Your home is one of the biggest financial investments you’ll ever make. You put a lot of time, effort, and money into finding the right space, so why not make it work for you? Upgrades are often seen as a “selling point” but they can also be used to make your home more enjoyable for you in the long term. The right upgrades can save you time, make you feel more at home, and even save you money.
With that in mind, here are five of the top investments you can make in your home. They’re sure to improve your life and help you fetch a good price if you do one day decide to sell.
1. Refinish or Install Hardwood Floors
Hardwood flooring has long been popular among homeowners and buyers alike. This is because:
- It’s more stain-resistant than other forms of flooring.
- It can be repaired and refinished to make it last longer.
- It leads to better air-quality, according to the EPA.
- It lasts longer than other types of flooring.
Refinishing or installing hardwood flooring can give your home a more polished look and raise your overall home value.
2. Update Old Windows
Outdated windows let air enter and escape your home. That makes it difficult to maintain the desired temperature which can drive up your electric bill. If you’ve noticed a draft around your curtains, or an increase in your monthly bill, it’s time for an upgrade.
There are several options, including:
- Installing new windows or having window panes replaced.
- Sealing cracks around the windows with chalk.
- Installing thick blinds or curtains to help cut down the airflow.
- Replacing single-pane windows with double-paned windows.
Taking the time to update your windows can help you stay comfy no matter the temperature.
3. Replace Your Old Water Heater
Water heaters can last anywhere from six to thirteen years. If yours is older than that, it’s time to schedule a new water heater installation. Regardless of how old your water heater is, you should have it repaired or replaced if:
- There seems to be less hot water than usual.
- You hear strange noises coming from the water heater.
- The water takes on a red or brown color.
- Puddles of water are puddling around the water heater.
These can be signs that your water heater is failing, so it’s important that you have it checked.
4. Upgrade Your Kitchen Appliances
A modern kitchen allows you to craft masterful culinary creations and drives up the price point of your home. If you’re ready to enjoy a kitchen that’s on the next level, consider:
- Installing stainless steel appliances.
- Replacing old hardware and fixtures.
- Adding additional storage space.
- Refinishing or painting cabinets.
- Updating your lighting fixtures.
- Adding a stylish backsplash.
- Upgrading to quartz or granite counters.
Upgrades like this give you a comfortable and efficient space, as well as being a great financial investment.
5. Redo Rooms To Make Them Work for You
Are there rooms in your home that don’t quite work for you? Maybe you have an office space you never use or an extra bedroom that’s sitting empty. If the space isn’t doing you any good, it’s not adding any value to your life. Think about what you need in your home, and consider how you can use that space to achieve it.
While you’re deciding what route to take, do a little research into what’s popular in your area. A finished basement or a bedroom with a private entrance could be a major selling point if you decide to list.
Make the Most of Your Investment
Undergoing these kinds of upgrades may seem daunting, but it can make your biggest home investments even more valuable. Take a moment to make a list of what’s working in your home and what isn’t. What would you change if you could? You may find that your list is more achievable than you think.