The best well-planned home improvements can return an average of 56% of your original investment back in added value. Not only that, it can reduce its energy costs, improve its comfort and increase your living space. Plus, your house will look new!

It advised to spread out renovations done at once since they can be very costly. It is better to space out the upgrades and spend smaller amounts at a time to not overspend and get into debt. For that reason, focus on reducing your monthly bills first so you can recycle those savings into paying for other renovations. You can also visit about What is a Masonry Foundation?

Here are our top 20 home improvements that bring curb appeal and add value to your home.

Reducing Bills

It’s more important than ever that in today’s society we reduce bills. Whether that’s environmental or financial, it’s always a good idea even if you don’t plan on moving house.

1. Smart Technology

Installing energy-efficient upgrades is another way to improve the appeal of your home, and heating is a great one to start with. Adding a smart thermostat and radiator valves can reduce bills by a lot since you only heat up the rooms you are using at any one time.

Other smart thermostats work the same way as standard ones, but they can be remote-controlled, sometimes with an app on your phone. You can program them to adjust temperature settings at different times of the day or night and change them whenever you decide to come or go from home.

Adding smart lighting is another option, as it allows you to use dimmer controls to set the mood in your home. Some systems can also turn off lights when no one is home. Other upgrades include smart appliances and automated locks that work from a smartphone app.

2. Replace Windows

It is reasonable to expect that your windows will need replacing after an average of 20 years. Homeowners who want to increase their homes’ value should consider replacing them instead of repairing or painting them. The main reason being that newer windows are much more energy-efficient, even consisting of triple glazing.

Window film can also help keep the heat in and out, depending on the season, as it can filter solar rays that hinder thermal regulation. Curtains, plantation shutters, and blinds can create a more attractive facade. These features are good in neighborhoods that don’t allow signage or other decorations.

3. Attic Insulation

If you plan on living in your home for some time, make sure that it is energy efficient. Installing new insulation makes your home more energy-efficient, allowing you to use less energy for heating and cooling.

Attic Insulation and walls will help you save on your electricity bill. Heat rises, so more insulation means lower levels of heat escapes, increasing energy efficiency.

4. Install Solar Panels

Solar panels are becoming more and more popular in recent years. They also provide an excellent way to reduce energy costs in the long run. Most new homes are pre-installed with solar panels. Still, they are also available for older houses because they can live on rooftops, walls, windows, or even mounted in a field.

The solar installation will cost you money at first, but savings in your energy bills balance out. Installing solar panels needs professional help, so hire someone who has the knowledge and experience.

5. Roofing Options

Choosing the right type of roofing material for your home is essential. Make sure that the roof is in good condition before installing solar panels.

Roofs get forgotten by homeowners as they are out of eye line, but neglect causes problems. Hire a professional to check and see if a roof repair is needed to prevent any future issues.

Hidden Upgrades

Once you’ve brought your bills down, focus on the things you can’t see. You’ll save thousands of pounds by getting a survey done. Doing so ensures your house foundations are sound and up to the highest standard.

6. Structural Work

Major structural work should occur with the help of professionals such as Evans Leak Detection company. This ensures that everything is above board, without damaging anything else. Older homes are often at risk of having a cracked foundation, leading to many problems in the future.

Concrete foundations are easy to fix if they do crack and will help to prevent future damage. It is also cost-effective by preventing water from entering your home through the basement or ground floor. Invest in hiring someone to survey your property before putting it on the market in case.

7. Plumbing Upgrades

Keeping your pipes in good condition is also an essential part of home improvement. If you do not have a maintenance plan with Fairfield plumbing services, then you can end up with burst or leaking pipes that could cost you a fortune to fix.

Replacing the old PVC piping in your plumbing system with copper or brass piping will differentiate appearance and value. It may cost more upfront but will recoup its investment over a small period of time.

8. Electrical Upgrades

Replacing your appliances is a great start, but your house has many other electrics to consider as well. Since devices are becoming more energy-efficient, it’s essential to ensure that the wires supplying power are also up to date.

They may not be able to handle the increased demands of cheaper appliances. This could lead to dangerous fires or even a house fire. Consider upgrading your fuse box, power boards, and wiring to prevent fires or electrical problems in the future.

9. HVAC Upgrades

Replacing your home’s HVAC system is an effective way to lower energy costs and create more home comfort. This system includes your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

If you have an inefficient system in place, the upgrades will soon pay for themselves when heating and cooling bills. Other HVAC upgrades include adding a new thermostat, sealing ducts, and upgrading air filter systems.

