Top Home Improvements Trends

Renovations can make us happier and provide a place of refuge in our existing homes. In addition, many home improvements have lasting value when it comes to the resale value of your home. 

As a homeowner, in addition to cosmetic changes, consider home renovations that yield the highest rate of return. As always, it's important to take into account your goals and overall budget. A few of the top remodeling projects with the highest rate of return include: 

1. Garage Door Replacement - Replacing older garage doors with good looking new garage doors adds to the curb appeal of the exterior of your home. 
2. Minor Kitchen Refresh - Creating a modern looking functional kitchen by replacing older appliances, kitchen cabinetry, countertops and/or repainting kitchen cabinets.
3. Replacing Windows - Replacing older windows especially in the front of your home with new low-E (energy saver) windows. 

Additionally, when selling your home, homebuyers want to see a clean home with modern updates - that's move-in ready. If you live in a competitive housing market or a big city, your residence will be competing with other listings. You want to get homebuyers' attention with your modern updates.

1. The End of Kitchen Segregation - In earlier home designs and floorplans, the kitchen was separated from the main living room. The new contemporary “open kitchens” are one of the most requested renovations currently.
2. Taking it Outside - Your home is a retreat and residents are realizing the importance of outdoor living areas with upscale features such as outdoor kitchens and refrigerators, BBQ grills and fire pits, covered patios with heaters, TV’s fireplaces and ceiling fans along with remote automatic screens for outdoor enjoyment that’s pest-free.  Additionally, some newer residences and remodeling projects feature operational glass walls that open the home's interior spaces to the backyard, bringing nature inside the home. 
3. Going Eccentric - Home designers and renovation specialists are mixing newer design elements with some older styles. This trend has even been seen in building materials - for example, modern composites used along with old barn wood and rustic wood-beamed ceilings. 
4. Goodbye to Bathtubs - The tub/shower combination which has long been a part of American design history, is often being replaced by homeowners opting for the ease of just a walk-in shower.  
5. Lightening Things Up - Homeowners are choosing flooring that's white, cream or gray instead of the older dark wood colors. Also, cabinet colors, trim, countertops, woodwork in libraries and home offices are going lighter and sometimes brighter. 
6. Bold & Earthy Colors - Jewel-stone colors like emerald, ruby and sapphire are popular for painting walls along with giving homeowners more options in colors and earthy textures. Wallpaper is also making a comeback.
7. Green & Energy Efficient - Eco-friendly and energy efficient home renovations are becoming prominent along with utilizing geothermal energy. Adding Energy Star appliances make homes extra energy-efficient. Homeowners appreciate the cost savings - plus the environment will benefit for future generations.
8. Healthy Remodels - There's an increase in “wellness home remodels” including better lighting, chemical-free water, adding air purification systems and cleaning vents. Removing old carpeting and opting for tile, wood, or new types of flooring which can be cleaner options than older traditional carpeting.
9. High Tech Home Offices - Adding more electrical outlets in your home for all of your tech gadgets - like iPhone, tablet, computer and fitting wall sockets with USB ports - increases the overall livability and function of your home. Also, updating outdated home libraries and turning them into high-tech efficient work spaces. 
10. Accessible to All - Home renovations are beginning to take into account features that might be needed in the future. Residents are choosing to widen doorways for wheelchairs, substitute older carpeting for suitable flooring that allows for wheelchairs and is also less likely to cause tripping, adding ramp access to the home, helpful grab bars in the bathroom and bathtub, replacing tubs with showers that allow for wheelchair access, and install motion-activated sinks and toilets, etc.

Experts agree updating your home can increase its value and marketability - especially when it's time to sell. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the updates while you're living in your existing home.

Edinburgh Custom Homes offers remodeling services in Dallas, along with custom home building in University Park in the Park Cities and in Preston Hollow. Home remodeling expert John Gilley of Edinburgh Custom Homes has received advanced NAHB remodeling certifications including - Certified Graduate Remodeler and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.

For more information on home remodeling in Dallas, Texas or building a new luxury home, please contact Edinburgh Custom Homes at EdinburghCustom.HOMES or call renovation specialist John Gilley today - at 214.336.2228.