Published 4/3/24
Choosing The Best Building Materials for Upgrades
Upgrading any part of a property is extremely exciting! Not only do you get to build it to your specific needs and wants, but you also get a chance at a great return on investment. How do you pick your supplies, though?
Whether this is a minor remodel or a major overhaul, this is everything you need to know about your supplies before you get started.
1. Working in the Kitchen
When working in a modern kitchen, you may feel inclined to use a lot of white and bright colors, but that’s not the best go-to as we move into the second half of the 2020s. Buyers are seeking out natural wood colors, which means you can easily create a stunning and sustainable kitchen while keeping on trend.
Bamboo, beech, and cedar are incredibly popular wood types right now. Remember that the more local a kind of wood is, generally, the more sustainable it is. Local native wood will also help your home feel like it fits the local environment better.
2. Bathroom Remodels
Remodeling your bathroom means keeping moisture in mind. You want to use high-quality materials that are going to last and have them installed correctly so you can avoid slippage or eventual damage.
Look into a ceramic tile that’s been treated so it isn’t as slick for floors. Consider a low-flow toilet and putting in touches of luxury. This can mean heated shower floors or a fog-resistant mirror to keep people interested and excited.
3. Bedroom Upgrades
Our bedrooms are our little escapes from the world, so these need to feel as comforting as possible. Consider putting in smart lighting that can be controlled via phone or voice and blinds that are dust-resistant.
A huge push in 2024 has been for sound-reducing materials. People want the best replacement windows for New England, paired with insulation thick enough to keep all noise at bay. Although you want to get along with your neighbors, you don’t want to hear them when you’re trying to sleep.
4. Laundry Spaces
Laundry is a huge deal, something that can make our lives quickly crumble if we don’t keep it under control. Because of this, it’s a good idea to make your laundry room a welcoming and comfortable space for every step of laundry. This means having a sink for rinsing out stains, a bench to set baskets and clothing, and a rack for hanging things when necessary.
If you’re going to upgrade the appliances, go for energy-efficient products with good reviews. Avoid any gimmicks or products that aren’t built to last.
5. Updating the Exterior
The exterior of your property is where the largest and most important upgrades need to be considered. If your roof is over thirty years old, it could be time to replace it. The best material for this will depend on your area, but most are turning to slate.
Slate roofs can last over 100 years if well-maintained and look awesome. They’re resistant to heat and rain and need minimal care. This is a perfect option to get more buyers interested.
Consider adding exterior structures and looking into whether a trellis or a pergola is better for your property.
6. Breathing Life into Living Spaces
Living spaces like dens and living rooms shouldn’t be overlooked! These are key spaces in which buyers picture their lives. Not only should they be attractive and spacious for entertaining, but they need to be comfortable.
For these living spaces, it’s a good call to stop and look at areas like your HVAC system and your flooring. Upgrading to a vinyl floor is the best call if you want a floor that can handle anything, is cost-effective, and looks incredible. If you have wood floors, now’s a good time to refinish them
7. Understanding Storage Areas
Storage is one of the most important spaces in any property in the 2020s. Over a third of people have storage spaces that aren’t part of their main residence. Although this doesn’t seem like a huge deal, it’s a large monthly cost most would rather live without.
Adding storage space that’s waterproof, easy to access, and attractive is all as important as using the best deck screws when you’re building an outdoor entertainment area. Add heavy insulation in these spaces, and consider adding vertical storage in places like the garage to take it further.
8. Sustainability Is a Great Option
If you want to upgrade in a way that will keep buyers running to your home, sustainability is a big deal. This means using materials that are long-lasting, locally or sustainably sourced, and implementing them in a way that makes sense. Avoid gimmicks or greenwashing, but make sure to mention this in the listing!
Your Building Materials Are An Important Decision
Whether you’re upgrading your garage or turning a bedroom into a suite, the materials you use will make a huge difference in the final project. Consider some of these tips, and check out Franklin Investment Realty to help your project be a success!
– Sam Willis
Author Bio:
Sam Willis is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise in residential and commercial real estate, as well as engineering and construction. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Sam’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
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