As spring approaches, many homeowners are thinking about getting their houses on the market. But it’s rare for a property to be sale-ready without some work. It can be hard to decide which home improvement projects are best for resale. But if you’re ready to list your home, or just want to enjoy some improvements, some remodeling options will give you the most bang for your buck.

And if you feel stuck about where to start on your updates, reach out to Design Elements NW for a consultation. Whether you’re ready to sell or just moving in, we have the expertise to make your dreams a reality and turn your home into a haven. We offer stunning interior design in Portland, OR, for all your home project needs.

How to Choose the Best Home Improvement Projects

Homeowners can often go into a state of “paralysis by analysis” when it comes to updating their homes. There is so much information in our modern world of Pinterest boards and DIY websites that it can stop you in your tracks. You could end up overpaying for something that won’t serve your purposes.

Perhaps you are getting ready to move and are wondering which renovations are a good idea. Or maybe you just want to be strategic in your home improvements for future resale. Either way, you are eager to get the ball rolling on some upgrades for your house. You can’t go wrong with these five top home remodeling projects since they bring an excellent return on your investment.

1. Kitchen Overhaul

Long gone are the days of the kitchen being tucked away, out of sight. Now it is often the centerpiece of a home’s layout and welcoming design. Friends and family enjoy cooking together and lingering in the kitchen as they prepare meals. 

A beautiful, functional kitchen generally ranks at the top of the list for prospective buyers, so it should be the first area that gets your attention if you’re thinking about resale. You have a wide range of projects to consider, depending on your timeframe and budget.

For a simple update, consider fresh paint, new counters, and new cabinet faces. Making sure these pieces look clean, modern, and inviting will go a long way to showcasing your home. An interior designer can help you narrow down your color and style choices to just the right fit for your house.

For a more significant wow factor, consider a full kitchen remodel. Working with an expert designer and project manager, you can create a stunning showstopper. New cabinets, upgraded appliances, and a practical layout will give you a kitchen you can love for years to come, or one that will make potential buyers say, “Here’s our fabulous offer!”

2. Bathroom Addition

A bathroom addition may sound like a big undertaking, but it is well worth the time and money. Adding another bathroom or half-bath can recoup up to 130% of your investment, making it one of the best home improvement projects possible. And you don’t need to carve out as much space as you might think for this project. Even 18-20 square feet can work for a half-bathroom.

Potential homebuyers often won’t even look at a house with only two bathrooms, so adding a third is a smart choice. And if you aren’t ready to sell yet, you can enjoy the convenience of the extra space while you still live there. 

Work with an interior design team to make sure the addition goes smoothly, and you end up with useful square footage to boost the value of your home. Many people choose to tackle this project when they are preparing to refinance. The ROI is high enough that it’s worth getting it done.

3. Energy Efficiency

Millennial homebuyers are looking for particular items on their must-have lists, and energy efficiency is one of them. Updating your appliances, windows, and insulation might not sound very glamorous, but they are valuable improvements. 

If you plan to sell, then these changes make your home more marketable. If you plan to stay in your house, then you will reap the benefit of lower energy bills. Either way, it’s a win-win situation.

4. Bathroom Upgrades

Adding a bathroom to your home is a valuable option. But if you’re not ready to tackle that job, consider updating the existing bathrooms in the house. A bathroom upgrade is one of the top home remodeling projects for resale. To make a simple transformation that will have a huge impact, consider replacing the following pieces for a fresh, attractive look:

• Flooring
• Vanity
• Lighting
• Mirror
• Tub or shower
• Paint
• Tile

Old, dingy bathrooms turn potential buyers away. But with an expert designer at your side, you can have beautiful spaces that make your home look fantastic and draw top-dollar offers. You can turn those outdated bathrooms into luxurious, modern mini-spas. And if you’re not looking to sell yet, then you can enjoy the renovations for yourself. 

5. Think Outside the House

Although everything inside your home is a potential selling point when you list your house, don’t forget about the outside. A prospective buyer’s first impression is critical. If the interior is now stunning, but you neglect the exterior, your property will not show well.

If you want to make your home sparkle for all of your guests and potential buyers, it may be time to replace or refresh these items:

• Front Door
• Garage Door
• Deck or Patio
• Landscaping
• Front Porch

People want to have outdoor spaces that feel and look great, so these updates can bring a significant return on your investment. And by handling these projects at the same time, you make it easier to ensure a cohesive, put-together look for the outside of your house.

Work with the Experts

If you are considering any home updates, reach out to Kym at Design Elements NW. As the premier interior designer in Portland, OR, Kym is beautifying the Pacific Northwest one home at a time. From new construction to upgrades for resale, Kym will help you turn your home into a haven for all who enter. Give her a call today.