This year we have seen a lot of home renovation and addition projects. These are exciting projects to design because we get to make our clients’ existing homes into their dream homes. We hear about what is not working and come up with ways to make them fit the lives our clients want to live in the places they already call home. The return on investment for these types of projects is critical. In this case, “return on investment” means that the space directly contributes to making the existing home into their dream home.
Kitchen Renovations
Some of the best payback on investment can be seen with kitchen renovations. An updated, beautiful, and highly functional timeless kitchen is the heart of the home for most of our projects. Getting the cabinets and cabinet hardware to look great and have a high-quality finish is key to making the most of your investment. Figuring out how to make the space as functional as possible for the way you want to cook, entertain, and gather is the most important part of this design work.
Bathroom Remodels
Similarly, the bathroom remodel has a high impact on an existing house. Upgrading the lighting, flooring, tiles, and shower can make all the difference when thinking about your dream home. Adding body sprayers and an adjustable shower head can make the bathroom future proof for you and spa like on the daily. Thinking through accessibility challenges that might happen is also an important part of this space.
Upgrades and Updates
Important, but not always on top of mind, are energy-efficiency, durability, and indoor-air-quality upgrades and updates. Often in existing homes you already know the products that were used that need a coat of paint every year. You know which room is always cold in the winter. When you are doing a renovation, be sure to fix those issues, then track your energy usage. You will be thrilled to save money monthly. More importantly, you will have comfortable spaces that have healthy indoor air quality, and you will not have to “honey-do” home improvements every weekend with these new durable products.
Curb Appeal
Historic Porch Renovation/Restoration
Another idea to make your home remodel the best investment possible is to make it look incredible from the street. Update the landscaping with native plants, scrape and repaint anything that is peeling (or replace old siding with something low maintenance), and make sure the water is going away from the foundation. Adding a deck, patio, or porch is also an easy way to expand your livable space and provide an aesthetic update to a home. These spaces will become favorites if they are placed in the right way around your house to take advantage of the breeze, provide shade, and offer additional gathering options. Don’t forget about adding an outdoor kitchen to bring the party to the outside of your home.
When you are thinking about a renovation or addition to your home, make the return on investment a part of the decision-making process. This does not mean just doing things that will increase the sale price of your home, it is the quality of life that can be provided through the renovation that provides the best return on investment. Do the things that make your home your dream home.
