Home improvements are typically done to give the home a boost in terms of value, function, and even appearance. With this in mind, there are many things that you can work on in terms of home improvement. It goes without saying that you’ll spend a fortune if you work on every single possible improvement around the house. This is why it’s important that you pick the best improvements to work on, which are typically those that will give you the best returns. To find out what some of these are, take a look at this list of the most popular home improvements that Rochester residents are making this year.
1. Kitchen Remodel
The kitchen has always been one of the most popular spaces in any given home, and this makes it one of the first spaces that homeowners think about when it’s time to make an improvement. There are also many elements in the kitchen, and this means that it’s going to be expected that there will likely be one or more of them that could use an upgrade. As such, it’s no surprise that most of the homeowners in Rochester are working on kitchen remodels this year. Some are minor projects while others are as major as changing their kitchen designs.
If you’re thinking of a single kitchen project that can make a major statement in your kitchen, this may be upgrading the countertop. With a brand-new countertop, your kitchen will be noticeably improved, especially if you get a high-quality countertop. To get one, you may want to talk to a local quartz countertop installer in your area. Quartz is a popular material for kitchen countertops because it not only looks amazing, but also lasts for a long time and ends up being worth the money that’s spent on installing it.
2. Bathroom Remodel
Another popular home improvement project in Rochester at the moment is a bathroom remodel. The bathroom, like the kitchen, gets a lot of traffic all through the day. It also has a number of elements in it that can be upgraded, one at a time. This makes bathroom remodeling a worthwhile project for you to think about working on. Another reason why this is a great project to take on is the fact that your family has probably grown since you moved into the house, with their needs evolving as well.
Think about some of the changes that you feel would make a positive difference to your bathroom and then call local bathroom contractors to help you realize your vision. Whether you need to install new shelves and cabinets to expand the space in your kitchen, or you’d like to change leaky fixtures, note down the improvements that you’d like to make. You can even make your bathroom more accessible with an improvement, just find out if you can add the various projects to your budget and then find the right professionals for the job.
3. New Roof Installation
The other important home improvement project that you should add to your list concerns your roof. Call local roofing companies to inspect your home’s roof and advise you on what you need to do, if anything. This is especially urgent to do if it’s been a long time since you last had it inspected. If you’ve noticed issues with it but aren’t quite sure what they mean, it’s also best to talk to a professional. Your roof is one of the largest and most expensive elements in any home, and this means that you need to treat it with the sensitivity it deserves.
Local roofing contractors should be in a position to help you with everything, from roofing repair to roof replacement. They should also help you make the right call so that you can get full value for the money that you spend. While leaks and other small issues can typically be taken care of with a repair project, other issues may be more serious. Some of the signs that could point towards a roof replacement being the best option include noticing that the roof line is sagging, there are many missing shingles from a shingle roof, or the roof has simply reached its due date. To get the best results from a replacement, pick a sustainable, durable, and safe roofing material.
4. HVAC Upgrades
A good number of homeowners in Rochester are also working on HVAC upgrades. That’s because with proper HVAC, you can keep your family comfortable throughout the year, as temperatures change. If your HVAC is seriously damaged, or it has simply reached the end of its lifespan, talk to a reliable HVAC contractor in your area. Ask them what brand of HVAC unit they’d recommend that you get. This is ideally one that they’ve had the least repair calls for throughout their careers.
Keep in mind that once you get a new air conditioner installed, you need to service it regularly so that you keep it in good shape. You can do this best with the help of local air conditioner contractors that you know to be reliable. They’re going to let you know how often you need to service your unit so that it stays in great shape for a large part of its lifespan. You should also learn about some of the basics of your air conditioner. This way, you might discover that there are actually some maintenance tasks that you can do yourself and also know when you need to call an expert.
5. Furnace Replacement
The Rochester homes that have furnaces are also working on furnace repair this year. The furnace needs to be kept clean and maintained over time so that it keeps working best. As such, it’s important that you know some of the signs that you need to look out for that could spell danger. This way, you can call a professional as soon as something goes wrong, and they’ll be there to get your furnace back in good shape.
