Having a house is a substantial investment, and raising its worth can be a smart choice, providing financial advantages in both the short and long run.
Whether you’re thinking about selling your home soon or want to make it more useful and attractive, well-planned renovations can significantly increase its value.
This article examines 12 significant house improvements that can increase the value of your property, divided into two primary categories: kitchen and bathroom upgrades.
1. Upgrading Equipment
Swapping old or faulty equipment with newer, energy-saving versions can significantly enhance the attractiveness and use of your kitchen.
Contemporary devices have better performance and stylish designs that can improve the overall aesthetic appeal and atmosphere of the area.
For example, an old refrigerator with a large size and poor energy efficiency can be swapped for a modern, shallower one that has automatic ice makers, water dispensers, and improved temperature control technology.
Choosing energy-efficient equipment also shows dedication to sustainability and cost-effectiveness for potential purchasers.
2. Enhancing Countertops and Backsplashes
Swapping out countertops and backsplashes with contemporary and long-lasting materials might result in a visible visual enhancement in your kitchen.
Common options are granite, quartz, and stainless steel, each providing distinct advantages. Granite provides a classic and sophisticated appearance with natural differences in color and design.
Quartz countertops are in high demand because they are durable, scratches and stains resistant, and come in a variety of colors and shapes.
Stainless steel worktops have a sleek and industrial look, which is particularly favored in modern kitchens, and are simple to clean and care for.
Enhancing your backsplashes with materials such as subway tile, mosaic tiles, or glass tiles can provide a decorative element and safeguard your walls from dampness and splashes.
3. Improving Cabinetry
Upgrading your cabinetry with new doors, hardware, or paint to significantly improve the appearance and atmosphere of your kitchen without needing a total renovation.
Swapping old-fashioned door types for more modern designs like flat panels or shaker cabinets can give a stylish and up-to-date appearance.
Choosing neutral hues such as white, gray, or beige can make the area brighter and attract a broader spectrum of consumers.
If your cabinets are in decent shape but have an outdated look, think about painting them in a contemporary hue. This affordable choice can lead to a significant change, giving a new appearance without being too expensive.
4. Improving Storage
Contemporary kitchen designs focus on both elegance and practicality.
Think about including more storage options such as pull-out drawers, under-cabinet organizers, or built-in pantries to make the most of storage space and enhance organization.
Pull-out drawers are useful for storing pots, pans, and utensils, allowing easy access and keeping your cabinets organized.
Under-cabinet organizers, like spice racks or pull-out shelves, make good use of space that usually needs to be used more effectively.
Integrated pantries provide plenty of space for non-perishable items and pantry essentials, helping to maintain a tidy and organized kitchen.
Moreover, adding a kitchen island or peninsula might not just expand counter space but also provide more storage options.
Islands or peninsulas can also be used as extra preparation space, a breakfast bar, or even a seating area, improving the overall functionality and attractiveness of the kitchen.
5. Enhancing Lighting
Good lighting is essential in every kitchen, affecting both how well it works and how it looks.
Using a variety of lighting sources. It can help to provide enough light for different activities and makes the space feel inviting and practical.
Think about adding ambient lighting, like recessed lighting or pendant lights, to provide overall illumination for the whole kitchen area.
Task lighting, under-cabinet lights, or pendant lights above the sink or island offer concentrated light for particular activities such as food preparation and cooking.
Additional lighting, like strip lights under cabinets or spotlights on artwork or shelving, can enhance the visual appeal and establish a cozy atmosphere.
6. Updating Shower and Bath Fixtures
Swapping old showerheads, faucets, and bath fixtures with contemporary and attractive options will significantly improve the attractiveness and use of your bathroom.
Think of adding rain showers, which provide a broader and more indulgent showering experience. Portable showerheads offer more versatility and ease of use, especially for people with limited mobility.
Thermostatic shower valves provide a steady water temperature to avoid unintentional scorching.
Installing touchless or motion-activated faucets can bring a sense of elegance and convenience, as well as improve hygiene by reducing contact with handles.
Upgrading old bathtub fixtures, such as faucets, showerheads, and drains, with modern styles in chrome, brushed nickel, or matte black, can enhance the entire appearance and atmosphere of the bathroom.
7. Changing the Flooring
Updating the bathroom floor with contemporary and water-resistant materials is essential for both appearance and practicality. Standard options include tile, vinyl flooring that is water-resistant, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP).
