Which Home Improvements Increase Home Values?

In Phoenix, home improvement and remodeling projects are trending in popularity! Remodeling areas of your home will increase functionality and appeal and can often provide a great return on investment when it comes to selling. Even if you are not looking to sell, it is comforting to know that your efforts in improving your living space will increase your quality of life and resale value.

When upgrading your home, knowing which home improvement projects will boost its resale value is important. To simplify this process, we have compiled a list of the top ten interior improvement projects that will help generate value for your home.

Energy-Efficiency

In the Phoenix area, homeowners are boosting their home values with improved energy efficiency. Energy-efficient features can be enjoyed by you and your potential homebuyer. These features are big selling points for soon-to-be buyers due to the utility cost savings, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced indoor temperature control.

• Appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines account for a lot of energy usage. Having Energy Star certified appliances will help decrease your overall energy usage.
• Energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, is a fantastic way to reduce your home's energy use. These bulbs are long-lasting and generate less heat.
• Solar power systems increase home value tremendously. This clean, renewable technology requires minimal maintenance, making it attractive to sellers and buyers.
• Tankless water heaters produce hot water on demand whenever it is needed. Compared to a conventional water heater, this saves a lot of energy and costs.

Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology is comparable to the benefits of energy efficient features as it can help reduce energy consumption, save money, and create ambiance in your home. Integrating technology in your home is as simple as switching to automated lighting systems, thermostats that can be controlled remotely, and smart appliances. Switching to home automation will provide homeowners and future homebuyers with convenience and cost savings.

Neutral, light color schemes

In the future you may think about selling your home, if so, it is important to consider a more subtle color scheme such as neutrals or light colors. Homebuyers are rarely looking for a bold and exotic color scheme. Keeping the space neutral will allow potential buyers to envision their lives in the home with their current belongings. Coming into a house that is bold and full of character is overbearing to most buyers as they will immediately think about all the changes or updates that need to be done. To maintain a neutral color palette, consider a white or cream interior paint job with complements of earthy tones, sandy hues, or blues. This offers a classy and traditional look but keeps it from looking boring. Neutrals and cooler tones are good for homeowners and upcoming buyers, as these color schemes are timeless and organic.

Carpet Vs. Flooring

When comparing carpet to flooring, flooring is the clear winner regarding longevity and durability. The carpet may be softer and more comfortable, but it is a dust collector and tricker to deep clean. The carpet in homes does not age well and needs to be replaced every 10-15 years. If you are considering selling in the future, do not let a dirty carpet be why a buyer turns away from your home. Switching to hardwood floors is a great alternative, as flooring can last up to 50-100 years with proper care. Along with its long life span, it looks cleaner and can help increase home sale value due to its timeless style.

Remove those Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings, also known as stucco ceilings, are textured ceilings that have a rough and bumpy texture that resembles popcorn. These ceilings were constructed in many homes between the years of 1950-1980’s. They were designed to help with noise control but quickly became unpopular due to their appearance and how dirty they get.

Phoenix homeowners are wanting to remove their popcorn ceilings, but they question if removing them is worth the cost. Below is a list of reasons why homeowners should remove their popcorn ceilings.

• Material may contain asbestos fibers. It can be extremely dangerous and lead to health problems such as lung cancer.
• Exceedingly difficult to clean- collects lots of dust and could cause mold to grow.
• Brings down resale value- many homeowners do not like their appearance.

New Interior Paint

A fresh interior paint job is recommended before selling a home. Fresh paint can transform a home from looking worn and torn into new and clean. Repainting is a popular pre-listing project as it helps remove the scuff marks and stains on the walls. These marks are not very appealing to new home buyers. With the help of an experienced contractor, painting can be a simple upgrade and will have a great return on investment when it comes to selling.

Kitchen Remodeling

The kitchen is a home's focal point, making it a valuable investment. Homebuyers are likely to want a kitchen that is up-to-date, functional, and move-in ready. Remodeling a kitchen does not have to mean a complete gut; it could be a few simple updates that will help make the space feel refreshed and new. Whether you are looking for a complete remodel or solutions to transform your space to be more functional, TWD has you covered!

Timeless Kitchen Upgrades:

• Clever storage - Storage space in a kitchen is necessary, but new cabinetry can get pricey. There are many ways to add storage in your kitchen without breaking the bank. For example, adding shelves or utilizing pass-through spaces are great ways to hold additional kitchen items. You may also repurpose your closet storage or cabinet doors by utilizing over-the-door organization systems or adhering organization bins to the back of the door with easy closing.
• Modernize countertops - Upgrading your countertops will make your kitchen feel and look completely different. Replacing old countertops is a low-cost yet high-return upgrade. This gives homeowners the opportunity to choose a countertop material suitable to their current needs, such as granite or quartz. For new homebuyers, updated countertops can deliver instant appeal.
• Change existing hardware - Replacing old kitchen hardware is an affordable and simple upgrade that will help make the cabinets look new and fresh. When replacing hardware, keep it the same size as your current hardware to avoid making new holes in the cabinets.
• Adding a Backsplash - Installing a backsplash is a wonderful way to add value to your kitchen. By incorporating color or patterns, it can create visual appeal. Many Phoenix designers recommend backsplashes as they are easy to clean and will prevent damage to the wall behind caused by cooking with grease or other oils.
• Swap out Kitchen Faucet and Sink - Replacing your old kitchen faucet and sink is a quick and easy task that will help modernize your kitchen. Your sink and faucet are staples in creating a kitchen that is functional to use. Installing a new sink and faucet comes with many rewards, such as improved appearance and better water pressure. This upgrade will also decrease the money spent on utilities as modern faucets have improved functionality such as leak prevention and less water usage.

