Whether you’re looking to improve your home for personal use, or you’re selling it, there are many ways to make your space better. But it’s important to choose the right renovations. We cover the 9 most useful common home improvement projects.
For example, painting is a common renovation that’s easy on your wallet and can boost your home’s value. A fresh coat of paint will boost curb appeal, but it may not be the best investment in time and money you can make if you’re trying to sell your home.
We have not included kitchen remodeling in the discussion. It’s a big topic that merits its own space and with a dubious record of return on investment when not done right.
Landscaping is one of the most common home improvement projects because it allows homeowners to make their outdoor spaces more beautiful. This can include planting flowers and shrubs, trimming hedges, manicuring lawns, and building a pond or water feature.
Landscaping is a great way to improve the value of a property in several ways. Here are five of them:
Increase Curb Appeal: Landscaping enhances the aesthetic appeal of a property, making it more attractive and inviting to potential buyers.
Enhance Privacy: Properly placed trees and shrubs can provide privacy and block out unwanted sights and sounds.
Create Outdoor Living Spaces: Well-designed landscaping can create inviting outdoor spaces for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors. A well-equipped outdoor kitchen replacing the grill and a table is a lifestyle-changing renovation.
Reduce Maintenance Costs: With proper planning, landscaping can reduce the time and money spent on maintenance, such as mowing and trimming.
Conserve Resources: Planting drought-tolerant vegetation or installing water-saving irrigation systems can help reduce water bills while conserving natural resources.
Outdoor recreational spaces are a step up from landscaping. Patios and decks expand the space you can use to entertain guests day and night. Adding a deck is one of the home improvement projects that will get you the most value for your money. A deck addition can range from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the size and scope of the project. But, when it’s all said and done, you can expect to see an increase in your home’s value.
Window Replacement
An Overview Window replacement is a common home improvement project that can enhance your home’s beauty, value, and energy efficiency. However, it’s crucial to consider your goals and budget as window replacement can be costly.
Choosing the Right Window The type and size of your window are largely determined by your home’s design and location. For homes in good condition, window types and sizes can be more flexible. Window companies can recommend replacements based on your aesthetic preferences, budget, and energy-efficiency needs.
Installation Process When replacing your windows, start by measuring the dimensions of your existing frame. Then, order the proper-sized window and schedule installation. If your window has a lot of glass, you might need to install an insert window, which is placed within the existing frame. This is a more affordable option than full-frame replacements, but it may limit light and view.
Full-Frame Replacement If your old window has no frame or if the frame is rotten or severely damaged, you’ll need to install a full-frame replacement. This includes the head jamb, side jambs, and sill, and requires stripping the opening down to rough framing and installing insulation and trim.
Making the Final Decision Before making your final decision, talk to different window companies and get estimates from multiple contractors. This will not only save you time but also ensure you get a quality product that lasts for years. Plus, if you purchase Energy Star certified windows, you can take advantage of tax credits and recoup a portion of the costs every year until 2032.
Replacing Your Front Door
The Importance of a Front Door Your front door is the first thing a prospective home buyer sees, making it an opportunity to make a good first impression. A replacement may help you increase your curb appeal and boost your home’s energy efficiency if your door is in poor condition, looks outdated, or is letting in the cold.
Cost Considerations The cost of a new front door will vary depending on the material, style, and accessories you choose. You’ll also need to consider the price of a professional installation.
Choosing the Right Door You can buy a pre-hung door or a slab one that only needs to be set in the frame. The latter is a more complicated option and may require an experienced joiner.
Installation Process When installing a pre-hung unit, you will need to measure the width of the jamb and the opening between the framing members. Then, compare these measurements with the rough opening requirements of your new door to ensure it will fit properly.
Sealing the Door Regardless of which method you choose, it’s important to use a premium sealant for the new door. This will keep rainwater and melted snow out of your home and prevent drafts from forming inside the house.
When to Replace Your Door It’s worth examining your existing front door for signs of wear and tear. If it is old, cracked or brittle, it won’t provide the security or energy efficiency you need for your family.
