Four Remodeling Projects That are Worth the Cost

Installing a new steel front door might not sound like the most exciting home remodeling project in the world. However, according to a report published by CBS News, it is the home renovation that gives you the greatest return on your investment. Homeowners to update their front door can expect to receive about 97% of the money they spent back in the value of their home when they sell it. The quality of the front door has a huge impact on curb appeal, security, and energy efficiency. When you are looking for easy ways to make a big improvement on a home, the front door is a good place to start.

Maybe you like your front door just fine, but are interested in improving your home in other ways. Figuring out where to start in fixing up your house, and the best use of your money can be overwhelming. Whether you are fixing up your house because you are interested in selling it, or you just want to enjoy the space you live in more, check out our list of projects that have the greatest impact on a home:

1. Adding Granite Countertops
   
   If you watch any home design shows or know anything about the real estate market, you know that the kitchen design is one of the most important factors in the sellability and value of the home. As the countertops are the most distinctive element in the kitchen, they have a huge impact on the look and condition of the entire space. Installing granite countertops provides an elevated feeling in the entire room. Granite is sturdier and more visually appealing than other countertop materials, and adds a lot of value to the kitchen. You might be put off by the price tag of installing granite countertops, but adding value to the kitchen adds value to the home, and so it is a good investment.
2. Bathroom Renovations
   
   After kitchen updates, the second most important feature in a home is the condition of the bathrooms. If your bathrooms are outdated or in poor condition, they might be the single reason that perspective home buyers reject your home, or aren’t willing to pay your asking price for it.
   
   
   Investing in bathroom remodeling has a huge impact on the look and feel of the entire interior, and adds a lot to the value of the home. You don’t have to dump truckloads of cash into your bathroom to make it beautiful. Some experts suggest investing no more than 10% in fixing up a bathroom space to get the greatest return on your investment. Consider installing new flooring, countertops, and fixtures — as well as a good ol paintjob — can make a world of difference without breaking the bank.
3. Basement Remodeling
   
   Depending on the region you live in and the age of your home, you may have ample square footage going to waste in your basement. If you have a basement that is dark and musty and only used for storing junk you should just get rid of, this may be low hanging fruit in your home remodeling process. By converting your basement into beautiful and functional space, you automatically add square footage to your home, and increase the enjoyment you get from it.




4. Exterior Updates
   The first impression people get when they pull into your driveway has a huge impact on how they feel about your entire home. This is why making improvements to the exterior of your home has such a big impact on the value of it. A few exterior projects that make a big impression include:
   • Siding. Updating the siding of a home gives it an instant facelift. If you don’t want to put forth the money to actually replace the siding, consider giving a nice paint job.
   • Landscaping. Planting some flowers and trees is an inexpensive way to make the front of your home look cheerful and inviting. Look for native plants that do not require a lot of care, or get funky looking if they’re not maintained.
   • The Little Things. Think: gutters and shutters. All of these small details have a huge impact on the exterior of the home.

Do you have any great home renovation ideas? Please share them in the comment section!