“… What do you consider to be smart upgrades for your home?” This is a question that always seems to pop up, at different times for us. So today, we’re tackling this topic. We’ve divided our answers into two categories as far as projects go: big, small {and a surprise!} a third bonus category. Here we go: Smart Upgrades For Your Home.
First things first: You can view this topic from two angles: Return on your value, or just enjoying spaces in your home because it’s all for you. Neither are the wrong approach, but at the end of the day, this answer is very dependent on your individual situation.
People {aka specific people who sell homes for a living but shall not be named here} always think they know… and they don’t always know. Why? Because it’s a multifaceted concept that goes beyond simple face value. When we meet with clients, we go over what makes the most sense for their location, equity, budget, desires… and more. It’s a fine formula that can be reconfigured over and over again, specific and streamlined to each situation. Are you flipping this house or do you want to live here for ten years? Are you pricing yourself out of the neighborhood? How much square footage are we working with? What is important to you? What do you really need in your home? So the topic of smart upgrades for your home is always heavily anchored in this desire: seeing a return. Your home should be an escape for you at the end of the day. We work with both sides of the coin when it comes to real estate and design… And we always say do it for you. It comes down to what makes you truly happy. So decide what will work for you and your home, and create a list from there.
Big Projects. This category includes things that will eat up a lot of your time. This isn’t your average weekend job. You should definitely plan for these, from your budget to your lifestyle, and maybe even seasonally when it comes to all things timelines and what makes sense.
1. Smart Upgrades For Your Home: Kitchens
You know we had to start here – the heart of the home. Updated kitchens can go a long way. They always will. If it’s a much-needed, full-on renovation or just bringing things up to date with a backsplash, countertops and painted cabinets… there are so many different opportunities to update your kitchen.
It’s important to consider what works the best for you, but even a new sink, fixtures and a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. It’s one of our very favorite spaces to help our clients reimagine and we love the endless possibilities.
2. Smart Upgrades For Your Home: Bathrooms
It’s probably a close tie with kitchens for fresh changes. You’ll definitely see a return on a fresh bath update, whether for personal reasons or all things return on real estate. Think of it as having your own personal escape from the world/spa area… at home. Nothing beats it. Or fresh fixtures, tile, a new layout… do what works for you. You won’t regret it.
3. Smart Upgrades For Your Home: Curb appeal
Taking on the outside is great for your property values and over all neighborhood value. From the outside appearance of the actual house, to the yard… even the little things can take you far. With spring coming soon, start making those lists! It’s our favorite season to make big changes. {Yes, we have so much more to do in the spring!}
4. Smart Upgrades For Your Home: Square Footage
The number one thing you can do that can up your home value. You win all the way around with this one, from more square footage for ultimate living space, to majorly upping your home’s equity. Garages, basements, attics, the back of the house and more… are possibilities to expand. Trust us when we say we’ve got lots of reasons you should definitely consider this one.
5. Smart Upgrades For Your Home: Upgrade your backyard
Back yard spaces are definitely on the rise with adding all that value. Once upon a time, pools were considered to bring down a property’s value {honestly, it never made sense to us, because we were searching for a home with a pool when we found ours} now they’re considered a real asset. Hello, 2020 apocalypse. From barbecue spots, places to gather, firepits, outdoor dining areas, cabanas and more… upgrading the backyard and giving it more appeal is never a bad idea.
6. Smart Upgrades For Your Home: Floors
Because old carpet can affect your psyche and allergies. We say floors are always a good place to upgrade, but do it the right way.
We always recommend that our clients aim for attaining as uniform a look as possible, throughout your home. The visual impact alone, is unreal. It’s always a great move to update those floors. Byyeeee 1973 linoleum. {Byyeeee Asbestos.}
Yes, we did much more than just the floor here. But I had to show this before and after.
Small Projects. This category contains ideas you can knock out in a chunk of time here and there, but they still make a big impact on the overall presentation of your home. It’s always smart to think about how your home can work harder for you, and more.
7. Smart Upgrades For Your Home: Designated entryway (hall tree)
Organizing everything into a great drop zone is probably the best thing you can do. Bonus points if it’s a functional mudroom. But just having space for what you need, is a great way to zero in on a room that works hard for you.
8. Smart Upgrades For Your Home: Built-ins & storage
From built-in bookshelves to adding closets, cabinetry, and more… the more storage you can add to a home, the better for both personal use and retail value. We vote for simple lines and clean finishes so that they’re universally successful, no matter what approach you’re taking.
9. Smart Upgrades For Your Home: Lighting
Bye boob lights. Do we even have to explain this one? Like good jewelry for a room, fresh lighting adds diversity, ambiance, and style. We love the character a fresh lighting package can bring to a space.
10. Smart Upgrades For Your Home: Doors
Doors with style. Doors with color. Glass doors to let in light. Pocket doors to save space. Barn doors to do the same with a modern touch… Doors are a great place to add smart solutions in ways the average homeowner may not have considered, where form truly meets function. We can’t emphasize the need for good doors with intentional installations, enough.
Bonus Round. Because this category is all in the details and these are things that take it the extra mile. This area is really all about creating that individual style. We recommend this little section for anyone who really wants to stay a while and do it for them. It’s all about creating a real home from a house.
13. Smart Upgrades For Your Home: Vent covers
The return vents can be a real eyesore on that wall. Especially when they’re front and center. It’s all about the details and little touches that make them look so great. Consider a fresh upgrade for all things timeless and interesting.
14. Smart Upgrades For Your Home: Accented Ceilings
This is one hundred percent for personal return but it’s amazing to us how much better a space can look with a touch of something special. Planks, beams, color, and more… think about how much character you can add with a little bump up on those ceilings.
15. Smart Upgrades For Your Home: Hiding the tv
Especially if it’s over the fireplace. Each fireplace in our home, has a little alcove where we can hide it with art. Someone asked me “Why not just display something on the TV” but I’m a true artist at heart. So we love curating our creations and displaying real art to hide that TV. And for those screens that are in plain view… We say as long as it’s out, make it look intentional. Built-ins, interesting gallery walls, and more are great solutions for that TV.
16. Smart Upgrades For Your Home: Updated closets
So many systems exist now, it’s always smart to up the value of your home by adding systems that work. Whether it’s bumping out a wall to create a walk-through, or installing a new system to get everything under control… the possibilities are endless.
17. Smart Upgrades For Your Home: Creating your individual style
We truly think this is the good stuff that happens over time. When you’ve dedicated yourself to letting your home shine, looking at your home as a cohesive whole is something that truly makes it one of a kind. Let this be the year to cultivate your style, and let your home reflect who you are. It’s an investment you’ll never regret.
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What have been some of your favorite upgrades to your home? We’d love to hear!
Have an inspired day!
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