If a furnace seems to be having issues more often than not, this may mean that it needs to be replaced. This may be a result of it having reached the end of its lifespan. It may also have been installed in the wrong way, which would make it easier for it to get damaged with general use. With this in mind, make sure that the professional you call to repair it is knowledgeable and has experience enough to do a proper job. In this case, you’re going to have it with you for a long time, especially if you also maintain it regularly.
6. Buying New Furniture
Another worthwhile home improvement project that you can work on is to get new furniture for your home. Quality furniture is typically one of the most expensive items that a homeowner may invest in. This makes it crucial for you to take your time and shop for the right furniture. Look for pieces that are made with high-quality material so that you don’t have to get them repaired or replaced in a shorter time than you’d have to. While these will definitely cost you a tidy sum, they’re going to be a worthwhile investment for you as they’ll offer you maximum comfort and appeal.
If you feel that you’ve bought quality pieces, and they’re in good shape as far as the structure goes, you can look into getting them reupholstered. This is going to give them an instant upgrade in appeal, especially if they’re worked on by a professional. Pick timeless colors and fabrics that will be easy to clean. This will be a great investment for you as you may not have to get them redone in a short time. You can take this opportunity to also work on the other soft furnishings in your house to make sure that everything complements each other.
7. Landscaping
Rochester homeowners are also working on landscaping. This is in a bid to give their curb appeal a boost, because when the landscape is in good shape, it offers an amazing background for the house. Think about the needs that you have for your home’s landscape so that you have a good idea of what you’re working towards. From redesigning the layout of your landscape to simply giving your greenery some attention to help it thrive, there are a number of improvements that can be made to the regular landscape. Once you know what you want, talk to landscapers in the area to get an idea of what you need to do as well as how much it will cost you.
You can make your landscape more functional by adding outdoor furniture to it if you have enough space and a great spot. You could also add lighting so that your home stays attractive and safe throughout. With lighting, you may be able to spend more time outdoors. This may drive other improvements, including adding a fire pit or water feature if you have room for one on your landscape. Plan out everything that you’d like in the end so that you can make the necessary allowances.
8. New Floor Installation
The floor of your home has a number of roles to play in terms of things like safety, comfort, and even appeal as it helps tie everything in your interior space well together. This is the reason why you should add a floor replacement to your list of home improvements to work on if it’s damaged or simply old. In this case, pick a material that will last your home for a long time, making special considerations if you have children or pets. You also need to think about the climate that your home is in, as certain floor materials will suit warmer climates better than others, for instance.
The right floor for your home is also one that you’ll have an easy time keeping clean. Additionally, it should not have extreme contrast to the walls and soft furnishings in your home. When it’s the right color, material, and texture, you can be sure that you’re going to love it, and it will be an amazing investment on your part. The right floor, like hardwood flooring, can give your home’s value a considerable boost.
9. Window Replacement
If your home still has old, single-pane drafty windows that negatively impact your air conditioning efforts, the right solution is to replace them. Look for a window professional in Rochester who will advise you on the right windows for your home. These should not just serve a good function, but they should also upgrade your curb appeal. While this is a solution that’s going to cost you more than simply applying caulk to gaps you find between your windows and the frames, it’s a more permanent one.
10. Old Appliance Upgrades
Last but not least, old appliances in your home could cost you a lot in terms of both energy and efficiency of use. This is the reason why this is an important home improvement project to think about working on. If you have old appliances that you bought a long time ago, or that actually came with the home when you moved in, replacing them can upgrade your home considerably. Most modern appliances are made to work more efficiently with less energy, and that’s why you need to think about this project. Shop around by checking online and talking to various experts so that you have a good idea of the best appliances currently on the market.
With new appliances in your home, you can be sure that it will be more comfortable for you and your family to spend time indoors. You can also choose the perfect material and color for your home. This way, you’ll get an appliance that looks like it was specifically made for your home, rather than looking like a replacement.
These are some of the most popular home improvements that Rochester homeowners are working on this year. Their main aim is to improve both the appearance and functionality of your home at the same time. Pick those that you feel you need the most urgently so that you can get the best returns for your money in terms of value-addition and comfort improvement in your home.