Now that we've flipped our calendars to a brand new year, many of us are filled with renewed excitement and enthusiasm for the promising days that lie ahead. For some, that may mean getting serious about buying a new home; for others, it may mean staying put, but improving the house you're in. No matter when you plan to sell, there are several home improvements you can make right now that you'll never regret.
When it comes to remodeling, very few design decisions are guaranteed to stand the test of time. While it can be tempting to opt for trendy renovations (open shelving anyone?), there's no certainty that the next buyer - or even your future self - will share that same preference. We're all painfully aware that the future is hard to predict, but there are a handful of home improvement decisions that won't keep you up at night, regardless of the market conditions.
Updating the Infrastructure
If you want to use your remodeling dollars wisely, there are fewer sure-fire ways to yield a tremendous return on investment than by updating your home's basic systems and infrastructure. Upgrading your electrical and HVAC systems, plumbing, insulation, windows and doors, as well as exterior siding/stucco and roofing can assure an increased ROI for homeowners, whether they decide to sell or dwell. These systems are often hidden behind walls and under floors, so they're easy to ignore. However, neglecting your home's infrastructure can lead to inconvenient and costly repairs down the line and be hazardous to your family's health and safety. There's a reason home inspectors spend most of their time in attics and crawlspaces – the overall health of your home has less to do with aesthetics and more to do with what's behind the scenes.
Expanding or Organizing Storage
Storage is a consideration that can be easily overlooked when you're imagining your dream living space since, by design, practical and efficient storage is meant to be "out of sight, out of mind." Sacrificing storage space, however, is a decision you'll likely regret whether you intend to stay in your home or move. If your remodel demands eliminating a hall closet to expand or open up your living space, make sure you have a plan to add that storage back elsewhere. It's impossible to predict what life-changes your home might need to accommodate in the future, but if you plan to sell, well-organized and ample storage will be a plus for practically any prospective buyer.
Let There Be Light
In too many cases, homeowners regard lighting as an afterthought, but in actuality it should be the starting point, since the quality of light impacts every detail and the overall ambiance of a room. Take time to research and create a lighting plan that best accentuates the features of your home, taking into account the placement, size and style of the windows and ways to best implement accent lighting throughout the space. Take some time to familiarize yourself with all of the new energy-efficient and attractive options in today's lighting marketplace. When you're ready to light up your life, be sure to hire a licensed electrician to ensure that all of your improvements are properly installed and up to code.
Brighter days are ahead for all of us in this New Year and always remember...there is no place like home!