High-end luxury kitchen with granite countertops and white cabinets.

Maintaining your home can sometimes seem like a full-time job. You want to live in a comfortable space, and keeping up with maintenance also ensures that your house will be appealing in the real estate market should you decide to sell one day. Many homeowners decide to take on major renovation projects while living in their home with the hopes of one day recouping those expenditures. However, it is important to know which kinds of projects will give you a decent return on your investment. Consider this list of improvements that increase the value of your family home as a start.

Kitchen Remodel

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where family and friends gather to chat and to enjoy meals together. Updating your kitchen can really pay off when it comes to resale value. In addition, investing in this gathering space will let you get the most out of it while you live there. A kitchen remodel can net you an impressive return on your investment and is almost always worth it. Take care not to go overboard, though. You want to maintain comparable value to the rest of your neighborhood. Otherwise, it could be difficult to sell.

Reinvent Space

When it comes to DIY tips, sometimes it is best to reinvent a room rather than completely renovate or add on. Total overhauls can often surpass your original projected budget, leading to higher than anticipated costs that don’t pay off in the end. To save money, consider repurposing a space. For example, sprucing up your basement with paint, new carpeting and modern furnishings can be a relatively affordable improvement that can go a long way toward making the place more livable and adding value. Perhaps turning your attic space into an office or craft room could be a possibility as well.

Deck Addition

Outdoor space is something many people look for when buying a home. Whether it’s for your own family’s use or for entertaining, adding a deck can provide incredible versatility to your home. It’s also something prospective buyers will likely be willing to pay for down the road. Even a small basic deck can be a desirable addition for any home, so don’t let budget deter you from considering this type of improvement.

New Roof

A new roof can be an expensive investment, but it is one that should not be put off. Fortunately, roof replacement doesn’t need to be done too often. You’ll get a long life out of a new roof. You will also save money in damage costs from leaks, mold or mildew. A roof that is new and in good shape is definitely appealing to buyers. They can rest assured that they will have few problems from the home’s roof and that they won’t have to undertake such a large project in the near future. Be sure to pay attention to any signs that might indicate a need for a new roof. An Austin roofing company states that “Any water that leaks into the home – usually as a water stain in the ceiling – means you likely have a roof leak.” Take care of these problems sooner rather than later to avoid a larger cost. Replacing your home’s worn roof could be a real selling point if you’re looking to put your home on the market soon as well.

Energy-Efficient Windows

Any type of home improvement that lowers energy costs is usually considered to be a good investment. Saving money each month on utility bills adds up over time. Chances are good you’ll recoup your investment. Modern energy-efficient windows are one of the best ways to save money and add value to your home. Also, newer windows simply look nice. They can really do a lot to pull the curb appeal of your home together. Something to keep in mind is that it’s even possible to qualify for a green energy tax credit when you choose Energy Star rated windows for your home.

Extra Bathroom

If you are going to consider adding on to your home, the room that might reap you the most bang for your buck is an extra bathroom. This kind of convenience is something that most buyers are looking for. This is especially true if you currently only have one bathroom in your entire house. It’s possible you can find unused space in your home to convert to a bathroom. This is smart if you have space beneath the stairs or a spare closet.

These are some improvements to consider if you wish to increase the value of your home. You can generally feel secure in your investment when taking on any of these projects. Plus, they’ll make your living experience in your house more fulfilling.