If you have ever been a homeowner or potential homeowner, you know that some household repairs are much more expensive than others. For example, replacing the whole air conditioning system is a much more expensive repair than replacing the carpet in a couple of bedrooms.
If you are in the market to make some major renovations to your home, we have gathered the ones that you can count on being the most expensive. However, these renovations will also significantly increase the value of your home in the long run.
1. Is your air conditioner experiencing issues?
Depending on the type of unit you purchase and how much square footage the unit needs to cover, replacing your air conditioner will most likely cost a few thousand dollars. The good news is, if your AC is experiencing issues, several companies are currently offering specials on air conditioner replacement at this time of year.
One of the first things potential home buyers look at is the age of the HVAC unit of the house so they know when they can expect to need to replace it. Most units will last approximately 10 to 15 years, but depending on how well you maintain the unit, they could be expected to last much longer. Replacing your unit will greatly increase the value of your home, as well as increase the likelihood of selling the home if you choose to in the future.
2. New backsplashes or cabinetry are a popular choice for homeowners.
From replacing your cabinets to renovating the entire kitchen design, redoing your kitchen is multi-faceted and can get expensive in a short amount of time. While many homeowners replace the cabinets (or just the upper cabinets), appliances, and countertops, some homeowners choose a more DIY approach while undertaking these projects. Instead, many choose to just refinish the cabinets and opt for gently used appliances. A new tile backsplash and some custom durable countertops made of natural stone like marble or granite are a good choice for a kitchen renovation. After all, the kitchen is the main focal point of many homes and the renovation costs are worth the outcome.
One of the most popular kitchen projects in recent years is adding a backsplash to your kitchen. This renovation to the kitchen wall will turn any kitchen into a more elegant area. Something that will cut the cost of adding a backsplash to your kitchen is choosing a standard backsplash, made of tile with a simple grout, rather than one that covers the entirety of the kitchen. There are several reasons why you should choose a standard backsplash. Because less surface area is covered, the cost will be significantly less than what a full kitchen backsplash will run you, which also means fewer materials will be needed for the project. Many interior designers also argue that a standard backsplash will have a more tasteful look than a full kitchen backsplash will.
3. Remove your carpet to put in hardwood floors
This project is also gaining significant popularity in recent years. Interior designers are saying out with the carpet and in with chic, elegant flooring. While there are several cheaper options for hardwood floors on the market, the project is still a major investment for most homeowners. Like the other renovations listed, this one will drastically increase the equity of your home, as well as the likelihood to sell your home in the future. Many home buyers today won’t even consider purchasing a house that has carpet throughout.
4. Replacing the roof will be expensive, but will last for years.
Just like the hardwood floors, many homebuyers ask the inspector to check out the longevity of the roof before they consider purchasing a home since it’s such a big investment. Roof replacement typically costs around $10,000 but depending on the square foot range of your home, that cost could be significantly smaller or larger. There are also several different types of shingles that can be used. While some are much more expensive, their longevity is much more significant than the cheaper options. A new roof protects your structural integrity and keeps your home safe, so it’s definitely worth the cost.
As you can see, some of the most valuable renovations to a home will be the most expensive. If you are curious to get an estimate for some of these repairs but aren’t sure what to expect, it would be a good idea to make an appointment with some local contractors and construction companies.