5 High-Value Additions to Make to Your New Home
When looking to style your new home, some additions can not only increase the overall value of your home but also save you money in the long run. When thinking of the process of renovating, it can be difficult to decide where to start. Think of it as a process of making your home your own. Even simple additions can in turn benefit you from a value standpoint.
Windows and Siding
The addition of new windows and siding will not only improve the look of your home but also ensure that your home is properly insulated. Making sure that your home is up to date on recent building codes could see you saving more money each month. The codes that are currently in place for newly built homes have resulted in them being 17% more energy efficient.
To prevent leaks or damage that comes with age, it is recommended that windows be replaced every 15 to 20 years. When it comes to the siding of your home, there is a lifespan of around 20 to 40 years, but when moving into a new home, consider if the siding represents your style. The addition of new siding can completely revamp your entire home.
The Garage
Old garage doors are not only unattractive but are also loud. Adding a new garage door can change the curb appeal of your house. Attached garages also run the risk of causing higher energy costs due to poor insulation. Energy-efficient garage doors have three layers and use polyurethane insulation. This method of construction provides a greater seal to the elements than a typical garage door. Consider also adding or replacing the insulation throughout the garage itself. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star program recommends adding insulation to lower costs and improve efficiency. The EPA Energy Star program estimated that the insulation offered savings of up to 20% on monthly bills.
Greenery
The value and look of your new home can be transformed by updating your outdoor living area. Consider first updating your lawn. Re-seeding or in severe cases – adding sod – is a simple way to update your home. Creating a regiment that includes weed treatments, anti-fungal treatments if necessary, and proper mowing can create a lush, healthy lawn.
Adding additional foliage around your home, such as bushes, flowers, and leafy green plants can make a world of difference. Gardens breathe fresh life into otherwise drab properties. This brings curbside value to your home. A well-manicured home is more attractive than one that looks unkempt. The addition of greenery is a simple job with a large payout.
A Backyard Oasis
When looking toward the backyard, the addition of an outdoor living area not only increases the monetary value of your home but also increases the personal value of your home. Adding a deck or patio with an outdoor kitchen is shown to significantly increase the market value of a home. Outdoor living spaces are a large trend right now, due to the amenities that they offer. You’re able to take the indoors outside, cooking and entertaining in your new space.
Water Features
Pools are one addition that may not be the first thing that you think of when you purchase your home, but a pool, hot tub, or spa can add value to your home. Newer homeowners are starting to splash into the pool, hot tub, or spa ownership with 17.12% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 owning at least one.
No matter where you are in your homeownership journey, it’s important to consider additions that add value, both monetary and personal, to your home.
