Making improvements to your home can tremendously increase its curb appeal and subsequent value, whether you just want to enjoy your house for longer or you’re thinking about getting ready to sell. In the United States, home improvement is the fastest-growing retail category, in large part because of the age of houses in the country. Currently, approximately 80% of the nation’s 137 million homes are now at least 20 years old and 40% are at least 50 years old.
Older homes need more TLC and some may even require full remodeling. Whether you are the current owner of an older home or looking to buy one, here are some improvements that can completely change the look and feel of your home.
Flooring
Switching out old floors for new ones is a huge improvement in any home. You can coax a dated fifty-year-old home into the modern era with this simple upgrade. But before you start ripping up your old floors, consider your budget. Flooring comes in a vast range of prices from $3 to $18 per square foot. How much new flooring will cost you depends on the material you choose, size of the space, and whether you’re going to be installing it yourself or hiring a professional.
Once you know your budget, you need to assess the function of the room. If the room receives a lot of foot traffic, high-quality vinyl or laminate is ideal because of how durable and easy to clean it is. Carpet can be a good option for people with young children, but fewer people are opting for it these days because of stains, dust and dander, and showing its age. If you’re planning on selling your house anytime soon, it may be better to opt for hard flooring and area rugs. Hardwoods are a costly flooring option but are long-lasting, energy-efficient, and a timeless design choice. Tile is another great choice – perfect for a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen – with a wide range of price options.
No matter what your budget or needs are, this is an improvement that can totally change your home.
Paint and Stain
If you are working on a tighter budget and need to complete home improvements yourself, painting and staining what you already have may be the answer. Older cabinets, wooden floors, doors, trim, baseboards, ceilings, and walls can all be dramatically improved with a lick of paint.
Expect to spent between $2 and $6 per square foot to paint a home and between $2 and $4 for stain. However, if you don’t want to hire a professional, look up DIY methods and best practices for painting to ensure that you’re happy the end result. Painting interior walls and staining hardwood fixtures and floors can be messy and time-consuming, but can really refresh a home, especially if you choose modern or light colors.
Cabinets and Countertops
Updated cabinetry and countertops level up an ordinary or dated kitchen. Changing out and altering the look of your old cabinets and countertops can be a simple task that makes a huge difference.
In general, the costs for new cabinets based on type are:
- Stock: $100 to $300 per linear foot and $200 to $650+ per unit
- Semi-Custom: $150 to $650 per linear foot and $250 to $800+ per unit
- Custom: $500 to $1,200 per linear foot and $500+ per unit
Replacing cabinets and countertops can cost a lot of money, but there are other options is that’s not in the budget. Consider painting or staining them and replacing the hardware for a more modern look. Alternatively, opt to just replace the cabinet doors, which can save up to 50 percent compared to the cost of a gut.
Replacing countertops can also be costly, but it’s a little more difficult to refinish them and still end up with a stylish, functional, long-lasting result. Marble, granite, quartz, laminate, cement, or butch block can all work, though the installation and the costs associated with each varies substantially. This type of job often warrants a call to a professional, but it’s an improvement that can completely change the look and feel of you kitchen or bathroom.
Additions and Remodeling
Fully remodeling a home or adding an addition are expensive and should only be considered after all other options have been evaluated. Full remodels and additions are best handled by professionals, which can significantly drive up the costs. It’s best to asses your budget and consider whether selling and buying a new house is a better choice before going this route.
If you are interested in improving the look and feel, as well as the value of your house, be sure to fully research your options, set a budget, shop around for deals, and compare multiple quotes from professionals before jumping into the project to ensure costs don’t run away on you.