Everyone enjoys making home improvements that make their property more functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. However, not all improvement projects yield the same satisfaction or have the same return on investment.
Among the numerous home improvement projects available, some stand out as having a transformative impact or promising long-term benefits and satisfaction. From simple upgrades to more expensive renovations, we will guide you through the best home improvements to improve your living space while adding long-term value to your property.
When considering projects that offer the optimal blend of owner satisfaction and value, these are some home improvement projects that consistently rise to the top:
Repaint Your Rooms
Walls and ceilings can become worn, discolored, and outdated over time, affecting your home’s ambiance and appeal. Compared to other home improvement projects, this is a relatively simple task that can produce transformative results. Adding a fresh coat of paint to a room is one of the quickest and least expensive ways to make it look new and current. Newly painted walls also help to maintain the impression of a well-kept and cared-for home, which appeals to potential buyers.
Warm neutral colors like off-white, beige, and warm grays are popular right now, as are rich earthy colors like blue, green, and brown. Choose from among the trending colors of 2024 to find a color idea that works best for your space.
Elevate Your Curb Appeal
Enhancing your home’s curb appeal not only improves its appearance, but also adds significant value and personal satisfaction. These are a variety of projects aimed at improving the appearance of your home’s most visible areas to the public.
Before you begin, consider your home’s exterior. Select projects in areas of your home that require the most improvement. Consider areas such as your front door and entrance, the landscaping near the entrance, the mailbox, and walkways. Small improvements, such as planting vibrant flowers near the entrance, painting the front door, and installing new lighting, can boost your property’s value and benefit your neighborhood.
Update the Kitchen
Kitchen improvements are always popular on home renovation lists, but experts disagree on what type of kitchen projects are best for value and satisfaction. In fact, there are such a wide range of kitchen updates, from complete renovations to replacing the hardware, that it can be difficult to know where to start.
Our advice is to consider your home, the way you use it, and how long you are going to be there. If you are going to stay in your home for the foreseeable future and you use your kitchen extensively, consider a complete renovation to improve the look and function of the space. But if you are considering moving and just want to improve how the kitchen looks for resale, try less expensive changes like repainting the cabinets and replacing the hardware and lighting. These changes can make your kitchen more attractive to potential buyers without requiring a significant financial investment.
Add Outdoor Seating
Creating an outdoor seating area is an excellent way to enhance the appearance and functionality of your home. Outdoor seating areas on patios, decks, or in the front yard can help increase the livable space of your home. These are ideal spaces for unwinding, having an outdoor dinner with friends, or having game nights with your family.
You can choose from a variety of seating types and arrangements for your outdoor space, including dining tables and chairs as well as cozy lounge seating. Choose outdoor furniture made of a durable material that will withstand the elements. Some of the most long-lasting are cast iron, synthetic wicker, and teak. For the most comfortable outdoor seating, choose seating options with plush cushions upholstered in fade and stain-resistant fabric. Seating around a focal point, such as a fire pit or table, is an effective strategy for creating a functional and appealing outdoor space.
Invest in New Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in how a home looks, feels, and functions. Many homes have standard or outdated lighting that does not contribute to improving your space. If you aren’t ready to completely overhaul all the lighting in your home, choose the most significant areas and work your way through the house over time.
Begin with areas that make the most visual or functional impact. Some of the areas with the highest impact are those in common living spaces, like living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. Choose contemporary lights that fit well with the aesthetics of your home. Newer lights also come equipped with innovative features like smart technology, greater energy efficiency, and better functionality.
Replace Your Carpet With More Durable Options
Wall-to-wall carpet retains a loyal following among those who enjoy its plush coziness, but other floor materials, such as hardwood and tile, are gaining popularity in interior design circles. Durable flooring, such as hardwood, luxury vinyl, and tile, is more resistant to stains, cracking, and dents over time than carpet. These are easier to keep clean and trap fewer allergens, resulting in improved indoor air quality. Flooring options such as hardwood and natural stone tiles also contribute to a more expensive-looking and sophisticated interior.
Replacing your floors does not have to be all or nothing. You can replace floors in specific areas of your home to add value and style. To maximize the effectiveness and functionality of this home improvement idea, select high-impact areas such as the living room, kitchen, and dining room for the addition of more durable flooring.
Update Your Bathrooms
Outdated bathrooms can detract from the overall appearance and functionality of your home. Bathrooms, like kitchens, are expensive to renovate. Tile, bathroom hardware, sinks, bathtubs, and cabinets all require a substantial financial investment. Experts disagree on the return on investment for complete bathroom renovations, but that does not mean you should not consider it.
Gutting your bathroom is a good idea if you plan on staying in your home for an extended period of time or if it will significantly improve the room’s appearance and functionality. It can also be beneficial if you can do some of the bathroom renovations yourself. Otherwise, consider small bathroom improvements like replacing hardware, cabinet doors, and lighting to give the bathroom a new look.
Declutter Your Home
One of the most impactful home improvement projects that will not cost you anything is getting rid of items you no longer use and organizing the ones you do. Overcrowded and disorganized spaces make a home feel chaotic. Remove excess items to visually expand the space and highlight the home’s architectural and design elements. Completing this project will also improve the flow of your home and provide a mental boost by reducing the anxiety that is often associated with clutter.
Take some time before you begin to define your goals. Choose a specific area to begin decluttering. As you work through your items, sort them into boxes for moving, donating, and throwing away. This is a good project that you can complete over time. Set aside time during the weekends in the spring to work through your home.
Add Insulation to Your Home
Proper insulation is the best way to ensure that your home stays cozy and warm during the winter and cool throughout the summer. Insulation in key areas is vital to prevent thermal transfer and help maintain the optimal temperature inside the home. The most important areas of your home that require insulation are the attic, walls, basement or crawlspace, floors, windows, doors, and ductwork.
While most homes come with insulation in these key areas, it is worth analyzing the current insulation to see if it needs to be improved. Areas like doors and windows often feature foam insulation around the opening that wears out over time. This is easy to replace and can secure drafty windows and doors against the transfer of heat.
Upgrade Your Garage Doors
Your garage doors are frequently one of the most prominent features of your home’s exterior. Replacing these is one of the more expensive renovation projects, but it has a noticeable visual impact. This project may also improve your home’s safety and functionality, as older garage doors are noisy and less secure.
New garage doors are often equipped with quiet motors, key pads, and auto-locking mechanisms. They come in a variety of styles, allowing you to tailor them to your home’s architectural style, color scheme, and facade materials. Whether you prefer traditional styles like carriage doors or sleek minimalist designs, there are options to suit any preference.
