It is easy to put the cart before the horse when performing a home makeover.
Out with the old, in with the new.
It will surely make the house better, right?
Well, not always.
While renovation is undoubtedly a crucial component of homeownership, not all projects are created equal in terms of boosted functionality and ROI. Many renovations immediately turn into money pits that result in immediate remorse.
One of the best ways to avoid this unsavory situation is by choosing top-notch materials. Keep reading as we provide some expert insight on how to select the right options for lasting home renovation success.
Look for Durable Materials to Stand the Test of Time
Modern homeowners have less free time than ever to contribute to household tasks. There simply aren’t enough free weekends in the year to seal, stain, paint, and replace every area of the home when it comes due.
As such, it is crucial to choose durable, low maintenance materials to stand the test of time and limit ongoing upkeep requirements. Choose metal roofing or composite shingles that provide elite moisture resistance and will not shed granules in the face of extended UV exposure.
To avoid having to paint your siding every few years, select the best paint strippers to prepare the surface and apply a heavy-duty acrylic paint that will not crack and peel as readily as low-quality products. Upgrade to robust aluminum or steel window frames to ward off moisture and prevent warping during the changing seasons.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Aesthetics
There is prevailing sentiment in the world of real estate that the quality of a home lies in its bones.
While key areas of the foundation and framing are undoubtedly crucial, make no mistake: aesthetics matter. Solidly-built homes simply will not stand out in a competitive market if they do not offer eye-catching aesthetics. On top of this, there is no way to quantify the pride homeowners feel in occupying a property that looks fantastic.
The good news is that modern homeowners do not have to make a choice between appearances and quality. Many rustic products, such as brick facade and cedar shake shingles, are now manufactured in innovative composites that are nearly indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. This helps the home achieve long-lasting curb appeal to help it shine indefinitely.
Stay Aligned with Strengthening Sustainability Trends
Like every aspect of society, the real estate market is placing an increased emphasis on sustainability. By creating homes that approach net-zero status, homeowners can limit their carbon footprint while saving a bundle on utility bills.
Obviously, solar panels immediately come to mind when it comes to sustainable homes. By harvesting energy from the sun, homeowners can pull less from the local power grid and limit nonrenewable energy consumption.
While this type of PV technology may be the trendy movement in home design, it is far from the only option in creating an energy-efficient property. A comprehensive insulation infrastructure can improve the R-value of the building envelope to create more stable interior temperatures during times of extreme weather.
Low-E windows allow natural light transmission into the home to reduce reliance on artificial lighting sources, all while limiting thermal transfer in the process. EnergyStar appliances can reduce the energy and water required to complete essential household tasks for cumulative sustainability benefits over time.
Know Which Projects Actually Add Value
Home renovation is inherently exciting. It is so rewarding to take a worn and dated space and give it a facelift. It is even more rewarding to do so when it results in an increase in property value.
Therefore, it is crucial to do your homework and figure out just which projects add value and which run the risk of never paying for themselves. For example, while a dream kitchen may seem like a no-brainer, an upscale kitchen remodel only returned 38% ROI in 2024, while a minor, mid-range project returned a far more robust 96% in that same time period.
This just shows that buyers prefer functional, low-maintenance materials such as nonporous countertops and hardwood flooring over more elaborate bells and whistles that are difficult to use and maintain on a day-to-day basis.
Renovate with Future-Proofing in Mind
It is important to consider the present when performing a home makeover. After all, there is a lot to be said for creating a living environment that you can enjoy to the fullest.
With that said, it is equally important to keep an eye on the future. The sunken living rooms and glass brick walls of our parents’ generation seem abominable today, and there is no reason to think that our quirky preferences will be any more appealing to generations to come.
Therefore, a lot of attention is being given to “future-proofing” modern homes. This simply means creating structures that are in the best position to stand the test of time and that will not need to be updated to conform with evolving trends.
The aforementioned sustainability is a great place to start. Simply put, there is not ever going to be a time when less sustainable structures become the norm. In addition, any smart home, accessibility, and safety features that can be included in an upcoming project are likely to be seen favorably as society becomes more tech-centric, conscientious, and egalitarian.
Strategically Select the Best Materials for a Next-Level Home Makeover
Although periodic home renovation is important, not all projects are a guaranteed success. From durable roofing to future-proof features, consider any of the materials discussed above to create a lasting impression for your property. For more of the latest lifestyle and home improvement trends, explore the resources at Meredith Plays for ideas and inspiration!
