Our homes are our sanctuaries. It’s where we can go after a
long day and leave our worries at the door. But, after social distancing for months,
your home may feel more like a prison than a sanctuary. So, why not take back
your home and breathe new life into it?
According to HomeLight’sQ3 survey, buyers are looking for a few specific features in a home. If you
have the money and the time, consider these home improvement projects with high ROI, and we’ll share our top tips from top agents about how to tackle these projects.
1. In-law suites
We’ve joked about dreading when the in-laws come by to
visit, but what if there was a way they could visit and not be a burden? An
in-law suite is a great way to make the in-laws comfortable and keep
your sanity. Typically these suites include a bedroom and a full bath, but you
can find suites that are more like a mini-apartment! They could include a small
living area and sometimes even a kitchenette.
2. Outdoor living spaces
There’s nothing like stepping out onto the patio (or deck or
balcony) and breathing in the fresh air. Buyers want to be able to entertain
outdoors and because these features are highly sought after (20% of agents say
their clients want an outdoor area), you can expect to see a decent return on
your investment!
3. No more open floor plans
Open floor plans were made popular by home improvement shows
on television, but due to the pandemic, people are more interested in having
their own, private space. This is certainly true for families who are working
or learning from home. By having clearly defined rooms with a door, folks can
shut the door and do their work in peace.
Plus it’s always nice to have your own little retreat when other household members start to get on your nerves!
4. Touchless features
Homes with touchless features like smart thermostats, lights
and entertainment systems are all the rage nowadays. These features help
minimize the spread of germs and in light of the pandemic, people are very
concerned about the health and well-being of everyone who lives (or visits) the
home. And if you have touchless features like the lights and thermostat, you
can adjust the heat and turn on the lights before you even get home!
5. Antibacterial surfaces and disinfecting zones
Along with touchless features, buyers want to have surfaces
that will not harbor harmful bacteriaand microbes that can get people sick. Materials such as stainless steel,
copper, and surfacestreated with a special coating can go a long way to make people feel
safer.
Not only are people looking for antibacterial and
antimicrobial surfaces, they want a designated space for disinfecting. This
room will be a space where families can leave packages, clothing, shoes, and
other items that may carry the COVID virus and other infectious germs.
Of course, before you decide that you want to take on any renovation project, you need to do your homework and budgeting. These renovations can add up pretty quickly and if you’re not careful, you could easily go over budget!
When it comes time to hire a contractor, as your real estate
agent (if you’re selling your house) for recommendations. If you aren’t going
to sell your home any time soon and still want to do these or other renovation
projects, look for licensed contractors with a good reputation. You’re going to
pay a lot of money, so you’re definitely going to want to make sure it’s well
spent!
Author: Evette Champion
Bio: Experienced Freelance Writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. Strong media and communication professional skilled in creating engaging blog articles for the lovelorn reader.