Hot Home Renovations Ideas

So, you’ve been looking for some home renovation ideas. You leaf through magazines, you watch home improvement shows, maybe you even visit open houses in your areas. You know you want to do something with your home, but what?

Home renovations can run the gamut from interior and exterior painting, to complete tear-downs. Some intrepid homeowners do the work themselves, while others hire construction crews. And while some home owners may be indulging a fantasy with a who-cares-about-the-investment-return, most eventually have to temper their dreams with the financial realities.

Home appraisers and real estate agents alike, agree that bathroom renovations and kitchen renovations top the list of investment-returning projects. And anyone who has ever lived in a one bathroom home can attest to the value of adding on a bathroom. But there are other popular renovations that can also add value to the home.

Finished basements have become a hot commodity in the real estate market, with savvy home builders actually creating taller spaces that make the rooms feel less like a basement and more like living space. Finished basements are popular spots for exercise rooms, home theaters, and craft and hobby areas as well as home offices.

Finished attics that can be used as bedrooms, dens or home offices are also a smart project. Usually costing less than what it would cost to add on to the house, the space still needs to integrate seamlessly with the current exterior of the home.

Decks remain high on the popularity list as they extend the living area of a home for at least two seasons of the year. Well constructed decks can be converted in the future to sun porches and even three or four season rooms with the addition of insulation and heating.

Home additions can often allow a growing family to stay in the same neighborhood they love and still accommodate their space needs. Additions should always be undertaken with the character of the house and neighborhood in mind, with as much attention paid to the exterior appearance as the interior appearance. Don’t turn your house into the neighborhood monster eyesore!

Homeowners who own houses without garages should consider adding one on, if possible. Most home buyers prefer a house with a garage, even if it only ends up storing the lawnmower and the snow blower. Garages represent potential storage area, future family rooms and sometimes even a place for the car. If building a garage is impossible, the construction of an attractive and spacious storage shed on the property can serve as a substitute storage area.

Recently, a few types of renovations seem to be gaining in popularity and it remains to be seen if they will be wise investments. Some of those include a main floor laundry room, which eliminates the need to go up and down basement stairs. This is an especially popular feature for both those with very young children and those who are approaching retirement age.

Whirlpool baths have become a hot item for the bathroom, and there are many styles that now fit into the same space as a traditional bathtub. Separate stall showers with adjustable showerheads are also gaining in popularity.

The signs of an upgraded kitchen have become hardwood flooring, built-in appliances and kitchen islands, especially those with an installed cook top or extra sink. These kitchens are often left open to a family room, increasing entertainment space.

An interesting conclusion reached by real estate agents and appraisers alike was that although outdoor decks are desirable and value-increasing, an outdoor swimming pool, especially a below-the-ground pool, can actually make the home harder to sell because of the safety and maintenance issues. In addition, there can be such a thing as “over-renovation” if your home ends up being dramatically different in size, value and style than the others in your neighborhood.

But with careful planning and value-savvy choices, renovating your home can be a rewarding experience, both in the increased enjoyment of your home and the increase in its value!