Home upgrades to consider that create the most impact and value

Whether you’ve recently bought a fixer-upper, or have been considering renovations on your family home, there’s no doubt that upgrading your house can make it more liveable and increase its value – if you do it right. But how do you know which improvements are worth it, and which are merely money holes? Read on for 5 of the best home upgrades recommended by us.

1. Kitchen renovations

As the heart of the home, kitchens are often one of the first places in a house that renovators look to upgrade. The tricky thing with a kitchen is that it needs to be as functional as it is beautiful, if not more so. You might be tempted to spend big on your kitchen, which could pay off, but there are ways to make a big impact without digging too deep into your pockets.

If you’re building a brand-new kitchen, consider an open-plan design incorporating a living or dining area. Home buyers will love a space where they can cook, dine, and entertain in one place, so whether you’re looking to sell soon, or will live here for many years to come, making the best use of your space should be your number one priority.

Another thing to consider if you have the room is to include a butler’s pantry. Butler’s pantries were common in bygone eras but went out of vogue in modern times to save space in apartments and small houses. They’re now back in style for their convenience and the ability to hide utensils and pantry items out of sight when guests come over.

To put the finishing touches on your kitchen, or if you just want a small refresh, pay attention to your colours and materials used for countertops, cabinets and appliances. Practical materials like quartz and granite that are sleek and modern are your best bet to keep your kitchen in style for years to come. If you’re buying new appliances, consider energy-saving models that will save you and any potential buyers money on the electricity bill.

2. Bathroom upgrades

Another big-ticket item when renovating a house is the bathroom. Bathrooms are often the ‘make or break’ decision for home buyers, so if there’s one place you want to spend money upgrading, it’s here. Your main focus when renovating a bathroom is to make the room look clean, fresh, and bright. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to stick to a light colour scheme – although there is a reason why white bathrooms are the standard choice in hotels and apartment complexes.

Just like in your kitchen, focus the bulk of your upgrades on making the room functional and appealing. A fresh coat of paint, a new vanity, or adding a large mirror can all make the world of difference in how your bathroom looks and feels. If you have some extra money to spend, consider adding in those special touches like dual vanities, double showerheads, or a nice deep bath to give the room that impactful ‘wow factor’.

3. Flooring

One of the often-neglected upgrades in house renovations, new flooring can make a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your home. Floors take a lot of wear and tear, so consider using materials that are long-lasting and easy to maintain, like timber and tiles, especially for areas of the home like the kitchen, living areas, and hallways. Carpets can be more difficult to keep clean and tidy, but are still a good option in bedrooms and cosy areas of the house.

If your floors are in good shape, hire someone to give them a good clean and consider small upgrades like staining bare concrete or regrouting tiles. If you’re looking to save money, you can also completely change the look of a room with materials like laminate or hybrid flooring, which can go directly over concrete or tiled floors.

4. Don’t neglect your outdoor spaces

When homeowners are looking to increase the value of their house, they often focus solely on the interior. But remember, the front of the house is the first thing potential buyers see, and first impressions matter. In Bundaberg, and many other areas, outdoor entertaining is huge, so making sure your backyard is in tip-top shape is also a must.

Upgrading your outdoor spaces could be as simple as giving your house a lick of paint or a clean with a power washer, and hiring a gardener to freshen up your lawns and gardens. However, if you really want to increase the value of your home, you might like to consider some more substantial upgrades. Depending on your space, and what you have installed already, you could look into: 

• Motion sensor lights in your entryway and entertaining areas
• Security cameras and alarm systems
• An outdoor pool and/or sauna
• Upgraded fencing and roofing (or repairing any damages to your existing ones)
• Shade sails or an undercover area for entertaining

5. Heating and cooling

We all know what it’s like to be fanning our faces in summer, unable to get cool, or rugged up in winter wishing for warmer weather. Investing in high-quality, sustainable heating and cooling for your home is a surefire way to improve the quality and value of your house, and make your house more appealing to prospective buyers.

Good insulation is an absolute must to help control the temperature of your home both in summer and winter. Look into options for insulation in your walls, floors, and ceiling to keep your home comfortable and save money on excess heating and cooling. That being said, if you don’t already have a ducted or split-cycle air conditioner, it’s a good idea to consider investing in one. Choose an air conditioner with a high energy rating to save you money on your electricity bill, and increase your house’s value.

Making significant upgrades to your house can feel challenging, but we’re here to help. If you’re looking for a builder in Bundaberg to perform renovations on your home, contact us to discuss your options.