Home renovation projects have become increasingly common as people are spending more time at home. If you are looking to make some upgrades, you want to complete projects that will add value to your life, while also adding value to your home. There are a number of home features and upgrades you can make to make your home your favorite place to be.
When you are building a home or thinking about redoing your floors, you may be tempted to install laminate floors to save some money. Real hardwood floors are one item that is worth spending the money on in your home. Wood floors not only look better than laminate but also help increase your resale value. Solid hardwood floors come in a variety of different types of wood that you can match to your interiors. In addition to all of the different wood finishes and colors, you can also choose different widths and patterns, personalizing your floors even further. Real hardwood floors that are well maintained can last a lifetime.
Expensive countertops are another thing you should consider investing in. Rather than installing inexpensive laminate countertops, think about more expensive materials like quartz, granite, marble, or soapstone. These countertops will not only look better, but they will also be more durable than cheaper materials. Quartz is an engineered material that is highly durable and available in many different colors. Granite is a naturally found material with a more limited color palette but resists heat and scratching. Homebuyers look at kitchens as one of the rooms that they want to see updated finishes, and having nice countertops will add value to your property.
Energy-efficient features can improve your home in a lot of ways. Smart thermostats can be programmed from your phone, saving you money by only heating or cooling your home when someone is there. You should consider installing energy-efficient appliances like a refrigerator, dishwasher, and washer and dryer. You will be able to recognize these items by their EnergyStar seal. These appliances will save you lots of both water and energy and are built to last.
Your backyard space can be enhanced by having more space to socialize, and a deck is a great place to do just that. Backyard wood decks increase your living space and can be personalized to be the exact shape and size you want. Decks provide room for hosting parties and other gatherings at your home. You can add a barbeque, outdoor dining table, and planters, to make it a comfortable, enjoyable space. Decks can be easily constructed as a DIY project, or you can hire a professional deck builder to get the job done without the hassle of doing it yourself.
New windows are another feature in your home that is worth the upgrade. Older windows tend to not be able to provide the kind of energy efficiency available from newer windows. Double-glazed windows with high-efficiency glass in new frames can save you thousands on your electric bill. New windows also provide more safety and security with improved locks and security sensors. Another reason to install new windows is to protect your wall art from the sun. Many new windows feature a low-emissivity coating that blocks UV light. They can also improve your life by blocking out sounds. The best part is new windows are designed to be easy to clean and maintain.
Solar power is both good for the environment and saves you money on your electricity. Solar panels are easy to install and meant to be able to work in all climates. A solar professional can help you determine the best locations to place panels. While the amount of money you save on electricity by installing solar varies based on how much sunlight your panels absorb and how much energy you use, some people have completely eliminated electric expenses with solar. Another benefit is that it works regardless of whether there is a drought or regulations requiring you to reduce water. If you are looking to sell your home, buyers look favorably on solar panels.
It can be easy to focus so much on the interior of your house that you forget that one of the biggest assets of your house is what is on the outside. One of the things you can do to improve the look of your house is repair or replace siding. New types of engineered siding are made of durable materials that are easy to clean and resist weathering. Think about adding a wreath to your front door and or new light fixtures. A front porch that has seating like a bench, porch swing, or chairs, makes your home appear more friendly. Your front landscaping is another way to improve curb appeal. Remove or trim overgrown landscaping and consider new plantings that highlight the best features of your home. New flowers and a stone walkway can brighten up your front yard and make it more welcoming.
If your basement remains unfinished or has not been updated in over 10 years, you may need to take a second look at this room. Finished basements provide more living space for you and your family and can be used for everything from housing out-of-town guests, to movie nights, to offices. Finishing your basement will also add value to your home as this is a coveted real estate feature in many parts of the country. The average basement remodel costs around $50,000 but adds nearly that same amount in value.
If you are looking to make improvements to your home, you want to make sure the changes you make are going to be worth your investment. Depending on which area of your home you want to focus on, there are a lot of options that can improve your living spaces, and add value to your home. Do not be afraid to invest money on features that will make a lasting impact on the quality of your home.
Read this next: Why You Should Care About How Your Home is Built
