5 Overlooked Reno Ideas That Add Major Value to Your Home, According to a Contractor

This story is a part of our Old House New Issue, where we explore why people are no longer moving in 2024, and how to renovate your current home to make it work for you. To learn more about where to start on home renos, which projects to prioritize, and how to love the home you have, check out our full issue here.

When it comes to home renovations, many homeowners focus on the obvious upgrades: kitchen remodels, bathroom overhauls, and expansive additions. While these projects undoubtedly enhance comfort and aesthetics, they often overshadow smaller, less glamorous improvements that can significantly boost your home’s value. 

From minor upgrades to larger-scale renos, these overlooked home renovations will increase your home’s aesthetic appeal and return on investment. Here are five home renovations you should consider, whether you’re getting your home ready to sell or simply looking to upgrade your space.

Prioritizing Open Concept Design

Is open-concept design dead? Kristin Hintlian, co-owner of luxury residential contractor Bonsai Builders, says no. However, this doesn’t mean you need to go around knocking down all your walls. Instead, focus on opening up the spaces that make sense, both functionally and aesthetically. 

The kitchen-living-dining spaces are particularly popular, especially in smaller homes. According to Hintlian, removing a wall between the living and dining spaces can increase the flow of natural light and help create a more inviting and spacious atmosphere. 

This certainly isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Some homes fare well with defined spaces, especially if you live in an older home and want to preserve some of its original character. However, this is one home renovation worth considering, especially if you are preparing your home to sell. 

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Landscaping

The value of landscaping is commonly overlooked by homeowners who are looking to tackle renovations around the home. However, excellent landscaping can increase a home’s value by as much as 10%.

Besides its monetary benefits, a beautifully landscaped home improves its aesthetic appeal and atmosphere. It can extend your living space to the outdoors, providing extra seating and entertainment areas.  

Landscaping doesn’t necessarily need to be done by professionals to be valuable, but often it helps. The key to increasing the value of your home, especially monetarily, with landscaping is that it’s done well. However, if you want to upgrade your space for your benefit, tackling landscaping yourself can be a rewarding and fun endeavor. 

Replacing Countertops

If a full kitchen remodel isn’t within your budget, replacing your countertops can be an effective way to refresh your space. Hintlian notes that selecting the right countertops is key. In her experience, granite is a great option. 

“Granite is heat resistant and stands up well to scratches and stains, making it a wise upgrade for both long-term use and home resale value,” she says. 

Sure, it may require a heftier upfront investment than lower-grade options such as laminate, but it will elevate your kitchen functionally and aesthetically. In the long run, it’s an upgrade that is sure to pay off.

Upgrading the Staircase 

Staircases are one of a home’s central visual features, yet they are often forgotten in home renovations. However, there are lots of ways to upgrade your staircase, including updating the stair treads, replacing the railing, repainting, decorating the risers with wallpaper or tile, adding a stair runner, or even just adding artwork and decor to the walls. 

“In my experience, this upgrade can be done without major structural changes, yet it delivers a contemporary look that lifts the whole interior,” Hintlian says. 

Swapping Out Light Fixtures

Lastly, swapping out light fixtures is a simple and often overlooked upgrade that can drastically improve your home’s value and overall ambiance. Whether you have builder-grade fixtures or old, outdated lighting, new light fixtures are a great way to enhance the space. 

Adding light fixtures to your home rather than just replacing existing ones is another underrated home improvement that can drastically enhance your space. Some homes, particularly older ones, have very few light sources, making them feel dark and smaller than they are. Installing additional light fixtures like overhead lights, pot lights, sconces, or even just table lamps can help make the space feel brighter and more spacious.

Plus, with the help of a qualified professional, it’s a quick and easy job that can be completed in a day—talk about fast yet effective.