With the amount of time many of us have been spending at home, it makes sense that we can see all kinds of areas and flaws in our homes that need improvements. And while making improvements is always a good thing, some of them don’t always yield a high rate of return on your monetary investment. If you are considering making some changes to your home as the warm weather is upon us, it is a good idea to do it smartly. One smart thing to do is call your real estate agent! They are a great resource! They can help you determine the current value of your home and determine how much of a return you might get if you remodel. Once you have done that, check out these summer updates you might consider that will not only make you fall in love with your home, but will also be wise investments for the future.

The front door

Your front door is often what people see first as they drive down the street or into your driveway. If you have been longing for a new door that is fab instead of drab, this summer might be the time to do it. It can also be a fairly inexpensive way to get the curb appeal you have been looking for. 

Garage doors

Garage doors are a great way to give your home amazing curb appeal. They also come in a variety of price ranges so that you can get a door that is priced right for the value of your home. It provides function as well as aesthetic and might just be what your home needs to give it that wow factor as you drive-up. 

Outdoor living space

Outdoor space should never be underestimated both in investment as well as enjoyment. Having an outdoor area where you can gather and eat increases the amount of living space and room for everyone to spread out. That is always a good thing. A patio or deck can get very expensive, so it is important to have a budget, do your research, and choose materials that work for your family and the environment that you live in. 

Mid-range kitchen remodel

The kitchen plays a big part in whether a buyer will love your home and quite frankly, whether you love it or not! With that said, a full kitchen remodel is often a very expensive endeavor. Rather than gutting or starting over, look at the layout of your kitchen and see if you can make some simple changes to give you more counter space and more storage. Can you add an island? A butcher block? What about just upgrading the fronts of the cabinets, or even simpler yet, changing the hardware? Maybe it is as simple as replacing the old faucet and putting in a modern industrial style faucet.  Likewise, upgrades to your current kitchen countertop can be a great way to overall improve the aesthetic and functionality of your kitchen, and there are some great options out there!

Storage space

If you can increase the amount of closet space you have without major construction, it might just be a great project to tackle this summer. A lack of closet space can be a real turnoff for resell, and on the flipside, adequate storage can give a home a boost in marketability. Even if you don’t have the space for upsizing, maybe improving the space you have with extra shelves or more hanging space can make your closet more functional and appealing.

Flooring

Restoring a home’s wood floors is always a cost effective way of making your home look better as well as increase its value. It certainly will be a labor of love, but the love part makes it worth it. Likewise, if you have some areas that need new flooring, summer might be the perfect time to explore your options. The tile choices out there are so vast that everyone can find something they like and laminate flooring has come a long way in looks, functionality, and don’t forget the easy installation!

Fencing

Putting in a fence or changing out your old fencing for new, eco-friendly fencing or life-lasting  metal fencing can be a great way to punctuate your home’s aesthetic, and it goes a long way in enticing buyers! 

The roof

Replacing the roof of your home is a costly venture and not a very fun one either, but it can be a great way to increase the value of your home as well as to protect your investment. Roofers always get busy this time of the year, so if you plan to reroof your home, get it on the books as soon as possible.

Summer is a great time to do some of those much needed projects inside and outside your home. If you are considering remodeling, contact us at 616 Realty, for an evaluation of your home and its current value. We can help you determine what is worth remodeling monetarily, what is worth remodeling for your sanity (regardless of cost), and what is better left alone.