Home prices are on the rise, and many homeowners want to make improvements to further increase their value. But what are the best home upgrades for the money?
Check out some of our best home upgrade recommendations and get 2022 going with a home remodel.
- Replace The Garage Door
Many people think a garage door is simply that – just a door – but it’s much more than that. Many garages are the front of the home, so how the garage door looks can make a statement, for better or worse.
More homeowners recognize that the garage door can be part of a major exterior upgrade.
Some may need to change the garage door simply because it’s been exposed to the elements for a decade or more. Or, perhaps it simply isn’t working anymore. But garage door styles change, and yours could be outdated.
If you decide to replace your garage door, you may need to upgrade the tracks to galvanized steel. This is because newer garage doors are often made from steel. Plus, they usually are well insulated, so those heavier-duty tracks will be put to good use.
Want to save money? Put a new coat of paint on your existing garage door. This inexpensive upgrade can make a big difference in how your home looks from the street.
- Kitchen Upgrade
Kitchen remodels are the most popular home renovation – and for good reason. People spend more time in the kitchen than anywhere but the bedroom. So a major or minor kitchen upgrade will add to your home’s value, and you’ll enjoy it, too.
Some sources report a return as high as 72% on a kitchen remodel. If you don’t want to spend a lot, consider making these kitchen changes:
- Backsplash
- Kitchen island
- Light fixtures
- Refinished cabinets
- More storage space
- New faucet
If you have more money to spend, make these upgrades:
- New cabinets
- New countertops
- High-end dishwasher and refrigerator
- More dining and storage space
- Get A Steel Door
The front door is another item that is seen from the street. So replacing the door is a simple, inexpensive upgrade.
Replacing the front door with one made from steel can have a return of up to 90%. In addition, many prospective buyers like the low maintenance and energy efficiency of steel.
- Siding Replacement
Consider upgrading your home’s siding to fiber cement if you currently have vinyl.
Fiber-cement resembles stone, brick, or wood, but it has one huge advantage: it doesn’t wear like those materials.
Also, fiber-cement materials aren’t damaged by rain or wind and can’t be chewed through by termites. And it doesn’t break the bank because it has already been painted.
When you budget for this project, remember to add fiber-cement boards, which are needed to support the heavier material. Or you can use cellular PVC.
- Finish The Basement
Many people like basements. That’s for many reasons, but you are adding square footage that’s heated and air-conditioned. So it moves your home into a higher price range when you sell.
Finishing your basement will cost you $15,000 or $20,000 but can repay you by up to 70% when the home is sold.
- Touch Up Outdoor Paint
If you don’t have the cash for a significant upgrade, don’t worry: you can touch up the paint on the outside without spending much.
Just touching up faded or chipped areas can make a big difference. Also, consider renting a pressure washer to remove mold or dirt. You also can simply paint the front door yellow, light blue, or dark green to make it stand out from a neutral exterior color.
- Wood Deck
Wood decks are more popular than ever and one of the best exterior upgrades. The typical wood deck costs about $13,000 and will return about 75% of that amount when you sell.
Wood decks are popular because they add more usable square footage to the property.
If you choose a deck made from composite materials, expect to pay about 40% more.
- Attic Insulation
This is another simple upgrade that’s affordable and saves energy costs. Adding insulation to your attic is good, whether you live in a warm or cold climate.
It may cost you about $5.50 per foot to add insulation to your attic, depending on your materials.
- Full Bath Remodel
This is another popular home renovation. For example, many homeowners recoup about 75% of what they spend on a bathroom remodel.
You might replace your old vanity, light fixtures, toilet, and sinks. Then, add a tile floor. Doing these upgrades aren’t that expensive and will be noticed by potential buyers.
- New Windows
There are few home items that waste more energy than old vinyl or aluminum windows. New windows don’t just make your home look better; they save a lot of energy.
Also, old, drafty windows turn off buyers because they know energy is being wasted. Plus, today’s buyers usually care about energy efficiency.
Replacing your windows with triple-paned options may cost about $10,000 or $15,000. But you will get your money back over time. Some homeowners find they can save thousands in energy costs over five years with more energy-efficient windows.
- New Roof
The typical asphalt shingle roof may last between 10 and 15 years. But it can start to look worn after well less than 10.
If the shingles appear curled, buckled, or missing, it could be that time!
A metal roof is more energy-efficient than shingles if you can afford it. Also, think about having solar panels installed when the roof is replaced.
Buyers may not want to go to the time and expense to install solar themselves. But they are a major attraction if you already have them.
With home values soaring in the US, now is the time to upgrade your home and boost its value. Try one or two of these upgrades today, and you’ll enjoy a higher home value. But you may love it so much that you won’t want to sell after all!