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A home renovation can always provide a number of advantages down the road. If you plan on selling the house in the future, the upgrades you do now could end up increasing the value of the home, and in turn, increase the amount of profit you can expect to receive after the sale.

That said, home improvement trends vary greatly, and not all of them will yield positive results in the long term. It is best to approach home design and renovation with a strategy in mind that narrows down the options to the most effective and affordable options. Below is a list of common modifications that are likely to bring you the highest ROI.

Kitchen Makeovers

Buyers often focus on the kitchen when touring properties, and they’re typically looking for ones that look great and are practical.

However, undertaking an entire kitchen remodel is costly. There are other ways to make an impact without spending so much and actually receiving a good ROI. Refacing kitchen cabinetry, for example, is much cheaper than replacing it entirely while still giving the kitchen a fresh look. The same is true for old countertops that can be replaced with more stylish and durable ones like granite or quartz.

Bathroom Upgrades

Remodeling other areas of the house, such as the bathroom, is also easy and can raise the value of your home. In the same manner, ROI is high in relation to the total investment put in. Minor changes to the bathroom can make a big difference. A good starting point is to replace sinks and other fixtures.

Keep in mind that new water taps and shower heads not only improve the look of a bathroom, but are also more water efficient. This is a positive for both the environment and potential buyers. Replacing worn out or cracked tiles is also sensible because, tiles, more often than not, are the first element of a room to age. For certain bathrooms, adding larger windows and skylights can also transform the space.

Maintaining an Open Concept

Although open concept living isn’t for everyone, it has grown in popularity over the years. Now, it’s very common for people looking for a new home to want rooms that flow more seamlessly into one another. This gives an impression of spaciousness. One way to achieve this look is by removing certain non-load-bearing walls to merge areas into one inviting space.

This type of layout is a great feature for those who enjoy entertaining because it allows you to combine the kitchen, living room, and dining room into one central space, making all areas much more sociable.

Making More Use of Natural Lighting

If you work from home, natural light can be a great way to keep you more productive. It changes the entire environment into a more cheerful and peaceful place. If there aren’t many windows you can use, using smart LED lighting with temperature control is a budget-friendly option.

If the budget allows, skylights are great for bringing in a lot of natural light into a room and leaving ample wall space.

Changing Your Flooring

Floors are an important detail in a home. If poorly laid out, it can cause problems in daily living. Modern flooring choices can be a great way to increase a home’s value. It looks great and it’s easier to maintain. Hardwood floors, for example, are preferred by many homeowners. But if your budget is tight, going with high-quality laminate also works.

A tile or stone selection is another good option. It minimizes the possibility of water damage and helps to improve aesthetics when remodeling a kitchen or bathroom.

Upgrading Your Home to Be More Energy Efficient

Eco-friendly features are becoming increasingly popular for first-time home buyers, especially ones that want to lower costs while helping to save the environment. Using energy-saving features is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while also helping to save money on monthly maintenance bills, thus, increasing the home’s market value.

One way you can start making positive changes is to look for the Energy Star Sticker when shopping for new appliances for your home. You’ll be able to find a number of appliances and fixtures you can use in all areas of the home, including the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. Replacing old windows with new energy-efficient ones is another way to lower the cost of heating and cooling the house.

If the insulation material in your walls and attic is getting a bit older, it would be a good idea to replace it. This will prevent air from escaping through gaps and cracks, preventing energy bills from becoming too high. It’s a relatively low-cost improvement that can make a huge difference long term.

Increasing Available Storage

When it comes to prospective home buyers, additional storage always checks off boxes. Additional storage can be important for anything from kitchen supplies to having a safe place for storing collectibles or hobbyist items.

An oversized closet with removable shelves and organizers is a major bonus to have if space permits. In the kitchen and bathrooms, sliding shelves, pullout hidden storage, and drawer dividers can also help to utilize all available space. Using LED strip lights in storage areas can also help homeowners better utilize their space in darker spaces or when using more out-of-reach storage options.

Get More Value From Your Home Renovations

When looking to improve your home, a fresh paint coat isn’t the only thing you should think about. Smart design and thoughtful upgrade decisions are what get you the most profitable results if and when you decide to sell the home. By following the best practices discussed, you’ll be sure to get the right ROI when you’re ready to start your next renovation project. 

Author Bio:

Rebecca Denis, Head of Design at Revive Real Estate, is an accomplished and highly creative interior designer with over ten years of experience in the industry. With a passion for transforming spaces and a keen eye for detail, she has successfully completed numerous projects ranging from commercial spaces to custom show homes.