Whether you're thinking of selling your home and are looking to get the most bang for your buck or you need to make a few improvements around the house on a budget, this blog is for you. If you're anything like us, you've thought about which home renovations are actually worth it for your wallet and which can be passed on. We're sharing the top 4 home improvement projects that aren't worth it and highlighting the projects that won't break the bank (or your back).
Home Renovations That Don't Put 💰 in Your Pocket
Wall-to-wall Carpet
Wall-to-wall carpeting is expensive and hard to maintain or clean, so it might not be a wise investment. Instead, people are using rugs to create that warmth without the commitment to full carpeting. That allows future homeowners to make their own decisions on flooring instead of needing to take up the carpeting.
If you're going to add carpet, we'd recommend sticking to your bedrooms but not expanding it to your living or great rooms.
Limiting Your Living Space
Taking a bedroom and converting it into a closet or home gym may seem like a great idea now, but, in the end, these projects are usually not worth it when it comes to resale because they're removing the home's livable space. What happens if a potential buyer doesn't need the extra closet space but could really use another bedroom?
Home Renovations That Won't Break The Bank (or Your Back 🙌)
Replacing Your Garage and Front Doors
Replacing your garage door costs on average around $1,124, but when you list your home for sale, it adds value to your property. Replacing an old and worn-out garage door will positively impact curb appeal, which in turn leads to higher property values. On average, you'll recoup 97.5% of your investment here according to a study from Remodeling magazine.
A new front door can improve your home's curb appeal and is one way to bring more light into a dark entryway. Replacing just the exterior door on an average-sized house will cost on average $1,105, but it's worth spending this money on the long-term value you'll receive from it.
Refacing Your Cabinet Doors
Replacing cabinets in your kitchen is an affordable way to update your home's look with minimal time or money spent on renovations. Refacing your cabinet doors starts on average between $1,000 - $3,000, depending on style and size choice. This may seem like a lot, but if you consider that this price includes all doorknobs, hinges, handles, drawer slides, etc., you realize what good value these doors are compared to other projects that cost upwards of $5,000 - $10,000+. The great thing about replacing just the cabinet door panels is that they won't impact outside the space itself, so there isn't much clean-up or mess left over after.
Replacing Windows
Installing new windows can vary in price depending on how many and what type of windows you install. Still, they add value to your house by increasing energy efficiency, allowing people with older homes to save money on their monthly utility bills. Replacing your home's old windows with new ones costs on average $650 per window and can have a return on investment of on average 73.4% - 70.8% depending on materials.
