Building a new home is a mammoth undertaking for most people. Not only does it demand lots of time and resources, but you’re also tasked with making important decisions. The cost of construction only covers the basic structure and the finishing touches. You also have to consider the added expense of furnishing your home, and any other customizations you might want.
We all want to build the best home possible, and minimizing expenses can be difficult, especially with all the upgrades to choose from. But if you sharpen your focus, you can choose upgrades that add the most value to your property such as carports. Not all home improvements add value, and some can even affect your chances of selling your home down the line.
When it comes to home upgrades, function beats design any day. Marble countertops are more valuable to potential home buyers than a man cave, so you need to think about the improvements you want to spend your money on. Here are a few home upgrades that will improve your home’s curb appeal.
1. A home office
With the rise of freelancing and telecommuting, many people today spend more time working at home than at the office. The home office isn’t just a place where you can use a computer or read a book. For many, it’s where they earn a living.
This is especially true for younger people. Adding a home office to your home allows you to make more use of your available space. It will also make your home more impressive to future buyers. If you do decide to sell your home in the future, make sure to include photos of the home office in the listing.
However, a home office isn’t just a room with a desk. You need to make sure it fits certain criteria first. For instance, it has to be insulated from outside noise, so you choose a room that isn’t facing the street. The room should also have enough natural light.
2. Home automation
Futuristic homes like we see on The Jetsons are now possible today thanks to smart technology. You can automate almost every part of your home, from lighting, thermostats, window blinds, doorbells, and even kitchen appliances. Did you forget to unplug the coffee maker before leaving home? Just switch it off using your smartphone.
Smart home systems are now one of the most popular home upgrades today. They make life simpler and more convenient for everyone, and costs have gone down over the years. You will need a decent internet connection, though, if you want to invest in smart upgrades for your home.
3. A fresh coat of paint
If you think your home lacks some personality, a fresh coat of paint could give you the results you’re looking for. It’s cheap and can infuse your home with new energy and life. All you need is a few free days and basic tools, and you can do a DIY painting project. If you decide to hire a professional to do the job, make sure to set aside $5,000 or more.
If you can’t pick a color, choose one that will improve your home’s curbside appeal. Light colors such as white, yellow, and blue are always a popular option. They’re easy on the eyes and make people feel calmer and happier.
4. An outdoor deck
An outdoor deck doubles your entertainment space and allows people to soak up the sun and enjoy the fresh air. Just imagine all the barbecue parties you can throw if you have a wide deck. Many buyers are specifically looking at homes with great entertaining potential, so building a deck can be a worthwhile investment.
Make sure to use natural materials like wood and stone to help your deck blend better with the surroundings. The goal is to make it look like a seamless extension of your home, not something that was tacked on after the fact.
The bottom line
These are just some things you can do to improve your home. You need to be strategic when it comes to home upgrades and improvements. Labor and materials can easily cost a small fortune, so you need to choose upgrades to add value to your property.
