Life is all about a balance between bills and investments. You have weekly and monthly expenses that are necessary, as well as additional costs for things that we enjoy. At the same time, we have to be wise with how we choose to spend our money so that we are investing in things that are worth it.
If you are a homeowner in Fairfax County, Virginia, then the home itself is a huge investment you have made. As you build equity over time, that investment becomes more and more beneficial. In the future, if you plan to sell the house, all that equity will pay off.
One of the great privileges of homeownership is the freedom to invest in upgrades of your choice. However, it can be tricky to figure out which improvements are worth the amount of money they cost to complete. Let’s dive into what home improvements are worth the cost in Fairfax County, VA.
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
Bathroom Remodel
If you are concerned about getting the most bang for your buck, then a bathroom renovation is likely to get the greatest return on your investment at sale. New bathrooms are highly desirable to homebuyers because they come with fewer issues. Between the sink, shower, toilet, and moisture problems, bathrooms tend to age poorly. Most experts agree that your home value will climb by the approximate amount that you spend on this type of home improvement. Elements of a bathroom renovation can include a new vanity, a new tub, a new toilet, new fixtures, new flooring, and repainted walls.
Solar Panels
Sustainability is no longer just a trend for modern homeowners. Now, it is a truly desirable option for cutting costs and reducing a homeowner’s impact on the environment. One of the most common strategies for creating a more sustainable home is installing solar panels on the roof. These solar panels will harvest energy from sunlight and turn it into electricity for the home. This will reduce monthly energy costs going forward, especially in the sunnier seasons. You will have a more sustainable home, but the costs can often be intimidating upfront. Fortunately, there are many government tax incentives for green home improvements, so you can look into these programs for a financial advantage. Plus, the value of the home and the long-term savings will make it worth the cost.
Screened-In Porch
Another big project you can tackle is a screened-in porch. This is a porch that is not exposed completely to the open air because of the screen barrier around the perimeter. In many cases, these screens can be mobile, so you can let more air in on nice days. This type of porch will add a lot of value to your home, so selling it in the future will recoup most of the cost. In the present, you and your family can experience the outdoors in a new way, breathing in the fresh air without being exposed to all the elements. An experienced screen porch builder can get the project done for you to save time and ensure the job is done right.
Landscaping
Landscaping is typically much less expensive than other home improvement projects. Much of the work that can be done to shape your yard is manual labor that you can do on your own, saving on costs for professionals. For example, putting a natural stone pathway in the yard will only cost a few hours of physical labor and the cost of materials. Often, supplies for landscaping projects can be purchased in bulk, saving you a lot of money. Additionally, landscaping projects have another important benefit for selling a home: increasing curb appeal. Since the yard is one of the first things people will notice about the property, you can create a positive first impression with appealing landscaping improvements.
Kitchen Renovation
Next to bathrooms, kitchens are often considered the most profitable type of interior renovation. They are a key component of any house in Fairfax County, and many buyers will first look at the kitchen to see if it meets their needs. Small changes can make a big difference, such as purchasing more efficient appliances, painting the cabinets a fresh color, or replacing countertops.
Home Improvement is About Weighing Costs and Benefits
Whenever you are considering a home improvement project in Fairfax County, VA, it is important to do thorough research first. What will be the actual cost of all the materials that are needed? Should a professional be hired to ensure it is done right, and how much will they cost? How will this improvement impact the property value? Are my tastes going to drive off future buyers or appeal to them? Many home improvements are worth the cost simply for the benefits they provide to you as the current owner, but selling in the future should also be a consideration.
