Home renovations have quickly become one of America’s favorite pastimes. There are plenty of home renovations out there that can help you to customize your home. However, not all renovations are going to deliver the same level of return on your investment. Here are five of the most popular home renovations and whether they are worth investing in.
1. Adding a Pool To Your Backyard
Who doesn’t want their own pool in the backyard? Everyone does, right? Maybe. Pools add a lot of lifestyle value to your home, but they do not add a lot of actual monetary value to your home. Buyers tend to see a pool and see a liability. Pools require upkeep and repairs, and depending on where you are located, may only be used for a handful of months.
The verdict on whether to add a pool to your yard is if you are trying to build value with your home renovations, don’t do it. If you are purely doing renovations to improve your lifestyle in your home, go for it.
2. Tankless Water Heaters
Are you thinking about getting rid of your old tank water heater in your home and replacing it with energy-efficient tankless water heaters? Did you notice that “tankless water heaters” are plural? Depending on the size of your home, you may need more than one tankless water heater to adequately meet the demand.
There are about 480,600 plumbers in the United States according to Comfy Living, and just about every one of them can install a tankless water heater, but the question is; are tankless water heaters worth it? The answer is, yes they can be, but no, they may not work for your family.
Tankless water heaters are super energy efficient but they have limits. If you have a very large home or a very large family, it can be difficult to meet the demand or justify the cost of these types of water heaters. The verdict on this home improvement is to go for it if your home is small or you have a small family.
3. Landscaping Renovations
Landscaping renovations are a great option. Landscaping adds about 12% value to your home and creates outdoor spaces that your family can enjoy. While you are rehabbing the yard, consider adding a wooden shed to store all your yard stuff. It lasts about 15 to 20 years according to the Home Builders Association.
The verdict on landscape renovations is a huge thumbs up. It is relatively inexpensive and it adds a lot of value across the board.
4. Upgrading Your Plumbing
About 60 million people in the United States depend on a septic system according to the EPA. Septic systems require special care and maintenance. As a matter of fact, all the plumbing in your home should have periodic professional maintenance. Upgrading your plumbing as needed is a great home renovation project.
The verdict on rehabbing your plumbing is a yes. Have your septic system cleaned and inspected every three years, have your main drain cleaned every year, and replace worn pipes before they break. It is worth the investment.
5. Adding Marble Countertops
Marble countertops can really upgrade any home. However, marble countertops are among the most expensive types of countertops and one of the least durable of the natural stone countertop options. You likely will not get the ROI that you want by adding marble countertops in your kitchen or bathroom. There is a better option. If you are in the market for new countertops for your home, consider granite countertops. They are very popular for a reason. Granite is affordable, durable, and looks amazing.
The verdict on marble countertops is a no. Go with granite instead and get the ROI that you’re hoping for.
There are many popular home improvement projects out there, but just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean that you should. Stay away from trends and look for home improvement projects that will pay you back.