Tile is a timeless and long-lasting choice offering range of colors, patterns, and textures. However, it might feel chilly on the floor and prone to cracking, especially if not appropriately put.
Water-resistant vinyl flooring is a budget-friendly choice, imitating the appearance of natural materials such as wood or stone while being simpler to care for and set up.
LVP, a vinyl flooring with interlocking planks, is gaining popularity as it is easy to install, long-lasting, and resistant to water. It offers a floor that looks like natural wood without the risk of warping or scratching, which can happen with real hardwood.
8. Swapping Vanities and Countertops
Just like kitchen makeovers, upgrading vanities and countertops in your bathroom can significantly enhance their appearance and usefulness.
Think about swapping out outdated vanities for contemporary styles that provide plenty of storage, like drawers with dividers or shelves built into them.
Choose vanities with double sinks to accommodate more than one person and improve the practicality, especially in family bathrooms. When selecting countertops, think about materials such as granite, quartz, or solid surface materials.
Granite provides a classic appearance and natural attractiveness, but it needs to be sealed regularly. Quartz countertops are quite popular because they are long-lasting, resistant to scratches and stains, and come in a variety of hues and shapes.
Solid surface materials like Corian have a smooth appearance and are impermeable, which helps them resist bacteria and mildew, making them well-suited for wet areas such as bathrooms.
9. Setting up Walk-in Showers
Walk-in showers are growing in popularity because of their practicality and ease of use.
They provide a roomy and contemporary atmosphere, which makes them attractive to a broad variety of potential customers, including older individuals and people with mobility restrictions.
Open showers can be personalized with different elements, such as rain showerheads, handheld showerheads, and built-in seats, which can improve user experience and accessibility.
Think about adding grab bars and a handheld showerhead for extra safety and convenience.
Although walk-in showers usually need more room compared to standard shower-tub combos, their practicality and attractiveness to a broader variety of purchasers generally surpass the possible reduction in square footage.
10. Improving Air Circulation
Adequate ventilation is essential in every bathroom to avoid the moisture accumulation and the development of mold. Make sure your bathroom has sufficient ventilation by putting in an exhaust fan that includes a timer.
Operating the exhaust fan while showering or bathing and for a while after can assist in eliminating excess moisture in the air and stopping it from building up on walls and ceilings.
Moreover, think about utilizing natural ventilation when you can by opening windows to let fresh air flow.
Adequate ventilation not only stops mold from growing but also decreases unwanted smells and promotes a healthier bathroom atmosphere.
11. Improving Lighting in Bathroom
Just like in kitchens, good lighting is essential in bathrooms for both practicality and appearance. Utilize a variety of illumination sources, such as:
Overhead lighting: Offer overall lighting for the whole bathroom with ceiling-mounted lights, like recessed lighting or flush-mount fixtures.
Task lighting:
Place task lights close to the vanity for personal grooming. Wall lights that are placed on each side of the mirror or a light fixture above it offer concentrated light for activities such as shaving, putting on cosmetics, or grooming.
Accent lighting:
Think about including accent lighting to produce a cozy and welcoming ambiance.
This can be done by placing sconces strategically, using recessed lighting inside the shower or above the bathtub, or even incorporating small LED lights under the vanity.
12. Incorporating Smart Technology
Contemporary homebuyers are more and more interested in homes that come with smart technology. Think about including intelligent functions such as:
Automated lighting:
Set up intelligent switches or dimmers that enable you to manage the bathroom lights using your voice or smartphone, enhancing convenience and energy economy.
Intelligent mirrors:
These mirrors offer a range of features, such as weather updates, news headlines, and showing the time and temperature.
Advanced toilets:
These toilets come with amenities such as heated seats, automated flushing, and bidet functions, providing added comfort and convenience in the bathroom.
Although these advanced technological improvements may require a larger initial investment, they have the potential to enhance the attractiveness and worth of your house in today’s market, particularly among purchasers who are knowledgeable about technology.
The Bottom Line
When planning renovations, focus on changes that provide the best return on investment and find a balance between aesthetics, usefulness, and financial considerations.
Seeking advice from a skilled contractor will assist you in finding the most suitable choices for your particular requirements and budget, guaranteeing that your renovations enhance the value of your house while also providing a room that you will enjoy.