The Benefits of a New Door The right front door can pay for itself by reducing your heating and cooling bills, preventing break-ins, and making your home look refreshed. It can also improve the value of your home.
Upgrade Vinyl Flooring with Hardwood
Upgrading Your Home’s Flooring One of the best home improvement projects you can do is to replace and upgrade the flooring in your home. This can be a great way to update the look of your home and make it more comfortable at the same time. Many different types of flooring are available on the market today, so you should be able to find something that suits your needs and budget.
Replacing Vinyl and Carpet Floors If you have vinyl floors, you may want to consider replacing them with new hardwood floors or laminate floors. If you have carpets, you may want to consider replacing them with new carpeting or tile flooring. Floor molding should get an upgrade along with the new flooring.
Making a Statement with Flooring You can also use flooring to make a statement in your home. For example, if you have a home office, you may want to consider using hardwood floors or laminate floors that look like hardwood. This will give your home office a professional appearance.
Replace Built-In Dishwasher Garbage Disposals
Dishwashers are one of the most convenient appliances in a kitchen. Most dishwashers come with either a built-in water garbage disposal or a filtration system to remove food debris from the waste water. However, a built-in garbage disposal can be noisy and may not be ideal for all homes.
Garbage disposals are designed to grind and break down solid food scraps. They also help minimize the amount of trash that must be taken to a landfill or garbage disposal facility. The best garbage disposals have high-quality motors, a long warranty, thicker sound insulation, sturdier stainless steel components, and multiple grind stages.
Almost every home owner and apartment dweller has had an unpleasant experience with a clogged garbage disposal. It almost always happens when you have a crowd over for dinner, too. A new, top quality, garbage disposal will make things easier for you going forward, while providing a return on investment well beyond the cost.
Bathroom Renovation
Updating an old bathroom may be the surest home improvement return on investment. if you are looking to increase the appeal of your home to buyers, this may be the place to start your interior renovations.
One of the most important aspects is upgrading the plumbing fixtures, such as the sink, toilet, tub, and shower. These are the most visible elements in a bathroom and can make or break its overall look.
When choosing new fixtures, consider both style and function. Look for pieces that complement your room’s aesthetic while also being durable and reliable. The toilet is one of the most used fixtures in the bathroom, so choosing a comfortable, efficient, high-quality model is important. Look for toilets with dual flush technology, which use less water than traditional toilets.
When it comes to your sink, consider installing a modern vanity, pedestal sink, or vessel sink for an updated look. Consider replacing the old shower or tub with a luxury version.
In addition to plumbing fixtures, you should consider upgrading lighting fixtures such as vanity lights or recessed lighting. Replace all outdated lighting fixtures with stylish new ones for a more modern and inviting atmosphere.
Lastly, don’t forget about updates to accessories like towel bars and robe hooks for improved storage and convenience. With careful planning and a thoughtful selection of new fixtures, you can create a beautiful and functional bathroom that will appeal to buyers and make life more comfortable for you.
Other bathroom home improvement ideas are:
Creating more storage with shelves and cabinets,
Soundproofing the walls and door,
Installing heated floors
The estimated cost of Home Advisor of a non-DIY bathroom renovation in 2023 is $6,600 to $16,700.
Disaster Preparedness Repairs and Renovations
Homeowners are making disaster preparedness repairs faster than in previous years. The reasons for this include the following:
Increased awareness of natural disasters and the risk of living in an area prone to them, coupled with more frequent news reports on storms and flooding.
The perceived cost savings of repairs as opposed to having to buy new items after a disaster strikes.
The fact that once homeowners have made these repairs, they can also make other improvements, such as replacing windows or painting their house.
According to ULI, disaster preparedness is one of those “must-have” home improvement projects. It was ranked fourth on the list of most important home improvement projects by home improvement executives surveyed in the report.
Check your home’s risk for flooding and weather damage. If you live in an area that is prone to floods or other natural disasters, make sure you take the necessary precautions to protect your home. This may include installing flood barriers or elevating your home above the potential flood level.
Inspect your gutters and downspouts regularly to ensure they are clear of debris and functioning properly. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent leaves and other debris from clogging them in the future.
