8 Home Upgrades You Need to Make

Are you taking care of your biggest asset?

For most Americans, their home is their number one asset, costing more than anything else they own. And like anything else of value, it requires some upkeep and TLC to uphold—or even increase—its worth.

If you haven’t devoted time to home improvement lately, read on for eight home upgrades you should consider.

1. Kitchen Counters and Cabinets

The kitchen is one area where home renovations can greatly increase value for the entire home.

Kitchen counters and cabinets start to look outdated over time. Not only do styles change, but stained countertops or peeling cabinets can turn the entire room into an eyesore.

If you haven’t upgraded your kitchen’s counters or cabinets in the last 10 years, now’s the time to do so.

2. Roof

A worn and damaged roof can be a major liability to your home. An old roof can lead to problems such as:

• leaks and floods
• pest issues
• trouble with climate control (hot or cold air leaking in)
• mold growth

You may notice missing or curling shingles, rotting wood, and other signs of an outdated roof. But even without obvious red flags, it’s best to get a new roof at least every 25 years.

To find out if your roof is need of replacing, read about when to replace my roof. 

3. Bathroom Tile

Many bathrooms have some tile, whether it be in the shower, on the walls, or on the floor.

Many types of tile can be relatively durable, but tile is still susceptible to cracking, staining, and other unsightly damage.

Bathroom tile also tends to fit in with the trends of the time, so if your tile is from 10 or 20 years ago, it may look old-fashioned now.

Revamp your bathroom by replacing the tile. If you’re looking to replace a stale style, go for timeless white or earth tones.

Besides aesthetics, you may also want to upgrade your tile if it has moldy grout, blemishes, or broken tiles. A professional may only regrout the tile or replace the tiles entirely.

4. Windows

Windows are especially important in maintaining the value and quality of your home. And many homes—including yours—may be overdue for a window upgrade.

New windows not only make your home look fresher, but they can also save you money on cooling and heating costs. And if you’ve noticed a few too many critters in your home lately, new windows may prevent these pests from entering your home.

There are several signs you should get new windows including:

• draftiness and air leaks around the windows
• outside noise leaking in
• windows don’t easily open or close
• the style looks outdated
• window frames are damaged
• condensation spots on the windows
• leaks, such as when it rains
• mold on or around the windows
• cracks and other damage

Consider investing in multi-pane windows for extra thickness. You can also add weatherstripping and fill in any gaps with caulk.

5. Finished Basement

If you treat your basement like an afterthought, it’s time to consider upgrading it.

A finished basement adds square footage to your home, which raises its value and makes it more appealing to buyers (if you ever plan to sell your home, that is).

Finishing a basement may take more time and money than some other home renovations, but it pays off in the end. Many homeowners can expect to receive 75% of their money back in added property value.

Start by thinking how you want to use the basement. Do you want to create a living space for an in-law, a game room for your kids, or a space to entertain guests? Keep this function in mind when designing the space.

Then, add insulation, install walls, and add flooring to begin your finished basement project.

6. Eco-Friendly Upgrades

If you’re concerned about your home’s impact on the environment, consider eco-friendly upgrades.

Upgrading your roof and windows already helps you save energy used for heating and cooling. But don’t just stop there. Make your home extra friendly to the environment by:

• installing solar panels
• using smart thermostats and smart meters
• adding a garden to your roof or deck
• swapping light bulbs for energy saving ones
• getting annual HVAC and water heater maintenance checks
• lowering water pressure

Read the next item in this list for another useful way to turn your home green.

7. Insulation

Insulation protects your home’s interior. It can be placed in walls, the roof, and floors, acting as a barrier against hot and cold air.

While insulation is an important part of keeping your home comfortable, it unfortunately doesn’t last forever. Most insulation should be replaced every 15 to 20 years. If you neglect updating your insulation, you may notice air leaks, high energy bills, and even pests such as mice.

Call in the professionals to help you change out your insulation. They may be able to give you a new, upgraded type that lasts several decades (unlike many of the types of insulation available 10 or more years ago).

8. Garage Door

Most garage doors involve several moving parts, making it easy for pieces to break over time. If you’ve recently dealt with garage door malfunctions or issues like sagging or clicking, it might be time to upgrade.

You may also want to change your garage door’s design to boost curb appeal. There are a range of garage door styles available today, from all-glass to farmhouse wood.

Home Upgrades to Make Today

Protect your home and its value with regular home upgrades. To get started, try out one of the eight ideas discussed here.

For more home improvement tips, check out our other articles!