Renovating your home is a transformative journey that helps you create something new and functional. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, refreshing the decor, or adding a new room, home renovation requires careful planning and consideration. This guide will help you discover different home renovation ideas and give you some tips on how to elevate your living space by remodeling it.
Home Renovations That Improve Your Home’s Value
Here are some home renovation ideas that can greatly enhance your home’s worth:
1. Painting
Are you bored of staring at the same dull walls every day? A fresh coat of paint can revamp your home’s interior, giving it a fresh and inviting appearance that appeals the visitors as well as potential buyers if you’re planning to sell your house. A freshly painted home gives an impression that the home is well-maintained and increases its value. Consider choosing neutral colors and hiring professional house painters for your next painting job.
2. Roof Replacement
Your home’s roof acts as the first line of defense against harsh weather and other elements. A new roof can help improve your home exterior and make the property more attractive overall. Roof replacement gives you the peace of mind that your roof is new and reliable. High-quality roofing materials effectively reflect heat and improve your home’s energy efficiency. A new roof increases your property’s expected lifespan and boosts its market value.
3. Kitchen or Bathroom Remodeling
Although kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects are time-consuming and may be more expensive up front, they add value to your home. Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom can make these spaces more functional, updated, and appealing.
4. Foundation Repair
Repairing the foundation can improve your home’s value by preserving its structural integrity. It makes your property waterproof and protects against water damage. Water damage can otherwise lead to many problems, such as mold growth, cracked and bowing walls, and uneven
floors. A well-kept foundation indicates that the home is taken care of and adds to your home’s longevity.
5. Window Replacement
If your windows are visibly damaged, or the glass panes are cracked or constantly have condensation between them, consider getting them replaced. Window replacement can add to your home’s value by improving its curb appeal and providing better insulation. Window replacement can also boost your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and functionality.
6. Garage Door Replacement
If your garage door is showing signs of excessive wear and tear, like warping, sagging, or major damage to the panels, consider getting a new one. A new garage door can spruce up your home’s curb appeal and leave a good first impression on visitors. It improves your home’s safety and insulation and increases its value if you’re planning to sell your house.
Energy-Efficient Home Improvements
Consider these home renovations that can boost your home’s energy efficiency:
1. Solar Panels
Install solar panels to make your home more energy-efficient. Solar panels are an excellent investment that can lower your energy costs. While solar panel installation might require a high upfront cost of around $10,000 to $20,000, they provide renewable energy and a long-term return on investment.
2. Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology includes devices and systems that help you monitor and control your home’s energy efficiency. Common examples include programmable thermostats, smart locks, energy-efficient lighting, and smart appliances. Smart home technology allows you to save on energy costs, reduce your carbon footprint, and make your living space more secure and comfortable. Make sure your smart devices work together and are easy to operate.
3. Low Flow Bathroom Fixtures
Bathroom renovations, including retiling, plumbing, and installing new fixtures, can be a big project. Consider installing low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads that can help you cut down on water and energy use alike. Water consumption for bathroom fixtures is indicated in terms of flow rate. The flow rate is measured in gallons per minute. The flow rate for your bathroom fixtures should be:
- 2 gallons per minute for showerheads
- Up to 1.5 gallons per minute for bathroom faucets
- 1.28 gallons per minute for low-flow toilets
Other energy-efficient bathroom upgrades include improving insulation and installing skylights.
How to Plan Home Renovations
Follow these strategies before beginning home renovations:
1. Set Renovation Goals
The first step of planning a home renovation is to determine renovation goals. Have a clear vision of whether you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency, expand your living space, or give your interior a fresh look. Setting clear goals will help you make informed decisions and keep you from getting sidetracked.
2. Create a Budget
Set a well-defined budget for the project at least 6 months before the start date. Your home renovation budget should include costs for permits, building materials, and labor. Get cost estimates, and if they do not fit your budget, consider eliminating a few elements from your project. Also, get quotes from multiple contractors to find the best option.
3. Choose the Right Materials
Selecting the right materials for your remodeling project is indispensable. From flooring to painting and kitchen or bathroom upgrades, each choice impacts your home’s aesthetics, functionality, durability, and style. The choice of materials also influences your project costs; if you have a limited budget, consider purchasing medium-quality products instead of premium or luxury items.
4. Hire Professionals
While DIY projects can save you money, some tasks are best left to the professionals. For instance, if you are unsure about what hues to select for the living room walls, consult an interior designer for advice. Similarly, instead of fixing cracks in the foundation walls yourself, consider contacting a foundation repair professional. DIY foundation fixes can leave underlying problems unaddressed, which can lead to greater damage in the future.
Things to Consider Before a Home Renovation
Consider these things before you begin renovating:
● Finances
Set a realistic budget for your home renovation project, including all costs, from materials to labor.
● Project Duration
Some home renovation projects require more time than others. For example, a kitchen remodel can take up to 12 weeks. So, if you’re planning a kitchen upgrade, find a temporary place to cook and clean out your refrigerator and pantry so that nothing goes to waste.
● Project’s End Goal
Focus on the end goal of your project. For instance, if you want to improve your home’s resale value, invest in remodeling projects that increase ROI.
● Plan for Access
Large-scale renovations require heavy machinery. Before the project starts, ask your contractor about how any machinery will access your property. If the access impacts neighboring properties, discuss it with your neighbors beforehand.
Contact Professionals to Plan Your Next Home Improvement Project
Renovations can completely transform your home. From painting to remodeling, foundation fixes, and garage door or roof repairs, different renovation projects improve your home’s value and aesthetics. Solar panels and low-flow bathroom fixtures boost your home’s energy efficiency. Professionals can handle these revamping projects quite well. They possess the skills and experience required for the task. Call professionals for your next home improvement project now.
