Home improvement investments can do two great things. First, they help you make your house a home. Second, they make your house more attractive to potential buyers when you eventually decide to sell. Today, we’ll show you the three best home improvement investments to make, along with some tips.
Be advised that these investments can be expensive. But when done properly, you will likely only do them once as a homeowner.
1. The kitchen: Focus on layout
The most important home improvement invest to make is your kitchen. Generally, you can either do a full-fledged remodel (i.e., tearing everything down to the framing, which can cost $50,000 or more) or a smaller remodel.
When we say smaller remodel, this includes some of the following:
- Replacing older appliances with energy-efficient appliances
- Installing new countertops, sinks, or floors
- Repainting and re-grouting
Whether you choose a full-fledged remodel or a smaller remodel, layout is key.
As you invest in a kitchen, always be thinking about ease of movement. Making it easy to cook, serve, and clean is crucial to successful kitchen remodels. You don’t want to be tripping over yourself moving from the countertop to the sink, for example.
In short, before you invest in high-end gizmos, be sure you can get to everything easily. If this requires you to rip everything down to the framing, make sure you plan and budget before jumping in.
Cost-effective tip: An inexpensive way to improve your kitchen’s look is by replacing the lighting. Consider installing adjustable LED lights that include 3000K, 4000K, and 5000K color temperatures.
2. The bathroom: Combine function and form
The bathroom is the next most important home improvement investment you can make. Again, you can choose between a full-fledged renovation and smaller renovations. Smaller bathroom renovations include:
- Replacing out-of-date fixtures
- Installing new mirrors
- Repainting
If you decide to do something a little bigger, like retiling a shower, the most important thing you can do is plan.
Planning is important because even if you hire the best contractor in the world, you’ll need to know what you want so the contractor can execute on your plan.
Additionally, here are a few things to consider if you’re doing a bigger remodel:
- Try to keep the plumbing where it is. Though it’s possible to reroute your plumbing, it can also get expensive, even if you’re doing it yourself.
- Don’t ignore leaks. Slow drips can turn into huge problems down the line. Make sure you find and fix anything that leaks.
- Consider your lighting. Overhead lighting alone can cast shadows, which can make primping and grooming more difficult. Plan for ways to create soft, even lighting throughout the bathroom, such as with head-level lighting in a vanity.
- Ventilation is crucial. Whether it’s via a window or exhaust vent, make sure your bathroom has good ventilation. Otherwise, mold and mildew may grow, which can be an extremely expensive problem to fix.
Cost-effective tip: You may not need to remodel your entire bathroom at once, especially if it’s in good working order. Unless you plan to sell right away, you can do a piecemeal remodel, such as by starting with a shower retile one year, replacing your vanity a year or two later, and so on.
3. The garage: Doors and storage
Finally, remodeling your garage can be a smart home improvement investment, especially if you’re looking to sell.
For many homeowners, a garage (specifically, a two-car garage) is important. While it is possible to turn a garage into a living space, doing so can be costly and requires permits. (And frankly, most homeowners don’t want to convert a garage into a living space.)
Instead, you should consider three things for a garage remodel:
- A new door
- A new floor
- Ample storage
A new garage door is one of the best ways to improve curb appeal. In fact, many homeowners recoup the cost of a new garage door when they sell.
Additionally, it’s important to consider your garage’s flooring if you choose to remodel. Concrete is great if you’re using your garage to store cars. If you like to tinker with cars or want to create a workshop, rubber or porcelain tile are good options.
Ample storage is the final piece of the garage-renovation puzzle. Make sure to plan your storage options. The last thing you want is for a bunch of heavy items to fall onto your car!
Tie it all together with a Home Warranty Service Agreement
As you think about home improvement investments, consider tying it all together with a Home Warranty Service Agreement from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10 HBW).
A Home Warranty Service Agreement can protect your home against routine breakdowns. This could include kitchen appliances like your oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher; systems like your plumbing and electrical; and your HVAC system.
Breakdowns are often unexpected and expensive. A Home Warranty Service Agreement can help you repair or replace breakdowns while reducing out-of-pocket costs. That could mean more money in your pocket toward home improvement investments.
2-10 HBW offers the most comprehensive home warranty coverage for homeowners. Let us help you protect your home.
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