5 Home Upgrades Worth Considering

When it comes to home improvement, the options are endless. While many homeowners have their sights set on a huge overhaul (hello five-star kitchen complete with the latest and greatest appliances and gadgets), simple home updates that can be completed in a timely manner—without breaking the bank—typically offer the best return on your investment.

If you’re itching to upgrade your home, whether with your own two hands or by bringing in a certified contractor, consider the following ideas:

Change the Hardware. If a complete kitchen or bathroom overhaul is out of the budget, don’t write these rooms off your list just yet. By simply replacing the hardware (drawer pulls, knobs) and faucets, you can create an entirely different look. If you’re feeling really adventurous, and in the mood for a more drastic effect, you can even paint the cabinets. Or, dress up the kitchen with a decorative backsplash that ties the whole room together.

Add a Little Paint. Do all the rooms in your home blend together because they’re painted the same color? Painting an accent wall is a great way to help a room ‘pop.’ Whether it’s in the kitchen, living room, dining room (or any other room in the home), an accent wall is a simple way to incorporate a color you love into the space without going overboard. If you’re content with the walls just the way they are, another popular alternative is to paint the ceiling.

Update the Entryway. An inviting entryway is just as important for creating a good first impression among visitors as it is among prospective buyers. Wow your guests—and even your family—with an updated facade. From (re)painting the front door to incorporating vinyl door decals to welcome visitors in style, updating the front of your home is a surefire way to create a welcoming environment.

Install Hardwood Floors. Hardwood floors are a popular choice among homeowners looking to update their space, and with a little elbow grease and know-how, avid do-it-yourselfers can complete the look with their own two hands. Tongue-and-groove flooring that fits together like a puzzle is a safe bet for anyone looking to get their hands dirty in home improvement projects this season.

Add a Porch/Patio. Whether they’re semi-enclosed, attached to the home’s front entrance or built at ground level, the addition of a porch/patio extends a home’s living space. From adding value to your home to upping its curb appeal, if you have the space, this is one project you should move to the top of your to-do list.

No matter what type of home improvement project you choose to undertake, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to call in reinforcement, especially when it comes to projects you might not be able to tackle on your own.

“When considering completing any home improvement project, you should consider the value of hiring a general contractor,” says Lance Malcolm, chief operating officer of Contractor Connection. “An experienced contractor can be the difference between keeping the project moving forward smoothly or being delayed.”