Home improvement projects can quickly add up and drain your savings if you aren’t strategic about what upgrades to make. While some renovation ideas are flashy fads, others are smart investments that will pay off in the long run by increasing your home’s value and comfort.
Making home upgrades is especially beneficial in Austin’s competitive housing market. The Austin real estate market has been hot, with home prices jumping 20% yearly. However, transactions are expected to slow down in 2023 as interest rates and inflation rise, having a negative effect on home sales. This means upgrading your home now can give you a competitive edge in the market.
So if you want to increase property value or make smart upgrades to enjoy for years to come, here are the top trendy home improvement projects worth your money.
Bathroom Spa Retreat :
Transforming your bathroom into a spa retreat is an appealing home upgrade to consider. A soothing, relaxing bathroom provides a private sanctuary right in your own home. But is it worth the investment?
The average cost for a bathroom remodel in Austin is between $6,900 and $36,805. While not inexpensive, the return on investment for bathroom remodels in Austin is about 60%, meaning you could recoup about 60% of the costs should you decide to sell your home in the future. So, contact a professional Austin bathroom remodeling company today to design your dream spa within your budget for the best payoff.
Ultimately, with careful planning and an experienced contractor, a bathroom spa retreat can provide daily renewal and greatly enhance your home’s value.
Luxury Kitchen Upgrades :
Upgrading your kitchen can be one of the smartest and most rewarding home improvement projects. Investing in luxury kitchen upgrades not only makes your home more beautiful and functional but can also increase your home’s value significantly.
Installing high-end appliances like a professional-grade range, refrigerator, and dishwasher makes cooking and entertaining a breeze. Opting for granite, marble, or quartz countertops adds natural beauty and durability. Custom cabinets provide ample storage with style. Other luxurious touches like a wine fridge, pot filler, under-cabinet lighting, and backsplash tile give your kitchen a sophisticated, designer look and feel.
While luxury kitchen upgrades do require a significant upfront investment, if done right,l they can greatly improve your daily life at home while boosting your home’s resale value. A stunning, high-end kitchen remodel is one of the best ways to add comfort, convenience, and a wow factor to your home.
Smart Home Technology:
One of the hottest home trends is upgrading to smart home technology, which refers to devices and appliances that can be controlled remotely through mobile apps, voice commands, or home automation hubs. Smart home improvements worth consideration include smart thermostats, doorbell cameras, security systems, speakers, kitchen appliances, and lighting fixtures.
The upfront cost of buying and installing these high-tech devices is outweighed by the convenience they offer. With smart home tech, you can remotely control features in your home for added security and energy savings. This hands-free access and automation make everyday tasks easier while keeping your home safe. Smart technology also makes your home stand out in the real estate market. To ensure seamless connectivity, it’s also beneficial to install wifi throughout your home, enabling all devices to work efficiently. According to a survey by Wakefield Research, millennials are willing to pay a 20% higher monthly rent for a home with smart technology.
High-End Flooring :
Replace worn, outdated flooring with modern, high-end options such as hardwood, natural stone tile, and plush carpet. New floors immediately boost your home’s aesthetic appeal.
Premium materials like exotic hardwoods, granite, marble, and custom carpeting add luxury. Durable, high-end floors also increase resale value. For the biggest return on investment, replace floors in high-traffic areas like the entryway, kitchen, and master bedroom.
Outdoor Living Spaces:
Creating an outdoor living space is one of the hottest home improvement trends and for a good reason. Adding an outdoor kitchen, dining area, lounge, or entertainment zone extends square footage and provides opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
Upgrades like a full outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven, grill, and bar seating make it easy to cook, dine, and entertain outdoors. Cozy seating areas around an outdoor fireplace or firepit become your new favourite hangout spot. Stylish decking, patios, pergolas, and bali huts add beauty and shade. Integrated audio and mood lighting set the scene for evening fun.
Outdoor upgrades can be as simple or lavish as you want and provide space to enjoy pleasant weather, connect with nature, and make memories with family and friends. Upgraded outdoor living areas add usable living space and recreation options that you’ll enjoy for years to come while increasing your home’s resale value. It’s a trend that’s well worth the investment.
Professionally Installed Insulation:
Proper insulation is one home upgrade that often gets overlooked but can greatly add value to your home. Investing in top-notch insulation from spray foam to batts and radiant barriers provides better climate and sound control.
Air leaks let out heated or cooled air, causing energy waste—high-quality insulation seals these gaps, reducing your utility bills. Insulation also blocks outdoor noises and keeps rooms more comfortable in extreme weather. As sustainable living becomes more and more popular, insulation is no longer an afterthought but a valuable upgrade.
Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors:
Out with the old, drafty windows and doors – it’s time to upgrade to modern, energy-efficient models that will save you money year after year. Energy-efficient windows and doors are one of the hottest trends in home remodelling because they provide impressive savings on energy bills, noise reduction, and even UV ray protection.
Modern window and door designs incorporate double- or triple-pane glass, gas fills between panes, protective UV coatings, and weather-stripping. Energy Star-rated products will save the most on heating and cooling over time. It’s a trendy upgrade that makes your home more beautiful, comfortable, and eco-friendly. So, replace those old French doors with some modern bifold doors and enjoy the benefits of expansive views and no drafts!
Landscaping Curb Appeal:
Great landscaping is one of the most attractive home features for buyers. Levelling up your home’s curb appeal with pro landscaping is a profitable upgrade when selling. Planting trees, eye-catching flower beds and shrubs, installing an irrigation system, adding landscape path lighting, and a stone patio can take your home’s exterior from forgettable to fabulous. Landscaping with vibrant colours and clean lines makes a home’s exterior more welcoming. The right plants and features highlight your home’s architecture. Hence, a professional landscape design is well worth the investment.
Conclusion:
When tackling home renovations and upgrades, invest in projects that increase comfort, reduce costs, and provide the highest returns. These eight smart and trendy home upgrades will modernize your home, making it more comfortable for you and attractive for buyers when it’s time to bid farewell. With strategic renovations that make your home stand out, you can maximize your investment and enjoyment!