Just for You: Eight Custom Projects to Improve the Value of Your Home

Your home is the biggest investment you will ever make. When considering home projects, some will add value on which you will make a financial return and others will only add the value of your enjoyment. The following eight home projects can add value to your home that may show a return on your investment.

1. Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances are the integral part of any kitchen and outdated, energy wasting appliances cannot only be wasteful and inefficient; they can make your kitchen look and feel drab. New appliances, while not an inexpensive update, can give a kitchen new life and functionality. They can also save money on energy costs due to their efficiency.

2. Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets can make a kitchen look very unappealing. Along with your appliances, an update of cabinetry can give a kitchen a fresh new look.

3. Countertops

When replacing cabinets do not overlook the countertops as the newer countertops are made of composites, ceramic tile and concrete, which has become popular. All of these are easy to maintain and hold up better than the old Formica counter tops that have been used in homes for years.

4. Bathrooms

Remodeling the entire bathroom is not necessary in order to freshen up its appearance. Removing old wallpaper and replacing outdated toilets are an inexpensive fix that can make a bathroom more appealing, as well as more eco-friendly. Newer toilets can quickly pay for themselves by using less water than older units do. In areas with high water costs, this is important.

5. Plumbing Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures are also an easy way to rejuvenate a bathroom or fixture. Drippy plumbing fixtures are not only unattractive they, too can be expensive if they are leaky. They can damage counters and cause further problems to the cabinets to which they are affixed. You do not need to get the most expensive brands in order to make an appearance.

6. Flooring

The newer floorings that are on the market are easier than ever to install. Many products available will give your living space a great look. Laminates are less expensive than real wool, but wood has a high-end look that will add value to your living spaces as well as making cleaning easier than carpet. Some of the laminates, however, have the quality appearance of wood without the added cost and headaches of installation.

7. Shutters

Shutters can be purchased in many styles, and are an attractive feature. The type of custom shutters that one adds to their home will depend on whether you are adding them as an upgrade before selling or merely because you want the look that they afford. Shutters come in many styles, and can be made of composites, wood, or even aluminum and are an easily installed upgrade to your home.

8. Windows

Older windows are not only unattractive on your home they can also be energy robbers. Leaky windows can be a big factor in your utility bills. Although this is not a cheap project to undertake, the return on investment over the years can more than pay for their installation if you plan to keep your home for any length of time.

When considering home upgrades, make sure that the upgrade will bring a return on investment. Some upgrades will not add value, and can be detrimental to the value of the home. Overspending and increasing a home's cost in relation to the homes in the neighborhood is an easy trap to fall into but will not bring a larger sale price when you decide to sell your home.