5 Home Renovation Do's

Here are five renovation ideas that can make a big impact on price and desirability.

1.) Upgrade your kitchen. All of the experts are telling homeowners to update their old, outdated kitchens for newer and sleeker designs. It tops the list since the kitchen is usually the heart of the home where people tend to spend a great deal of time. A more modern kitchen adds function and beauty that buyers desire to have these days. Upgrading to stainless steel appliances and installing stone countertops is a great place to start to improve the aesthetic appeal of the room. A new faucet and sink add a punch to any kitchen, especially since A LOT of time is spent at the sink.

Another wise kitchen idea is making the space open to other rooms in the house. The open concept is desired in today’s market so you don’t leave the cook out of the family interaction. Plus, it makes any kitchen seem larger once a few dividing walls have been demolished.

2.) Remodel your bathroom. Old toilets that use 5 gallons to flush are a thing of the past. A bathroom without storage is a big problem for any family. Upgrading flooring, shower and bath fixtures and vanities can add thousands of dollars to a home especially if they make the room feel more spacious. Proper lighting both with fixtures and a window can add a lot of value to the space.

3.) Go green. These days, you cannot turn on the TV to a home improvement channel and not see or hear something about going green. There has been a growing demand for green products in the home and it can be a big selling point for some buyers. Energy efficiency saves money during our cold winters and hot, humid summers. To help with monthly bills, buying energy efficient appliances, such as fridges, furnaces, water heaters and even ceiling fans can make small differences each month. Other ideas might be to double or triple pane windows, use LED lighting, installing room darkening window coverings, new storm doors, and even solar panels on the roof.

4.) Install a sprinkler system. Not every homeowner wants a lot of trees or flowers in their yard but they do all want green grass. Homeowners do not want to be bothered with going out in the morning or evening and watering their beautifully green grass. Adding a programmed sprinkler system that automatically turns on and off is a good investment because it lessens the work it takes to maintain the property.

5.) Remove popcorn ceilings and paneling. This is a big one. Ugly wood paneling can make you feel like a little kid, living in a large refrigerator box. Tear it down! Put up drywall and paint it to match the rest of your home – preferably something neutral and warm. The popcorn texture on ceilings scream “I am old and I need help!” You can easily scrape off the texture – or drywall right over it! Let’s face it, that trend will never be returning.

What do you think adds the most punch? Leave me a comment and let me know.