November 20, 2020 | Andy Shafer
These days, we’re all spending more time in our homes than ever before. If you’re the type of homeowner who has put off remodeling, year-after-year, there’s no better time than the present to make some upgrades. After all, you deserve a kitchen, bathroom, or backyard you truly love—and you’ll boost your home’s value by investing back into it. In this article, we’ll review several home remodeling projects with a high return-on-investment (ROI) and why it makes sense to talk with a remodeling expert before you start planning.
If you’re looking to add value to your property, start by putting together a list of your home’s essential needs and any upcoming projects. For example, if you know your home’s roof will need to be replaced in the next 2-3 years, why not just replace it now? Doing so will add value to your property, make it easier to sell (if you decide to do so), and check off one more item from your to-do list. It’s no coincidence that some of the highest-ROI projects involve replacing or fixing essential items: garage door installation and deck refinishing fit in this category.
In the event your home needs a new air conditioner or furnace, make sure you invest in a high-quality, energy-efficient system. With HVAC systems, a little extra spent upfront can lead to years of energy savings down the road. If you’ve been noticing signs you need a new air conditioner, for instance, you should start getting some quotes from local HVAC professionals now so you can start comparing systems. You don’t want to be stuck in the unfortunate position of having a dead AC unit in the middle of summer.
This is your opportunity to actually live in your dream kitchen. However, your new kitchen needs to be more than just stylish. It should be practical and durable, equally able to stand up to everyday cooking and stand out at your next house party.
New countertops are the perfect addition to any kitchen. We recommend going with a high-quality quartz or granite—while it is beautiful, marble may not be durable or stain-resistant enough for an everyday kitchen. If you want to add a unique accent piece, consider replacing part of your countertop space—your kitchen island works well for this—with a different countertop material such as butcher block or stainless steel. It’s a great way to mix things up visually in your kitchen.
You’ll next need to find cabinets that match. Always go with real wood—substitute products made of particleboard just don’t stand up to moisture. Don’t just think about aesthetics. Talk to your designer or remodeling contractor about your storage options. A pull-out spice rack or rollout pan storage can be a major game changer for busy parents and dedicated home chefs alike. With the right advice, you’ll find the right cabinets to go with your beautiful countertops.
From there, it’s all about the finishing touches, including new appliances, a tile backsplash, and a sink that matches the new feel of the room. Don’t forget about lighting: the right pendant lighting over your kitchen island can completely transform the space.
Just like the kitchen, you shouldn’t be afraid to put your vision for your master bathroom to the test. An experienced remodeler will be able to tell you exactly what your plan will take to complete. Want an oversized shower with a full glass enclosure? It’s probably doable! Thinking about converting your current bathtub into a jacuzzi tub? The right plumber can make it happen. You spend a lot of time in your master bathroom. Isn’t it time you made it yours?
Generally speaking, the changes you make here will have a positive impact on your home’s long-term value. Outside of the big changes to your shower, tub, and vanity, don’t overlook the benefits of smaller ones. As everyone knows, tile is the gold standard for a bathroom floor. It just has one downside: it can feel cold on your feet in the winter. Why not talk to your contractor about adding radiant heating beneath your floors to heat up the tile in the colder months of the year? Really, there’s so much you can do with this space—your options are only limited to your imagination.
No matter what home project you’re thinking about starting, it’s important to consult with a remodeling professional before you get too far along in your planning process. An experienced home remodeler isn’t just someone who knows how to move a pipe or safely take out an interior wall. They’re your guide to the entire remodeling process, from purchasing materials to finding qualified plumbers and electricians. Share your project plans with them, and they’ll tell you exactly how they can get things done. It’s really that simple!
If you’re ready to take your home to the next level and make improvements to both its rooms and its value, check out this helpful infographic.