The best home improvements increase the amount of enjoyment you get out of your home. They can also add to the dollar amount your home is worth. Keep reading to learn about what projects will give you the best return on your investment.
The kitchen will have more effect on your home's value than any other room in the house. Family life centers on this one room, so it needs to be right. If your kitchen is dated, has poor lighting, or has a poor layout it is time to work on it. Look into ways to add more counter space, or if you have plenty, add upgrades like a breakfast bar or nook. Make sure that your appliances are correctly positioned for efficient cooking. Is your storage sufficient, or are you constantly wishing you have more cabinets/ If you need ideas you can always page through home improvement magazines. A great kitchen will help attract more money when it's time to sell.
Bathrooms are going to be second on your list of things to work on. People spend a surprising amount of time in the bathroom. Soap and humidity can be rough on this important room. Replace fixtures and make extra sure there aren't any leaks. Make sure that your walls are sealed so there is no moisture reaching the drywall. This could allow mold to grow. You may also want to replace the toilet with a more water efficient model. Because bathrooms are small, renovations should not be too difficult.
If you are feeling cramped inside your home, look outside for more space. Outdoor spaces like decks and sunrooms can add valuable square footage to your living quarters. Adding an awning to your deck can make it usable even in scorching heat or light rain. Make sure the furniture you choose is able to handle the weather, as well as looking great and offering functionality. By setting a comfortable relaxed atmosphere, your deck can become your second living room.
Your new deck can also be a great place for social gatherings. Invest in an outdoor barbecue to make your parties a success. Anyone can barbecue, but if you are not confident, you can always find someone else who will be happy to be the "guest chef." Your backyard will soon become the place to be whenever you decide to open it up.
Adding a second bathroom to your home will help add value an make the flow of your home smoother. This will not take much extra space, and is definitely something that buyers are looking for. If you do not have a lot of space you can always just add a three quarter or half bath in a large closet. While not as luxurious, this can help prevent people from having to get in line to use the facilities.
Home improvement is a major investment, and you need to be sure you are making the right decisions. Make the right choices and you will be rewarded with a beautiful, more valuable home. Make bad decisions, and you will find yourself literally living with your mistakes.