Home improvement is the construction, repair, renovation, or addition of a home. This includes, but is not limited to, driveways, swimming pools, patios, gardens, landscaping, fences, and garages. Home renovations are generally considered to have a good return on investment, but the ROI can vary depending on the project. For example, purely aesthetic projects like repainting tend to have a lower ROI than a kitchen remodel.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of almost every home. It contains not only the cooking equipment and appliances but also storage and seating areas. And it is a gathering space for friends and family. Because of this, it needs to be functional, comfortable, and inviting to everyone who uses it. Whether you’re looking to add value to your home or just want to make it more enjoyable, you can do a lot of things to your kitchen without spending a fortune. In fact, minor kitchen renovations return an average of 81.1 percent on the money. That’s a pretty good investment!
But don’t think that just because your kitchen is functional, it has to be boring. It’s easy to bring life to the space with simple updates, from painting cupboard doors or adding wood paneling to walls, to buying new accessories and even a small countertop speaker to play your favorite tunes. Designer Katie Browning recommends refreshing lighting and hardware as a starting point, but she also says to keep layering in styling pieces that add personality and character to the room. Think wooden cutting boards, stylish soaps, and hand towels. She says this helps create a kitchen that feels like it belongs in your home and makes it feel more inviting to use.
Another way to instantly refresh your kitchen is by changing the backsplash. It’s a relatively inexpensive project and can add a big punch of color and pattern. The best part is that there are plenty of options available on both the tile and the stick-on varieties, so you can find a style that’s right for your kitchen. One of the best ways to save money is to use what you already have, such as left over paint or wood. Repainting cabinets can give a completely different look in just an afternoon, and costs nothing if you have leftover paint at home. Similarly, adding a wood paneling to the walls is another low-cost DIY option, and again it’s possible to find affordable materials at home, on sale, or at local hardware stores.
Bathroom
The bathroom is the room where many of our daily self-care routines take place, from showering to taking long soaks in the tub. This is why it is so important to make this personal space one that you actually enjoy spending time in. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to improve your bathroom without putting too much of a dent in your wallet. If you’re on a tight budget, consider starting with noncommittal choices, like a new shower curtain, a fresh coat of paint, or a simple upgrade to the room’s hardware. Swapping out plastic or acrylic rings for polished metal gives the bathroom a higher-end feel, while adding soft touches like plush towels and rugs will refresh the space.
Other upgrades that will have a big impact on your bathroom’s look and functionality include new faucets, sink handles, and towel racks. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that the ROI for these upgrades is around 80%, and they can add an immediate pop to any bathroom’s look. If you’re in the mood for a bit more of a DIY project, try painting the walls. Be sure to choose a semi-gloss paint, which is easy to wipe down and resistant to mildew and mold. You can also add a little more storage to your bathroom by adding sliding baskets under the sink or installing wall-mounted floating shelves.
Finally, if your floor is looking worn or even a little dated, replacing it with porcelain or ceramic tile is a quick and cost-effective way to breathe life into an old bath. It is important to keep in mind, however, that you’ll want to focus on function before form when it comes to reworking your bathroom’s layout. A toilet placed next to a bathtub will likely turn off buyers, and it’s best to place the toilet in a water closet if possible. While a steam shower or custom bathroom vanity might sound cool, these are luxuries that will only add value to your home if they will also appeal to future buyers. In addition, they might not fit with the overall look and feel of your house.
Living Room
The living room is a central gathering space for the family. It’s where kids and adults lounge, play games, watch TV, and entertain guests. A few changes to this common area can make it feel fresh and inviting. Re-think the layout, consider a new furniture arrangement, or add decorative touches that will transform your living space. For example, if your space feels cramped, try opening up the floor plan to allow more movement and seating. You could also swap out a bulky coffee table for a slim pedestal table or console that will fit better in the corner.
If you don’t want to buy new furniture, repainting the walls can instantly brighten up a room. Choose light shades of white, gray or pastels to open up the space and reflect more natural sunlight. For a touch of color, paint trim, window frames and dado rails a more muted tone to complement the walls. Throw pillows are not only super comfy, but they can help support your back when you’re sitting on a sofa or chair for long periods of time. Adding a few colorful accent pillows can bring your room to life and give it a personal flair. Similarly, coffee table books can add personality and be the perfect conversation starter.
A well-traveled look can be achieved by incorporating global fabric patterns, folk art furnishings and handcrafted collectibles. You can also pull in a natural theme by bringing in woven baskets, botanical prints and repurposed items to add texture and color to your space. Having plenty of storage can help keep your living room clean and uncluttered. In this living room, two bookcases are used to store books, office supplies, paper clutter and more. But you wouldn’t know it by looking at the space, as sleek storage solutions blend right in.
If you’re ready to improve your living room, contact your local home improvement expert today! We can provide you with design inspiration and helpful tips to get the most out of your space. Whether you’re in the market to sell your home or just want to give it a fresh new look, we can help you achieve a magazine-worthy space that you and your family will love for years to come!
Bedroom
Most people don’t focus as much attention on improving their bedroom space as they do other rooms that are frequently visited by guests, but it should be a place where you feel calm and relaxed every night and morning. The best improvement you can make to your bedroom is probably the most obvious: clear out clutter. A cluttered space signals that you are still working or thinking about things that need to be done and can impede your ability to rest. Try creating a system for tidying your room at the end of each day to help prevent it from becoming messy and chaotic again.
Another easy way to improve your bedroom is to add extra lighting. A simple lamp or pendant can help light up the room and make it more comfortable to relax in. You can even install low shelves to store items such as books, magazines, and other decorative items to make the room look nicer. You may also want to consider adding a ceiling fan to your bedroom for better air circulation, which can be helpful in improving sleep. The bedroom should also have at least two methods of egress, or exits, which typically means that it has one door and one window.
Conclusion:
Home improvement is a dynamic and creative process that involves enhancing the functionality, aesthetics, and overall quality of living spaces. Whether undertaken for personal comfort, increased property value, or a combination of both, home improvement projects offer the opportunity to transform houses into personalized havens. With careful planning, effective execution, and attention to detail, homeowners can create spaces that align with their unique lifestyles and aspirations, fostering a sense of satisfaction and pride.
FAQs:
What Are Some Common Home Improvement Projects That Add Value To A Property?
Several home improvement projects can increase the value of a property. Examples include kitchen renovations, bathroom upgrades, adding energy-efficient features like windows or insulation, landscaping and curb appeal enhancements, and finishing basements or attics to create usable living space. These projects not only enhance the overall aesthetics but also improve the functionality and appeal of the property to potential buyers.
How Can I Budget Effectively For A Home Improvement Project?
Budgeting for a home improvement project involves careful planning and consideration of various factors. Start by setting a clear goal for the project and identifying the scope of work required. Research the costs associated with materials, labor, permits, and any additional expenses. It’s advisable to set aside a contingency fund for unexpected costs that may arise during the project. Prioritize tasks and allocate funds accordingly. Obtain quotes from contractors or professionals, and compare them to ensure a reasonable price. Remember to strike a balance between your desired improvements and your available budget to ensure a successful and cost-effective project.
