2020 was definitely the year of the home for more reasons than one. Yes, we were all in our homes much more than a normal year, but this time was also spent analyzing them and how much they fit your needs now! This spurred either love, hate or I need to change it ASAP to stay here. Some people sold and found a new home that fit their needs better while others cashed in on their equity to make their current home even better. The beauty of owning your home is being able to use your appreciation to fund these projects and add even more value to it!
The beauty of owning your home is being able to use your appreciation to fund these projects and add even more value to it!
Some of the biggest trends that were seen were:
* Updating/Completing the Basement: Not only does a finished basement add value to your home, it gives you that much more livable space. Light and neutral colors help to keep it brighter and provide the feeling of more space but good lighting is key as well!
* Revamp the Kitchen: Style trends tend to change quickly for kitchens, so they can end up looking more dated faster than other rooms in the house. Being that they are one of the central rooms in the house and the one with the most appliances, this renovation will have a great ROI, so definitely worth the investment. Updating appliances, cabinets and counters are always a good move, but even just a simple paint and lighting change can make a big difference.
Freshening Up the Bathroom: While kitchens probably need the most upkeep in the house, the bathroom comes in a close second and gets lots of updates as well. Small changes such as fresh caulk, a new light fixture or a fresh coat of paint are easy fixes and a nice change to make, but if your bathroom appliances are starting to show some wear and tear, it is worth the investment to update and not deal with leaks or water damage down the road.
Landscaping: Our outdoor space became a much more important piece of the home this past year and lots of landscaping projects occurred because of it! Stone fire pits, heat lamps, pools and patios were popular ways to elevate your space but lots of people also worked to include more flower beds and greener grass as well! Boosting your home’s outdoor appearance and curb appeal can really go a long way!
According to Houzz, those working on outdoor spaces saw the biggest increase in demand, with searches for pool and spa professionals three times what they were a year ago. Not far behind, landscape contractors, deck and patio professionals all saw more than double the demand. Kitchen and bath have always been popular remodeling choices, but they even saw a 40% jump in demand last year compared with a year ago. More people are cooking and eating at home, and kitchens are now even more the center of family life.
Home extensions and additions jumped 52%, and security and privacy also saw much greater demand with interest in fence installation and repairs up 166%.
These projects not only increase the value of your home, they will make it easier to sell when the time comes and the ability to make back more of your money on the sale. So, what projects did you complete in 2020 or are you hoping to do in 2021?
Below is a slideshow of some of the projects some of my clients did on their newly purchased home including updating the basement, new lighting and furniture and fences!
