Home Improvement Room-by-Room

As a homeowner, you probably have a list of improvements and projects that could keep you busy for years to come. Before jumping into costly renovations, consider how long you plan to stay in the home, whether your projects are suited to a specific style or taste, and of course, the return you will see on your investment. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Kitchen

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I don’t know about you, but when I think about home improvements, my mind immediately goes to the kitchen. Maybe it’s because I cook a lot, or maybe it’s because a kitchen improvement usually has a large return on the investment. Do you have mismatched appliances?  Maybe you’re still sporting a 1970’s laminate countertop or an avocado green fridge. If that sounds like you, it may be time to dive into a kitchen upgrade.

Are you planning on staying in your home for a while? If so, make the upgrades that work for you. Choose a paint color that you love. Do you bake a lot? Splurge on a new top-of-the-line range. Whatever you choose, you want it to be comfortable for your time in the home. If you plan to sell the house, consider what an average buyer wants. Opt for a neutral paint color rather than bold colors or loud wallpaper Invest in a crisp, clean countertop, new or refreshed cabinets, matching appliances, and upgraded flooring. Don’t forget about adding a backsplash! Even a peel-and-stick option can look fantastic for years!

Bathroom(s)

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Bathrooms are another hot spot in the home that can really recoup costs. A couple of coats of paint, upgrading a bathroom vanity, and swapping out light fixtures are quick and affordable ways to freshen up your space. Since bathrooms have fewer square footage than other rooms in the typical home, you can upgrade your flooring relatively inexpensively for a huge change!

If you are in your home for the long haul, you might consider a luxury shower or soaking tub; but remember that when you sell your home, those options may not be what the buyer wants.

Living Room

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Unless you have a formal living room (ie: the room that no one goes in with plastic slipcovers on the furniture), you probably spend most of your time here. That means it can really live up to its name, largely thanks to children and pets. The “lived-in” look is great for a pair of jeans but not so great when trying to convince buyers to choose your home. Luckily, a little goes a long way in a living room. Fresh paint can cover scuffs and smudges and change the look of a room in no time. Consider upgrading window treatments and floors if yours are starting to look their age. Do you have hardwood floors? You may be able to squeak by with a good refinish or professional clean and buff. If you have dingy carpet, it may be time to spring for the upgraded padding and plush new carpet. This is one repair that you can do if you’re staying in your home or moving to a new one.

Garage

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Are you making plans to sell your home? Keep your garage as a garage. I know it is tempting to turn that space into a home gym or workshop, but buyers are particular. If they can’t see themselves in your home (or your garage, for that matter) they won’t buy it. Save your niche spaces for your forever home. Organization and a good deep clean will be just what buyers are looking for!

Basement

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Is your basement finished? Do you have a theater room? Maybe you have dedicated this space to your children’s playroom. Whatever you use it for, a basement can make or break a home sale. Rather than the look of this space, I suggest focusing on more important things, like the foundation. Literally. Do you have cracks in your foundation that lead to water leaks? Does a musty smell greet you at the top of the steps? If you are staying in the home, you need to make a safe environment for yourself and your family members. Selling the home soon? Address any concerns you have about the functionality of your basement before listing your home.

Bedroom(s)

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As a parent, I hear the saying, “The days are long, but the years are short” all the time. Before you know it, you look around and see that the extra bedrooms you had to have for your young children are suddenly empty. Should you consider knocking down a wall and making one large room? Maybe. If I were planning to stay in my home, I would do what I wanted to make that home my own. Moving is a different story. Bedrooms bring buyers. Families often look for homes with more bedrooms, so holding off on your “mega-room” will bring a mega-return to your wallet. The same can be said for other specialty rooms you might have, like your home office. Be sure to bring the functionality of the room back to a bedroom before you list your home.

Curb Appeal

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Don’t underestimate the power of curb appeal. Flowers, shrubs, mulch, and a freshly mowed lawn can go a long way to making your home the belle of the ball, so to speak. Invest in siding, power washing, roofing, maintaining gutters, and even replacing a grimy mailbox, and your home will thank you for it!

One final note about home upgrades and improvements…

Buyers want to know that the home has been maintained. If you have major systems issues (think HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roof to name a few) you will need to take care of those things before focusing on anything aesthetic. Sure, it would be great to have the latest and the greatest throughout your home, but it is far more important to be safe at home. That goes for you if you are in your forever-home or buyers who trust the owner to maintain these critical systems. Oh, and please…change burnt-out light bulbs and replace smoke detectors! It’s a simple quick fix that really helps!

What home improvement tips do you have? I want to hear from you. Leave a comment below or email me.

Krista Kyte is a personal finance blogger and personal banker with over 18 years of experience in the financial industry. Krista is passionate about helping our members understand their financial situations. She writes tips that help consumers reach and maintain financial security and start living the life they’ve always wanted.