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Home Renovations That Actually Pay Off
Home Renovations That Actually Pay Off
Jan 17, 2024 3:39 PM

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This series is sponsored by Ace Hardware.

Watch any home improvement show and you know the mantra well: kitchens and baths sell homes. So it makes sense that those would be two no-brainer spaces to invest in when trying to add value to your home. But they're not the only improvements you can make that payoff.

These upgrades range from major overhauls to simple weekend projects. Keep reading to find out how to get the most out of your home renovations—and the best time of year to get the work done based on the weather.

Kitchen

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A showstopping kitchen will almost certainly be the envy of family, friends and other guests, and it can help add value when trying to sell your home. But according to some home improvement experts, there is aright way to spend your money to ensure the biggest bang for your buck.

HGTV and DIY Network hosts Matt Blashaw and Nicole Curtis both agree that homeowners should focus their efforts on . "I have seen so many people put in expensive goodies and never fix the bad flow," Curtis said. "Spend the money on the layout — it never goes out of style.If you have a great layout, plugging in new appliances, hardware and cabinets can be quick and easy."

Since kitchen remodeling is done in doors (unless you're doing an expansion), the work can be done during any season.

Bathroom

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Giving an outdated bathroom a facelift can be done without tearing down walls or moving any plumbing. Apartment Therapy has a number of ideas for . And Blashaw agrees. "You don't have to go crazy: Install new fixtures, re-grout the shower, add crown molding and brighten up the room with some paint," he said.

But if you are looking for a bigger project when it comes to your bathroom, consider converting a half bath to a full bath or do a bathroom addition, both of which will add significant value to your home. Money Crashers reports that doing in a bathroom addition can mean .

And just like kitchens, bath remodels (save for expansions) can really be done during any season since the work is completed indoors and weather isn't a significant factor to the project's completion.

Insulation

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While not as sexy as a brand new kitchen or a sleek bathroom update, insulation will pay off in more of a behind-the-scenes way. Adding insulation to your attic will result in significant savings when it comes to your heating and cooling bills. And according to the Cost vs. Value report for 2016, installing attic insulation averages a .

The best time of year to update your insulation is during the transitional periods between the major heating and cooling months. Aim to tackle this project during either the fall or spring.

Front Door

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Want to make a big impact on a small budget? The Cost vs. Value report for 2016, replacing your front door can result in a . It's one of the first things guests and passersby see, so it makes sense that a nice and welcoming entryway is worth the money spent to make it happen.

This simple project can be completed in the span of a single afternoon if you're equipped with the right tools. Since replacing your front door leaves your house open to the elements, avoid rainy or windy days.

Garage Door

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Just like your front door, replacing the garage door with a more attractive and less-dated model is a smart investment. According to the Cost vs. Value report for 2016, replacing the garage door averages a 91.5 percent return on investment.

Just as you want to avoid rainy and windy days when replacing your front door, you may want to follow the same rule of thumb with your garage door. Even though it's not a threshold into the heart of your home, wind and rain can cause excess debris to litter your garage, making cleanup after the project even more time consuming.

Siding

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Looking for an excuse to replace the siding on your home? If so, the Cost vs. Value report has your back. The 2016 average for return on investment for is 77 percent.

Just like insulating your home, updating or replacing the siding should be done between the severe weather seasons. You wouldn't want a major winter storm or other weather event to derail and delay the project would you? Consult with your contractor on the best time to schedule on this renovation.

Master Suite

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Giving yourself a luxurious master bedroom complete with a Pinterest-worthy closet and en suite bathroom may be top priority, but compared to some of the other projects on this list, they pay off isn't as significant. That said, upgrading your current boudoir averages a 64.1 percent return on investment.

Expansions and new builds aside, most master suite remodels will be done completely indoors and therefore aren't dependent on the weather.

Roof

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Replacing your roof—especially if it's an eyesore or in need of some TLC—will be a boost to your home in more ways than one. Having an old roof can be a safety liability and can drive up insurance premiums. So not only will replacing your roof give your home more curb appeal, but it will also keep your family and property protected from severe weather. And depending on the reason, your insurance may cover some of the replacement cost. The average return on investment is 71.7 percent, making it a worthwhile project if it's on your list.

The busy time of year to re-roof your home is late summer, . The major tornado and thunderstorm season will have passed leaving you a few solid months to complete the project before the harsh winter season can begin. If you know you'll need a new roof come July and August, be sure to book well in advance so you can get the project done when you want it completed.

Wood Deck

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Adding a wood deck to your house will add to your entertaining space and add value to your home to the tune of a 75 percent return on investment.

The best time of year to replace your wood deck is in the springtime—right after the winter months. The weather will be pleasant for building the deck and it will be completed in time for the outdoor entertaining season.

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