At MLM Custom Homes & Renovations, we love making renovations that make your Louisiana home your dream retreat for your family to unwind. Through careful planning, however, we can also help you make your dream renovation a smart financial decision, especially if you focus on home renovation projects that offer the highest return on investment (ROI). Here are four high ROI home renovation projects, along with some tips to maximize your ROI.
1. Kitchen Remodel
Expected ROI: 70-80%
A kitchen remodel is one of the most impactful renovations you can undertake for your home’s value. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a kitchen renovation typically recoups around 78% of its cost, making it a top choice for homeowners looking to add value to their property .
Tips to Maximize ROI:
- Surface-Level Improvements: Instead of changing layouts or taking your kitchen down to the studs, to maximize ROI consider updating cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes. These changes can significantly enhance the kitchen’s appearance without the high costs of a full remodel.
- Energy-Efficient Appliances: Invest in modern, energy-efficient appliances. Not only does the updated look improve home resale value, but you also begin to recoup those costs immediately, in the form of lower monthly utility costs.
- Timeless Design: While the kitchen can be a wonderful place to make a statement, if you want to maximize your remodeling ROI, stick with timeless designs for cabinets and countertops, which will expand the pool of potential buyers and ensure you get the full financial benefit of your remodel.
2. Bathroom Remodel
Expected ROI: 60-70%
Bathroom remodels are another renovation project that offers a substantial return. On average, homeowners can expect to recoup around 67% of their investment in a bathroom remodel .
Tips to Maximize ROI:
- Update Fixtures: Replacing outdated fixtures with modern ones can make a big impact in updating a space. Consider upgrading faucets, showerheads, and lighting.
- Improve Lighting: Better lighting can transform a bathroom. Whether that’s adding additional spot lighting, wall sconces or changing lighting to warmer dimmable fixtures, these relatively affordable changes have a big impact.
- Focus on Flooring: The range of flooring options now available for bathrooms is dramatically better than just a decade ago. So replacing old flooring with these new updated options makes a dramatic difference in a bathroom.
3. Exterior Improvements
Expected ROI: 70-75%
First impressions matter, and exterior improvements can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal. Projects such as replacing siding, updating the front door, and adding stone veneer can offer an ROI of around 75% .
Tips to Maximize ROI:
- Quality Siding: Invest in high-quality siding materials that are both durable and visually appealing. Fiber-cement, traditional brick and stone siding are broadly popular choices that offer good returns.
- Modern Front Door: Replacing your builder’s grade front door with a modern custom option can instantly boost curb appeal and provide a custom look that significantly impacts home valuations.
- Landscaping: Simple landscaping improvements like adding fresh mulch, planting flowers, and trimming shrubs can make your home more inviting.
4. Attic Insulation
Expected ROI: 100%
Attic insulation might not be the most glamorous renovation, but it offers one of the highest returns on investment. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, homeowners can recoup around 100% of the cost of installing fiberglass attic insulation .
Tips to Maximize ROI:
- Professional Installation: Ensure the insulation is professionally installed to maximize energy efficiency. Proper installation is crucial to prevent gaps and ensure optimal performance.
- Energy Audits: Consider conducting an energy audit before and after installation to measure the improvement in energy efficiency. This can be a selling point for eco-conscious buyers.
- Complementary Upgrades: Pair attic insulation with other energy-saving improvements like sealing air leaks around windows and doors for even greater efficiency.
Conclusion
Professionally renovating your home with a company like MLM Custom Homes & Renovations will make your home feel like the custom retreat you’ve always wanted. But, if you plan your renovation wisely, you can recoup all, or nearly all of the money you spend through a combination of lower ongoing costs and increased property value and appeal. Whether you’re updating your kitchen, remodeling a bathroom, improving your home’s exterior, or adding attic insulation, these projects offer substantial returns that can ultimately pay for themselves.
Sources:
- National Association of Realtors. (2021). Cost vs. Value Report.
- Remodeling Magazine. (2021). Cost vs. Value Report.
- National Association of Realtors. (2021). Remodeling Impact Report.
- Remodeling Magazine. (2021). Cost vs. Value Report.