Trim trees around your home to prevent branches from falling on the roof or other parts of the house during a storm.
Inspect your home’s siding and roofing regularly for signs of wear and tear. If you live in an area with severe weather, make sure to inspect these areas after each storm to ensure they are still in good condition.
Invest in a generator so you can keep your home powered up in the event of a power outage caused by a natural disaster.
One of the best home improvement projects for preparing your home for a natural disaster is to add energy-efficient insulation. This will help to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which can be crucial if you lose power during a storm.
In addition, energy-efficient insulation will also help to reduce your monthly energy bills, which can be helpful if you are on a tight budget after a natural disaster. Install Hurricane Shutters
Another great home improvement project for preparing your home for a natural disaster is installing hurricane shutters. These will protect your windows and doors from high winds and flying debris during a hurricane or severe storm.
If you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, consider installing earthquake-resistant window film on your home’s windows. This will help to prevent them from shattering if an earthquake occurs.
Garage Door Replacement
If your home has a garage, make sure that the door is in good condition and that it is properly secured. A new storm-rated garage door can help protect your home from high winds and flying debris.
Consider upgrading your home’s security system to one that includes monitoring for extreme weather conditions. This way, you can receive alerts on your phone or computer if a storm is headed your way so you can take steps to protect your home ahead of time.
Here is a list of 12 home improvement projects you can tackle with your garage door:
Replacing your garage door
Adding insulation to your garage door
Replacing your garage door opener
Insulating your garage door
Adding a garage door opener
Reinforcing your garage door
Getting rid of paint chips on your garage door
Fixing a noisy garage door
Lubricating your garage door to prevent creaks and damage
Making sure your garage door is balanced
Cleaning and maintaining your garage door tracks
Weather-stripping your garage door to prevent drafts
Peter Amaral (aka Mauricio Boston), the editor and curator of this site, has done "over 40" nearly twice. He's picked up a few tips over the years on what men must do to thrive and flourish in health, wealth, and their relationships with family and friends. For a backgrounder, Maurcio is an 82nd Airborne alumus, served as a combat engineer platoon leader in Vietnam, and practiced law for 20+ years. Before earning his professional degree, he worked in film production, sales and marketing, and did stints as bar tender and iron worker. He's been married to the same exceptional woman for longer than maybe most of you have been alive, has three exceptional daughters and a parcel of grandchildren. Mauricio does some of the research for the site. He's not a medical doctor, and never got closer to shooting par than that damn one stroke, but he is an ersatz woodworker, does have personal experience with prostate cancer and can speak intelligently with his cardiologist, with whom he disagrees on the supposed bad effects of red meat. In other words, we write about lots of things we've learned and experienced. Expert professional writers do the rest, always under the careful eye of our chief editor.
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Whether you’re looking to improve your home for personal use, or you’re selling it, there are many ways to make your space better. But it’s important to choose the right renovations. We cover the 9 most useful common home improvement projects.
Landscaping is one of the most common home improvement projects because it allows homeowners to make their outdoor spaces more beautiful. This can include planting flowers and shrubs, trimming hedges, manicuring lawns, and building a pond or water feature.
An Overview Window replacement is a common home improvement project that can enhance your home’s beauty, value, and energy efficiency. However, it’s crucial to consider your goals and budget as window replacement can be costly.
The Importance of a Front Door Your front door is the first thing a prospective home buyer sees, making it an opportunity to make a good first impression. A replacement may help you increase your curb appeal and boost your home’s energy efficiency if your door is in poor condition, looks outdated, or is letting in the cold.
Upgrading Your Home’s Flooring One of the best home improvement projects you can do is to replace and upgrade the flooring in your home. This can be a great way to update the look of your home and make it more comfortable at the same time. Many different types of flooring are available on the market today, so you should be able to find something that suits your needs and budget.
Updating an old bathroom may be the surest home improvement return on investment. if you are looking to increase the appeal of your home to buyers, this may be the place to start your interior renovations.
If your home has a garage, make sure that the door is in good condition and that it is properly secured. A new storm-rated garage door can help protect your home from high winds and flying debris.
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