Confused on where to start renovating your older home? Some projects are worth more when selling than others, and some will even pay you back! Check out these top 5 best investments when renovating an older home to get started on the right track.
Top 5 Best Investments When Renovating an Older Home
You may feel overwhelmed at the thoughts of renovating your older home. It really can be hard to choose a place to start when it seems like everything needs to be updated or repaired. However, there are some renovations that are better investments than others. Whether it's improving the curb appeal or redoing the kitchen, you can't go wrong with these investments.
5 Best Investments When Renovating an Older Home
1. Improve the Curb Appeal
First things first. It doesn't matter how gorgeous the inside of your home is if the outside looks terrible. Spend the money to paint or replace the siding. Or if the siding is in good condition, you can power wash it to make it bright again, and give the trim around windows and doors a new coat of paint or stain. You also want to invest money in plants, especially evergreens that will add color all year long, and landscaping. If the walkway is busted up, put in a new one. Address each area that's an eyesore so that your home looks as good outside as it does inside.
2. Replace the Windows
One of the best investments, that will actually pay you back too, is new windows. While older wood windows can be beautiful, they aren't the least bit efficient. This means that you're literally throwing money out the window all year long. Invest in energy-efficient windows that match the style of your home. Or if you're absolutely in love with your old wood windows, replace the seals and make sure storm windows are installed to help cut down energy costs a little bit.
3. Add a New Roof
An old roof can be a tragedy waiting to happen. Not only will you begin to see leaks, but there may be leaks that you don't see that damage the foundation of the roof. This can result in a huge expense. Spend the money to install a new roof, and save your home from future problems.
4. Update the Heating and Cooling Systems
Another area of your home that is just waiting to become a huge problem is the heating and cooling system. Not only are older systems not energy efficient, but they can also be dangerous. Invest the money to upgrade to a central heating and air unit that has a programmable thermostat. You'll spend less money due to the new efficiency and because you're able to program it to meet your exact needs.
5. Redo the Kitchen and Bathrooms
Last, but not least, if you want to see a return on your investments, kitchens and bathrooms are the rooms you want to redo. Both of these rooms almost always make money. Also, updating your kitchen appliances, and even your toilet, can help reduce your energy costs. It's a win-win.
Any of these areas can be a great place to start when renovating an older home. However, remember that the basics of the home are important too, especially when selling a home. No one wants to purchase a home that needs a new roof. Even if you're planning to keep the house, you don't want to wait until you see problems to make updates. Spend the money and start updating (and have fun making the house fit your style!)
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J says
Great tips! Just moved into my new home and definitely have work to do on the kitchen and bathroom. I can’t wait to feel like I’m in my own home! I didn’t even think about checking out the heating and cooling system. Looks like I have a lot of work on my hands1
-J