Home improvements are a great way to add value to your home, make it more practical, and increase your enjoyment of living there. However, not all home additions are created equal. Some are definitely worth doing, while others may not be worth the investment. Here are four home additions that are totally worth it – and two that aren’t so great.
The Ones That Are Worth It
1. Cooking Outside
If you have a backyard and see a lot of sunny days where you live, it offers a great opportunity to enjoy being outside with all the comforts of a home. Installing an outdoor kitchen is one of the best ways to do this. Whether you decide to go with a prefab outdoor island with just a simple awning or go all out with a full kitchen, grill, and bar, you’ll be able to entertain guests and cook your favorite foods outdoors. The most obvious reason for installing an outdoor kitchen is that you can cook outside instead of inside on nice sunny days. This is especially great for things you may already enjoy cooking, like steak. It’s also a great space for larger cooking projects, like Thanksgiving dinner or holiday entertaining. Beyond just the ease of cooking out on sunny days, an outdoor kitchen can add functionality because it can be used year-round – depending on how you build it, to maximize your living space. If you have a covered outdoor kitchen, for example, you can use it in bad weather too.
2. Enclosed Porch
Enclosed porches on the back of a home or on an upstairs level can be great additions that add value and functionality. While they’re often used as sitting rooms, enclosed porches can be turned into more practical spaces for storage, laundry rooms, even small extra bedrooms. Enclosed porches are also excellent for creating outdoor living areas like an extension of your home’s living room or kitchen. They can be outfitted with comfortable furniture, rugs, plants, and more to make them feel like a natural part of the home. And because they’re enclosed, you can use them year-round in most climates. The extra sunlight you get is a great bonus. If you go all out and install glass walls, you can even consider removing the adjoining wall inside the home to open up space for a larger living room. That way you can even enjoy the views of your backyard or garden while you relax.
3. Basement Upgrade
Finishing your basement is one of the best home improvements you can make in terms of added value. Not only does it add living space, but it also usually increases the value of your home by more than the cost of the renovation. In most cases, a finished basement will recoup around 85% of its costs at resale, making it a very wise investment. You can use your newly finished basement as a playroom, home office, guest room, man cave, or almost any other type of space you can imagine. The main concern with basement upgrades is that you have to factor in the insulation, natural light and humidity levels, and other considerations that may not be an issue with other types of home additions. But if you’re ready to move forward with your basement renovation, it’s one of the best ways to expand your home.
4. Build Over The Garage
Adding a room to your home is definitely a great way to add value and make use of space that might otherwise go unused. You can add a bedroom for an office, playroom, or guest room, which can dramatically increase your home’s value. You can also use a garage as a living space, which isn’t as great for the resale value but is very practical if you live in a climate that doesn’t have four seasons and want to enjoy being outside with your family more often. If you’re at all handy, you may even be able to install a simple garage addition yourself and save some money.
The Ones That Are Not Worth It
1. Swimming Pool
While adding a swimming pool to your home can be a lot of fun, it’s not usually the best addition from a value or practicality standpoint. In most cases, a swimming pool is a huge financial drain even after it’s built – and the building process is no small matter either. Depending on the climate and your location, you might not even be able to use your pool year-round. And unless you’re a serious swimmer, a pool is often more trouble than it’s worth. It can be hard to keep clean, takes up a lot of space, and can be dangerous for young children and pets.
2. Wall-To-Wall Carpeting
If you’ve ever seen a home that’s all wall-to-wall carpeting, then you know it can be downright ugly. Wall-to-wall carpeting also isn’t the best choice for your family’s health – especially if you have young children or pets. Carpets tend to collect dust and other allergens, making it hard on people with breathing issues or other sensitivities. If you have to replace the carpeting in your home, think about choosing something that is more practical and easier on allergies. There are plenty of types of flooring these days that are beautiful yet easy to clean, modern without being sterile, and great for families.
So, those are four home additions that are definitely worth your time and money, as well as two that you may want to think twice about. Keep in mind that the best home addition for you depends on your needs and what will work best for your family. Do your research, consult with a professional if needed, and make sure to have fun with the process!