10. Security System

A security system is a great way to make your property more secure. And, many integrate into an entire smart home with your lights, curtains, and even heating. You can adjust your security system from any remote computer or mobile device.

Most are easy to install and don’t need professional installation, making them affordable as well. Burglars tend to avoid homes that would need too much risk, so installing a system can help deter them from targeting yours.

Increase Living Space

Adding living space is one of the best ways to increase the value of your home. And, of course, the fact it’s so practical also means you’ll feel like you’re getting value for money as well.

11. Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling

When homeowners think about making home improvements on their property, kitchens and bathrooms are often the first rooms that come to mind. They are also the most common areas in which to make functional upgrades to increase your living space.

A remodeling project can allow you to increase space in your kitchen by adding a countertop extension or by creating a breakfast nook or island where you can entertain guests. Converting your bathroom shower or tub to a glass shower with a built-in bench can create more space for you to relax and save water while doing so.

12. Loft Conversion

Depending on where you live, potential buyers may value living space over storage space. So, converting your loft into living space may be a very profitable investment, especially in city centers where living space is tight. Installing a skylight can help bring more natural light into your home, giving it an even more updated look.

13. Garage Conversion

As above, most people dream about making their existing garages into something useful. It’s preferred if you could turn it into a home office or spare bedroom. Some people even make it their master bedroom. This can include turning them into extra living or storage space.

14. Basement Remodeling

A basement home theater or recreation room is one of the most popular ways to use this area of your home. This is especially true in today’s society as more and more graduates return to the family home for financial reasons. It’s an effective way of adding value as well as the appeal of your property.

Spending money on basement renovations is like investing in your property, as it will add significant value to your home at a reasonable price. Basement renovations exist for around $15,000, as long as you are willing to do the work yourself. Most people experience a 70% return on their investment from making an improvement like this, which means you’ll get back $10,500 if you put in $15,000.

15. Clever Storage Solutions

Adding shelving, hooks, cabinets, or closet organizers can create more storage space in your home without causing structural damage or making renovations that take a long time to complete. If the cost of making these changes seems too high for your budget, you can always start with little things like hooks and baskets. Here’s a link to some more clever ideas.

First Impressions Last

Once you’ve got the inside sorted, you can make the outside look new. Doing it this way round also means your house will look its best on first impressions to potential buyers too. 

16. Exterior Painting

Painting your home’s exterior each year is one of the most cost-effective ways to maintain its appearance. In some areas of the country, painting is compulsory by law every few years to maintain property values. When considering exterior painting, use colors that complement your home’s exterior features (rooftop, shutters, trim paint) rather than choosing colors that contrast with them.

17. New Doors

Installing new front, rear, and garage doors is a great way to improve the appearance and add value to the home, both from an investment and a sale perspective.

They are more noticeable than indoor upgrades and are an effective way to have curb appeal. Consider adding a window to your garage door to let more natural light into your garage. Some prefer no windows, especially if there are items of value inside. But for those who aren’t as concerned, it’s a great way to let more light in, especially if your garage is a practical workspace.

A front door is the first thing visitors notice about your home, so it needs to look attractive and invite. Install glass panes with wood casings between the glass. Glass panes help lighten up a dark hallway, making it more welcoming to visitors.

18. Add a Patio and Deck

Adding a patio or deck that leads out from the back of your home can be an effective way to make it more valuable. It’s essential to consider including a patio or deck if your home is in an area of the country where you can take advantage of outdoor space. You can also use this space for entertaining guests or relaxing after a long day at work.

Adding a shed or storage unit can make your property more valuable even without adding any visible changes to the structure. But unless necessary, it’s something that the next owner can look at, so focus on the money-saving improvements first.

19. Outdoor Landscaping

Adding landscaping around your home will enhance its appearance and value as well as the appeal of the neighborhood. Lighting your house up at night can give it a more attractive and appealing appearance. Outdoor landscaping includes trees, bushes, flowerbeds, walkways, and patios.

20. New Driveway

People tend to focus on updating their home’s exterior before they do anything else. But if you’re looking to increase your home’s value, consider saving your money for other improvements first. Your driveway might also need a new coat of sealer every few years to help it last longer, though.

Home Improvements Improve Your Life

Home improvements can seem like a complicated, costly process. But if you’re willing to do the legwork, you can increase the value of your home by making sure it has everything you need. So a smart investment increases its importance in the long run. On the other hand, you can sell your home in its current state to a real estate investor like Your Trusted Home Buyer.

Your home should be your castle. If it is not something you enjoy living in or showing off, then there’s no point in doing any work on it.

For more life advice on how to save money and other top life hacks, keep reading around our blog and see what hidden gems you can find!