Home Improvement

5 Home Upgrades That Are Actually Worth the Investment

As a person lives in a home, they find things they don’t like about the residence. However, they may hesitate to spend the money to make changes, as they worry about recouping the funds when the home sells.

The following home upgrades are worth the investment, so consider putting them at the top of the list of projects to complete. 

image - 5 Home Upgrades That Are Actually Worth the Investment
5 Home Upgrades That Are Actually Worth the Investment

Outdoor Kitchens

Many people don’t consider an outdoor kitchen when thinking of ways to upgrade the value of their homes. However, some experts today say the return on investment with this project is between 100 and 200 percent when compared to homes without an outdoor kitchen. 

The cost of the kitchen varies by the complexity of the design. However, when a person thinks of this project as an investment in the home, they recognize corners cannot be cut in this area. This addition is one that can mean the difference between a potential buyer purchasing the home or passing on it when the time comes to sell. 

The National Association of Realtors found over 50 percent of home buyers are willing to pay more for a home that has an outdoor living area. The location of the property plays a role in this, however. Buyers in warm weather areas are more concerned about outdoor living areas than those who live in colder climates. 

However, this appears to be changing. Outdoor kitchens are increasing in popularity everywhere, including in those areas with frequent cold weather. When planning a kitchen, choose a design and materials that are proportional to the value of the home and the location for the best return on investment. 

For example, when choosing between Weber and Coyote for a grill, consider how the grill will be used by the current owner. Think of future owners when making this decision. Doing so ensures the grill meets the current owner’s needs and increases the value of the property. 


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Add a Home Office

Telecommuting remains popular today, and many people have yet to return to the office following the global pandemic. As a result, more people look for a home office when buying a new residence. In fact, a study conducted by HomeLight in Fall 2021 found that 61 percent of home buyers look for this feature now. 

Today, multiple family members may work from home, which increases the need for this feature. If a person doesn’t have a home office, they have several ways of adding one to the home. 

Some individuals convert a walk-in closet into a home office. However, more people are now choosing to invest in an accessory dwelling unit. This separate building on the property is in demand since the start of the pandemic. It’s a wise investment for any homeowner looking to increase the value of the property and benefit from the work done at home. 

Install a Patio or Deck

People choose to stay at home more now. Countless individuals remain wary of social interactions, as they want to protect their health. However, staying indoors at all times isn’t good for them either. Installing a patio or deck is an excellent way to stay at home and still get fresh air. 

The addition of a patio or deck also helps potential buyers see themselves in the home. They are more inclined to purchase a property that has an established outdoor living area. This is only one reason to consider this home improvement project, though. 

Homeowners will find a patio or deck that brings people together. Families can eat meals outside or spend time in quiet conversation after a long day. Many people find they no longer want or need a new home when they install this feature. It increases the living space of the residents and gives them more room to breathe and enjoy life. 

The return on investment of a deck is estimated to be 73 percent. Patios come with a lower return on investment, but a homeowner can still expect to recoup 30 to 60 percent of the funds when the home sells. 

Zero-Threshold Showers

People often assume a zero-threshold shower is only for the elderly. However, a shower of this type provides a sleek look in any bathroom. Although the cost of installing this type of shower is higher than seen with a conventional shower, the return on investment is excellent. 

America’s population is aging, and more people look for features such as these in a home. Thanks to updated designs, this shower blends in with any decor, and homeowners love that it is easier to clean. 

Homeowners find a curbless or zero-threshold shower works well in small spaces, and the owner can customize it to meet their needs. For example, some manufacturers now offer the option of heated floors for these showers. Combine luxury and function with this one household project. 

Pull Out the Paint

Paint transforms a home but costs very little. A person can do this work on their own but must take care if they go this route. Certain paints will show every imperfection on the walls, so consider hiring a professional to do the work. 

Matte paint hides imperfections in walls, while semi-gloss paints hold up well in areas with medium traffic. Gloss paints are ideal for areas of heavy traffic, and a person should purchase ceiling paint that changes color once it is applied. This ensures no areas of the ceiling are missed. 

Know which colors to use on the walls of the home for outstanding results. Trends change over time, so be sure to learn what is popular before painting the home. However, neutrals always work well because a person can change the look of the room simply by changing the accessories. 

Don’t overlook the exterior of the home when painting. A black front door can increase the value of the residence by $6,000, according to Zillow. A homeowner cannot ask for a better return on investment than this, as the project costs little and only takes a few hours to complete. 

Any project that increases the homeowner’s enjoyment of the residence is worthwhile. Keep this in mind when prioritizing projects. If a homeowner wants a swimming pool, for example, but finds the project doesn’t provide an outstanding ROI, they should still complete the project. Their enjoyment of the residence should always be the top priority. 

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Published by
Perla Irish