Value for Money: Utah Home Improvements to Look at in 2019
Whether you’ve just settled into your new home in Salt Lake City, or have been living here for some time now, chances are there are a few changes you’ve been eyeing as you go about your daily routines. Homeowners across the United States have continued to spend on various home improvement jobs over the past few years.
The industry is booming, but owners are increasingly smart and selective about their projects. After all, buying a house is a considerable expense; even affordable homes, by most definitions, are considered to be worth around one-third of household income. That means a lot of us don’t have too much wiggle room to tackle expensive upgrades, and return on investment (ROI) has become a frequent topic of discussion among builders and contractors.
Planning and cost-effectiveness are undoubtedly important. Here are some ideas for home improvements that could work out for your money spent.
Value
According to the latest 2019 Cost vs. Value report findings, adding a stone veneer will bring in the biggest ROI for any home improvement in Utah this year. With an average resale return of 130%, this could be a wise choice to replace your home’s existing siding. The variety of available stones makes it versatile and a good fit with many design trends.
Energy efficiency
Making your home more sustainable is a key consideration that’s not going away as people continue to seek ways to minimize their carbon footprint. Improved windows can help to reduce your energy consumption significantly. With the ability to regulate your home’s lighting, insulation, and thermal transfer, and a high rating on the ROI list to boot, consider a new window installation as a priority for your next upgrade to your Salt Lake City home.
Safety
When it comes to essential home systems, your immediate concern should be anything that’s obviously in need of repairs, such as damaged roofing, wall cracks, or outdated electrical wiring. However, considering our winter and Utah’s overall water hardness, it’s never a bad idea to invest in better plumbing – this also happens to be the most frequent home system upgrade across the country, according to the latest Houzz data.
Winter
Speaking of winter, one seasonal improvement you may want to look into is a new wool carpet. This material is not only cozy stuff for the holiday visitors; it increases your home’s effective insulation, which means lowered energy costs for heating just in time for the season.
Security
When it comes to making your home a more secure place to live in, there are many options out there, from surveillance systems to motion-activated lights. But the main point of entry is still a great place to begin your upgrades; your front door could use some smart locks or motion sensors, assuming the basics – hinges and frame – are all sturdy and in good condition. And a new garage door can be a smart way of defending one more method of approach, with excellent ROI as well.
Additional room
For added room functionality, the past few years have shown that homeowners across the nation still love an extra bathroom. People might settle into their Utah homes without immediate plans to start a family, and having kids means a second bathroom is much needed. Any guests coming over will certainly appreciate the convenience as well.
It’s important to look at home improvement numbers and trends, but also beyond them. Consider your biggest areas of need, and find the best value when looking to address them.