Revitalizing your home with these remodeling ideas is a great way to make your house feel new again. From removing walls to adding a garage, these projects will increase your home’s value and add character to your space.
It’s also a great way to future-proof your home if you plan on selling in the near future.
1. Refresh Your Kitchen
Whether you want to keep your home long enough to enjoy its comforts or you’re planning on selling it in the future, there are many ways to update it. From tearing out walls to reconfiguring the kitchen layout, home remodeling can change everything about your home.
But you can also do smaller changes that make a difference. For example, replacing the sink rug will give a new look to your kitchen without breaking the bank. Similarly, you can add an indoor herb garden to your kitchen for a functional upgrade that looks great.
Another simple project is adding a decorative wood backsplash over your sink. You can find easy-to-install kits that are a snap to install. This simple update will add warmth and character to your home, plus it can be a conversation piece when you entertain guests.
You can also add a fresh coat of paint to your cabinets. Choose a neutral color that will look good with any decor and won’t be outdated quickly. This is one of the best remodeling ideas that will give your home an instant facelift and boost its resale value.
2. Update Your Bathrooms
The bathroom might not be the place you host the most parties, but that doesn’t mean it’s a room you can skimp on when it comes to upgrades. As it is often the most used room in the house, sprucing up your baths can add major value to your home.
A full-scale bathroom renovation is a big project that requires many tradespeople to accomplish, and it can be costly. But there are plenty of creative ways to give your bathrooms a makeover without spending a fortune.
One of the easiest bathroom remodel ideas is to add better lighting. Installing a modern bathroom chandelier above the bathtub or dimmable vanity lights will create a soft, luxurious feel in your bathroom.
Another way to elevate your bathroom is to replace the old shower curtain and rings with something more chic. Plush cotton towels and hand rugs also instantly refresh a bathroom.
You can even paint the space without re-tiling it, as long as your existing tile is in good condition. Just pick a color to complement the existing palette, such as a tranquil watercolor shade of blue for a soothing effect. Then, add some texture with a tile backsplash.
3. Add a Master Suite
The master suite is a space where you can escape and relax, but it can also be a room that’s designed for entertainment and convenience. Upgrades like a bar area, a fireplace and built-in entertainment systems can make your master suite feel more luxurious. You can even go as far as to add a soaking tub with an outdoor or balcony view.
Adding a master suite can be a costly project, but it is often worth the investment. According to Remodeling Magazine, a master suite addition usually nets homeowners about 75 percent of the money they put into it when it comes time to sell their homes.
When considering a master suite addition, you will need to decide whether you want to add it on the ground level or if you would like a second-story owner’s suite. Both options have their pros and cons, but a ground-level bump-out typically costs less than a second-story addition and can help you age in place.
Once you’ve determined which option is best for your home, it’s time to start planning out your new master suite! Our team of design and remodeling professionals will work with you every step of the way, from ideas to implementation.
4. Rearrange Your Floor Plan
Rearranging your home floor plan can make it more functional for your family and add value at the same time. It’s also an affordable project. You’ll need to knock out a few walls, reroute wiring and replace the disrupted flooring but your costs will be on the low end of the scale.
If you have a Queen Anne with plenty of twists and turns that can make it difficult to navigate, consider opening up the interior walls to create a more open space. You can then use compatible stick style furniture to unify the rooms and create an aesthetic that works.
As you consider a change to your home’s floorplan, think about how it will affect future owners as well. For example, if you want to move the primary bedroom to the first floor or build an extra bathroom to facilitate aging in place, those simple changes will pay off at resale.
Remember to make your changes to the floorplan in an area that’s easy to remodel, such as a kitchen or mudroom. If the new layout requires you to relocate major appliances like a refrigerator, you’ll need to plan accordingly. It’s also a good idea to work with an architect, designer or contractor so you can be sure that your plans are both safe and cost-effective.
5. Add a Garage
Whether your old house doesn’t have a garage or you just need extra space, a garage can be a valuable addition to your home. However, before you decide to make the investment, check with your city zoning regulations and homeowners association (HOA) rules to see how much it would cost to build and what restrictions exist.
Once you have the green light to move forward with the project, consult your contractor about what type of garage would work best for your property. If you’re going to use the garage for living space, make sure there’s enough room to fit a bedroom and bathroom or a kitchenette. And be sure to add air conditioning to ensure that you can comfortably use the room year round.
Some people worry that adding a garage will dwarf their house and turn it into what’s sometimes called a “snout house.” If you’re concerned about this, try to avoid a two-car garage if possible; this is more likely to look overwhelming on smaller homes. Instead, try to set it farther back from the front of your house so that it looks less imposing. You can also add windows and man doors that match the style of your house to help minimize its visual impact.
6. Add a Deck or Patio
Your home should be a comfortable place that enhances your lifestyle both inside and out. Adding a deck or patio is one of the best ways to do that, giving you more space to entertain guests and relax. Plus, it’s a great way to increase your curb appeal and boost your home’s resale value.
Before you start the process, it’s important to consider what your family’s needs are and how the deck or patio will be used. For example, a deck should be large enough to accommodate your furniture and should support the weight of people and furniture (the “live load”). According to Yardzen, they’ve seen an increased demand for outdoor dining tables that seat eight or more, as well as requests for outdoor bars and fire pits.
Also, a deck should have easy access to your house. A back door that forces traffic toward the kitchen can be a hassle, especially for larger gatherings. Lastly, if you want to add electrical features to your deck (like string lights), be sure it’s built with sufficient wiring for those needs. This will prevent expensive repairs down the road.
7. Add a Deck or Patio
A deck or patio is a great place to entertain family and friends or simply enjoy the fresh air. If yours is looking worn or uninspiring, a simple home remodeling project will give it a new lease on life.
Start by adding an awning or canopy that complements your home’s exterior and provides much-needed shade. You might also consider a retractable canopy to help protect guests from the rain during backyard gatherings.
Make your deck a focal point of your outdoor living space by replacing old, beige-toned furniture with boldly colored pieces in tropical hues or vibrant patterns. Throw pillows and accent rugs in bright indoor/outdoor fabrics are easy to find at most home stores, and they stand up well to the sun and rain.
Create a beverage station to make your deck the hub of your outdoor entertaining by adding a cart or shelving unit with plenty of space for serving ware, ice, and drinks. Revitalize your deck’s lighting by swapping out old or plain metal fixtures for hanging lanterns or string lights with LED bulbs housed in translucent tubing.
