7 Simple Home Renovations to Maximize Comfort and Value

Photo by Karl Solano on Unsplash

Home renovations can significantly improve a home’s value and comfort, but owners may not always have the time or money to make major changes. Many homeowners don’t realize that the smallest changes can make a major difference in terms of convenience, comfort, or personalization. These renovations also often improve a home’s value, making it easier to sell when the time comes. If you want to improve the appearance or function of your home, you should learn what renovations are simple and cost-effective but maximize value.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Your home’s appliances can help make daily life easier—or more difficult if you’re dealing with outdated and inefficient models. Appliances can even significantly impact your energy bills. Your HVAC system alone is the largest contributor to high energy costs. Thankfully, swapping out appliances for more energy-efficient models is very straightforward in most cases. You typically just need to unplug the appliance and haul it away. Not only will energy-efficient appliances save you money, but they can also save you time and headaches when it comes to doing chores. They also look nicer, too!

Backyard Deck

A patio deck effortlessly connects homeowners with their outdoor space. Pet owners, outdoor chefs, and nature enthusiasts alike will be thrilled to see a pre-installed deck in a home they’re looking to buy. A deck can provide a peaceful and quiet sanctuary right on your property to decorate as you see fit. Decks are quite simple to build or install yourself, depending on the size of the deck and the level of your land. If you live on an incline or aren’t confident in your deckbuilding skills, tons of contractors with great rates can help you. You’ll want to get a deck builder experienced in your area for several reasons.

Florida

Florida is a popular vacation and retirement destination mainly because of its year-round warmth. Homes in the Sunshine State sell well when they have appropriate outdoor amenities to enjoy the attractive climate year-round. Deck materials must withstand the harsh humidity and heat that come with living here. Due to the intensity of the sun’s heat and rays, deck colors can easily become washed out. Your Florida deck builder must be familiar with combating these issues.

California

California can share a mix of hot and cold weather depending on your specific location. Deck builders in the state of California will need to prepare not only for seasonal weather changes but also for the intense earthquakes that can appear at any moment. While there isn’t any way to completely erase the risk of earthquake damage to an outdoor deck, some materials are sturdier than others.

Tennessee

Similar to Florida, Tennessee is well-known for its heat and humidity during the summertime. However, winters in Tennessee can prove quite cold. It’s important to ascertain that your deck builder in Tennessee is familiar with materials that can withstand both harsh winters and extremely humid summers. Moisture resistance and temperature hardiness are key features of deck materials here. They should also be equipped with the appropriate knowledge to inform you how to best care for your deck throughout the seasons.

Smart Technology

Thanks to smart technology, monitoring your home’s energy efficiency, brightness, temperature, security, and humidity has never been easier. Certain smart home devices can even power media like music, television, or video games. A home with smart technology features like doorbell cameras or smart thermostats can reduce homeowner headaches and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Smart technology is very easy to install, so it’s a simple upgrade that doesn’t take a lot of time, money, or effort.

Fresh Paint

Paint jobs don’t last forever, and you’d be surprised at how much a room can change with a fresh coat of paint. Whether you’re repainting it the same color or choosing a bold new palette, new paint makes the entire home look brand new. Many cost-effective paints can get the job done without significantly impacting your wallet, too. While neutral color palettes are universally popular and appealing, you should consider accent colors or color schemes that appeal to you for maximum comfort.

New Floors

Shaggy, dirty carpet that has seen better days can significantly age a home. Vinyl flooring doesn’t last forever, and chipped tile can decrease value. A floor replacement can go a long way in terms of value and comfort. Choose flooring that is cost-effective and easy to maintain, like vinyl, especially if you have pets. Hardwood floors require a bit of a price tag increase, but they are universally popular. 

Faucets and Showerheads

You may not pay much attention to your sink’s faucets or bathtub showerheads, but they can make a huge difference in your comfort. Consider swapping out some faucets for detachable spraying features, especially in the kitchen. Extendable or detachable sink faucets can make a world of difference in dishwashing. Different showerheads can affect water usage rates and can make showers more comfortable and exfoliating. Detachable showerheads are universally popular for these reasons.

Improved Lighting

Your light bulbs can use a lot of energy in your home, costing you more money and reducing resources unnecessarily. Switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs will allow them to last longer. As a bonus, smart lighting allows you to adjust brightness and color. If your light fixtures are dirty, outdated, or broken, consider swapping them out for something more modern and efficient. Changing the lighting requires very little time or money.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to make big changes to your home on a small budget, consider the simplest changes first. Swap out doorknobs or cabinet pulls to make a space your own. Hang shelves and artwork to decorate the walls. Think of problem areas in your home and find simple solutions. While you can’t eliminate every issue without a major renovation, there are tons of ways to improve the comfort and value of any home that can be tackled in a single weekend.