Remodeling your home can be a lot of fun, especially when you get to see the finished product that results from all your time, money, and hard work. But that satisfaction will be short-lived if your remodeling decisions don’t live up to your economic goals.
Some remodeling decisions may be pretty, but they won’t add any value to your home. If you’re thinking about adding to the exterior of your home, it’s smart to plan with resale value in mind, even if you don’t plan to sell your home for quite a while.
In any case, there are certain projects worth doing to bring significant return in value just by tackling a few exterior renovations. Here are a few ideas.
1. Landscaping
Many exterior remodels that involve landscaping can bring significant returns on the value of your home. According to a 2007 survey performed by Home Gain, people who put $400 into their landscaping each year received four times that much in added value to their home in time.
2. Add Solar Panels
Alternative energy is hot stuff right now, particularly when you approach it in terms of cheaper energy costs. Today’s homebuyers are attracted to just about anything to do with environmentally friendly practices, but significantly reduced energy costs are a big bonus.
In contrast to 10 years ago, installation of solar panels is fairly affordable now. Besides the fact that you’ll save up to 80 percent on your energy costs, many states offer a 30 percent tax credit for this kind of renovation, which will save you plenty in the long run.
3. Redesign the Front Door
When it comes to purchasing a home, first impressions are everything. Many people will decide whether they like or love a house within the first few seconds of seeing the place, and a new front door can help to push that response.
Front doors are generally affordable and easy to install. One of these can substantially boost your home’s curb appeal and raise its overall value.
4. Add a Porch or Deck
Although a deck is a luxury, the front porch is a must. This means more than just a couple of concrete steps leading up to the front door.
If possible, extend your front porch to encompass more of the forward-facing part of the home. If you don’t have the space or funds to do that, add embellishments to your front porch with a decorative railing or pillars on either side of the stairs.
If you have the funds to build a deck, that’s a wise move for your home value. A wood deck in your backyard will cost you an average of $9,000 in installation costs, but you’ll receive nearly a 90 percent return on investment for your efforts.
That’s a great result for such a luxurious renovation.
5. Fix the Roof
Besides the fact that a new roof looks great to passing cars, it will also give homebuyers the assurance that nothing will cave in while they’re sleeping. Fixing a shoddy roof won’t add a lot to your property value, but it will attract buyers and may keep a great sale from falling through.
6. Change the Siding
Wood, aluminum, and vinyl siding all have major disadvantages. They generally need to be replaced often and don’t look as good over time.
James Hardie Siding is a great alternative option. It’s a siding option that’s guaranteed to raise the value and curb appeal of your home.
It has risen in popularity over the last few years as a product choice recommended to hold its value. It’s durable, weather- and moisture-resistant, flame retardant, impervious to pests, eco-friendly, and it has one of the most gorgeous and versatile looks available in today’s options for siding.
7. Line the Concrete Foundation
On most houses, there is usually a foot or so of concrete foundation that peeks out from the bottom of the structure. It’s not exactly an eyesore if you leave it alone, but adding a stone-mosaic lining to exposed concrete will make your home look a lot better.
8. Extend the Square Footage
Though the cost of expanding the square footage of your home may not be worth it if you don’t need the extra space for a growing family, the fact that you can receive more than a 70 percent return on investment might help you make the decision between moving and renovating your home.
9. Remodeled Gutters
Replacing or repairing gutters isn’t a project most homeowners think about. However, you’d be surprised how much of a difference gutter renovations can make in the appearance of your home, and they’ll have a significant impact on the functionality.
Gutters can easily be damaged or warped by harsh weather. When they aren’t working properly, they can pose risks for the structure of your home’s foundation and roof. This is one exterior renovation well worth considering.
10. Exchange Windows
Besides the fact that windows can bring in more light and natural appeal, they can also help to lower energy costs and increase the efficiency of your home. The cost of new windows can be fairly substantial, depending on the type of windows you install.
However, this renovation can bring you approximately 80 percent return on investment. The extra 20 percent will quickly be recovered in your energy savings.
11. Use Window Treatments
Awnings, shutters, flower boxes, and other exterior window treatments add a beautiful touch of personality and charm that can also improve your bank balance. Aside from the fact that they boost curb appeal, these window treatments can also help to block the sun and other weather elements, which protects windows from damage and shades your interiors from the light.
Contact Iron River Construction For Your Remodeling Needs
At Iron River Construction, we use only the best materials and products that will get you an optimum return on investment. We know the design and value of your home make it one of your most prized possessions, and our team of experts is available to enhance all of it for you.
For more information about which of these exterior services we can provide, contact us today!