Updating the Bathrooms

Upgraded bathrooms sell houses! Homebuyers and current homeowners want a bathroom that fits their needs, is functional, and looks luxurious. An outdated bathroom could be a deal-breaker for a potential homebuyer. Whether you want to sell your home or not, bathrooms are important to upgrade as they can increase efficiency in your daily hygiene routine and improve safety measures in the space. The expert designers at TWD are here to remove all the stress from remodeling and planning. Click here to get started!

Bathroom Update Ideas:

• Double Sink Vanities - For families or couples, double sinks are necessary as they help make morning and evening routines much more efficient. With two sinks, two people can get ready together and unwind together without being in each other’s way. A two-sink vanity also allows for more countertop and storage space which is great for resale value.
• Walk-In Shower - Walk-in showers tend to be a pricier upgrade, but there are significant benefits to reselling and adding functionality to your daily routine. They are easy to clean and maintain, aesthetically pleasing, and make showering safer.
• Backlit Mirrors - Enhanced LED mirrors are increasing in popularity as they offer a luxury feel and help add functionality to daily hygiene routine. Switching out your standard mirrors for LED mirrors is essential, as good lighting plays a pivotal role in getting ready, doing makeup, and checking your wardrobe. These mirrors are energy-saving as there will be less of a need for traditional lightbulbs. LED mirrors can include smart features such as motion or touch sensors that turn the light off and on.
• Free-standing bathtubs - For resale purposes, it is recommended that each home have at least one bathtub. Many homeowners with children consider bathtubs a safer and more convenient place to bathe their children. Soaking in bathtubs also has many health benefits, such as improving heart health, helping with muscular relaxation, improving blood circulation, and reducing stress.
• Upgrading the Finer Details - When it comes to updating your bath, the smaller details may have a high return on investment as well. Paying close attention to adequate lighting, smart-home accessories, and upgraded faucets and fixtures will all contribute to the overall bath’s luxurious appeal.

Incorporating Universal Design

Many homeowners and future buyers want a home that supports aging in place. Aging in place is "the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level." When referring to aging in place, universal design concepts are common. This includes no-curb entry showers, slip-resistant flooring, grab bars, shower benches or seats, and more. There are several benefits to creating spaces that incorporate universal design elements. It will make your home flexible to all your life stages, offer a safe place to host guests and promote functional living.

Transforming Unused Spaces

Every home has empty spaces; however, these spaces do not have to stay that way. Instead of leaving the spaces empty, we have compiled a list of ways to turn those awkward spaces into something purposeful.

• Home Bar - With extra wall space, a home bar can be conveniently placed in the kitchen, living room, or dining room. A home bar is a perfect home upgrade for current homeowners and potential homebuyers. Built-in bars are perfect for hosting as they are designed to store everything you need to make your favorite cocktail or coffee beverage.
• Home Gym - For the fitness-obsessed, a home gym might be just what your home or future home needs. A workout space can be located anywhere in your home, for instance, in a spare bedroom, garage, outdoor storage shed, etc.
• Home Office - If you have a spare bedroom that is no longer in use, converting that bedroom into a home office may be a great consideration. For a lot of households, a home office plays many roles. For those who work remotely, a home office is a terrific way to stay productive and keep organized. A home office is a quiet place for children, kids, and teens to study and do homework. A home office may also be a place to do crafts and home DIY projects. No matter the purpose, a home office must be functional and practical. When designing a home office, it is important to consider the layout to ensure adequate space for the office equipment needed. For example, you may have a printer, scanner, or shredder that needs a home. Custom cabinetry pullouts or appliance garages can conveniently hide these equipment items.
• Scullery or Butler Pantry - Kitchens are the home's center and where all the gatherings happen. This makes butler or scullery pantries one of the best home add-ons. A scullery is a hidden kitchen that gives homeowners additional space for meal prepping, cleaning dishes, etc. A butler pantry is usually smaller than a scullery pantry, but it also acts as a place to hold smaller appliances and extra kitchen belongings. If space is allotted in the kitchen, these pantry options are great for keeping the mess away from the crowd and improving kitchen functionality. This addition offers a great ROI as homebuyers are interested in ways to better day-to-day routines by maximizing storage and decluttering. A scullery or butler pantry is an appealing space that keeps kitchen supplies out of sight and out of mind until they are ready for use.

Hire an Experienced Phoenix Remodeling Contractor Today!

Several uncontrollable factors, such as location and the housing market, reflect your home's value. However, there are many things you can control that may help increase your value. The listed interior home improvement projects will increase your home’s functionality and appeal and provide a high ROI when selling your home. To get started, let the experienced team at Todd Whittaker Drywall help with all your pre-listing improvement projects today! While you’re online, click here for their full-service remodeling gallery, which displays how they turn remodeling ideas into a reality.