necessary upgrade for your kitchen renovation. If your existing backsplash is dated, upgrade it with tile, soapstone, or encaustic tile.
*Install a kitchen island: If you have space, you should consider installing a kitchen island. Most modern kitchens have islands, and they increase the amount of counter space in your kitchen. You can also add stools to your island, which will add to the seating in your kitchen. You can go with a simple island or one that includes a cooktop or a small sink. An island will also add to the storage space in your kitchen.
*Upgrade the lighting: Changing the lighting in your kitchen will give it a more modern look. You should start by hanging a decorative light over the island or the kitchen table. You should also consider installing LED lights under the cabinets.
*Upgrade the floors: Your kitchen remodel won’t be complete until you upgrade your old vinyl flooring. Today, most homeowners are going with hardwood floors. You can find hardwood flooring that can withstand the moisture in the kitchen and still look great.
#2 Finish Your Basement
Finishing your basement will add more square footage to your home, which will increase its value. This upgrade can bump up your house to another price bracket. Finished basements also appeal to prospective buyers should you choose to sell one day.
When refinishing your basement, you can create one large multi-purpose room or split the space and add an additional bathroom. According to Home Advisor, you can recoup 70 percent of the cost to finish the basement. This is a huge return when you consider the value of your home.
#3 Open Up the Floor Plan
Years ago, homes were broken up into dedicated rooms. Many homeowners installed swinging doors in the kitchen to keep it separate from the rest of the house. Today, modern homes have open floor plans. Also, one item on home buyers’ “must-have” lists is an open floor plan.
If possible, you can knock out one of the kitchen walls to make the kitchen and living room one large room. This will add more natural light to the space and make it feel lighter and airier.
#4 Upgrade the Bathroom
If you have the money in your budget, you can upgrade the master bath and the guest bath with the latest designs. If not, you should focus on the master. There are a few changes you can make to turn your master bath into the oasis you have always dreamed of.
*Upgrade the shower: Removing your tub and replacing it with a walk-in shower is a great way to upgrade the bathroom. Small textured tiles should be used for the floor and the walls. You can create a great tile design to give your shower a unique look. Clear glass shower doors will make the bathroom look more spacious, and they will allow you to show off your unique tile design.
*Claw-foot tub: If you replace your tub with a walk-in shower and you have space, install a claw-foot tub in your master bath. This will make your bathroom look more luxurious, and when you are soaking in the deep claw-foot tub, it will feel more luxurious.
*Upgrade the vanity: You should replace your dated vanity with a larger one that his and her sinks. Also, granite counters will make your bathroom look more modern and luxurious.
*Install a recessed medicine cabinet: Dated medicine cabinets are large and bulky. If you want to give your bathroom a sleeker look, recessed medicine cabinets are the way to go. This type of medicine cabinet will make your bathroom look more open and airier, and you will still have the space needed to store your medication and other items.
#5 Fresh Coat of Paint
A fresh coat of paint will brighten up every room in the house. If you are remodeling for a potential resale, it is best to go with neutral colors such as off-white, light gray, light pink, and light blue. You might love bright, bold colors, but potential buyers might not feel the same way.
#6 Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Once you have remodeled the interior of your home, you should focus on the exterior. This is what people see when they first pull up in front of your home, so if you want to give your home a wow factor, you should make some changes outside.
*Replace your front door: This may seem like a minor change, but it can have a huge effect on the appearance of your home. Replacing your dated front door with an energy-efficient, low-maintenance door that looks fantastic is a great way to improve the appearance of your home without costing you too much.
*Add a stone veneer to the front of the house: Stone veneer can be expensive, with a price tag of around $9,000. However, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value Report, this upgrade will allow you to recover about 96 percent of the cost if you sell your home. Stone veneers will also give your home a unique and modern look when paired with the right vinyl siding.
*Landscaping: If your landscape isn’t nicely manicured, any changes you make to the exterior of the home will be moot. Hiring a landscape designer to install the right shrubs, flowers, and outdoor lighting can have a huge effect on your home’s overall appearance.
*Focus on the garage door: If your garage door is old and it looks that way, you should consider making a change. If you have the money in your budget, you can replace the door while leaving the existing motorized opener. This will be relatively inexpensive. If you don’t have the money to replace the garage door, a fresh coat of paint will work wonders.
