A Guide to Smart Renovations
Let’s be honest: figuring out what upgrades to make to your home can feel super overwhelming. It’s like being at a giant buffet with way too many options. Don’t worry—you’re not the only one who feels this way. After years of flipping houses, renting properties, and doing the BRRRR method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) here in Milwaukee, I’ve learned a thing or two. Let me share what really works, what doesn’t, and how to keep it simple.
The Most Important Question to Ask
Before you start tearing down walls or buying paint, ask yourself: “What’s my goal here?” Are you trying to make your home easier to sell? Are you fixing it up for renters? Or do you just want to make it nicer for your family? Knowing your goal will help you avoid expensive mistakes.
Here’s a lesson I learned the hard way: I spent way too much time and money adding fancy crown molding to a house I was flipping. The trim looked great, but buyers barely noticed it because the bathroom was still old and ugly. I should have focused on the bathroom first. Lesson learned!
Do Your Research
Before you do anything, spend some time researching—it’ll save you money and headaches later. Depending on your renovation goal, the approach will be different:
- If you’re improving your home to enjoy it more: Sit down with your family and talk about what’s most important. Take your time to think through what changes will truly make your life better now and in the future. Maybe it’s about creating a bigger kitchen where everyone can gather for family dinners, or perhaps it’s about designing a backyard that’s perfect for kids to play, host barbecues, or just relax on the weekends. Make sure everyone’s voice is heard so the upgrades reflect what your family values most. If your kids are old enough, ask them what they’d love in a dream home—their ideas might surprise you and could even inspire something fun, like a treehouse or a built-in play area. Think not only about what works for today but what will still serve your needs as your family grows or changes. This way, you’re investing in upgrades that will stay useful and meaningful for years to come.
- If you’re fixing it up to sell: Talk to real estate agents, other investors, or even home improvement companies to get their advice. Take a look at Zillow or other real estate sites to see what similar homes in your area have done. Look at what features are consistently highlighted in listings that get a lot of attention—these are the upgrades buyers really care about. Are sellers emphasizing new appliances, energy-efficient windows, or recently renovated bathrooms? Use this research to prioritize your efforts. If you’re unsure where to start, schedule a walkthrough with a trusted real estate agent or a contractor who specializes in renovations. They can point out which areas of your home need the most attention. For example, they might suggest a fresh coat of neutral paint to make your home feel modern or recommend focusing on curb appeal to draw buyers in. The level of renovation and finishes will also depend on your location research. In some neighborhoods, brand-new appliances and fresh flooring might be enough—even if the design is simple and the materials are basic. But in other areas, you might need to match the neighborhood standard, which could mean higher-end finishes. Be careful—if you invest too much, you might hurt your return on investment. On the other hand, if the quality is too low, you could struggle to sell the house altogether. Finding the balance between cost and value is key to making the right choices.
Once you’ve done your homework, you’ll have a much clearer idea of where to focus your time and budget.
Tip: If you need help finding professionals for your project, a simple Google search can work wonders. Just type the industry and location into the search bar. For example, if I were renovating a house in Los Angeles, I’d search: Home improvement Los Angeles. This straightforward approach can connect you with contractors, designers, or specialists who understand the local market and can help bring your vision to life. Don’t forget to read their reviews and do your own due diligence to ensure you get advice from the right people.
Key Things to Consider Upgrading
Now that you’ve identified your renovation goals, let’s dive into some key upgrades that can truly transform your home and deliver great value:
- Flooring: A new floor can completely change the feel of a room. If you’re fixing up your home to sell, it’s especially important to see what’s selling in your area. Look at homes on the market and search for flipped houses to see what investors are doing. This is their job, and they’ve invested their money carefully, so they probably know which types of flooring work best for the neighborhood. In some areas, simple laminate or vinyl might suffice, while in higher-end neighborhoods, buyers may expect hardwood or luxury finishes. Learning from local trends will help you make smart, cost-effective decisions.
- Lighting: Lighting isn’t just functional; it sets the mood of your home. Swap out old fixtures for modern designs that match your home’s style. Recessed lighting or dimmers can also make a big difference, especially in living rooms and kitchens.
- Storage Solutions: Adding extra storage is always a smart move. Built-in shelving, under-stair storage, or even closet organizers can make your home more functional and appealing.
- Energy Efficiency: Beyond windows and insulation, think about replacing old HVAC systems or adding smart thermostats. Energy-efficient homes are attractive to buyers, and they help reduce utility bills for everyone. These upgrades can serve you and your family by saving money in the future, and if your goal is selling, they can make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
- Painting: A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective upgrades. Stick to neutral colors if you’re planning to sell, as they make spaces feel larger and more inviting. For personal use, don’t be afraid to experiment with colors that reflect your family’s personality.
- Outdoor Spaces: If you have a yard, think about adding a deck or patio. These features make outdoor spaces more usable and attractive, especially in neighborhoods where outdoor entertaining is common.
- Adding More Rooms: Adding an extra room can be a game-changer depending on your needs. If you’re planning to expand your family, an additional bedroom or playroom might be exactly what you need. For rental properties, more rooms can increase the rent you can charge. And in some neighborhoods, an extra room might significantly boost the resale value of your home. Research your area to understand how much value an additional room can bring and ensure it fits the needs of future buyers or tenants. The same logic applies to bathrooms—adding another bathroom can be a major selling point, especially in homes with larger families or multiple tenants. A well-placed half-bath or a small ensuite can add significant convenience and value to the property.
Each of these upgrades can make a big impact without requiring a complete overhaul. Small short-term trends can be okay, especially if they are easy and inexpensive to implement—a fun accent wall or trendy light fixtures, for example, can add personality without breaking the bank. However, it’s important to take the timing of your sale into account. If you’re planning to renovate now but sell in five years, you’ll need to be more cautious about short-term trends. What’s popular today might look outdated by the time you’re ready to list. Instead, focus on timeless, practical improvements that will remain attractive for years to come. Prioritize the areas that align with your renovation goals and provide the best return on investment. Whether you’re focused on making your home more functional for your family or increasing its market value, thoughtful planning and targeted improvements will make all the difference. By sticking to a clear plan and researching local trends, you’ll ensure your efforts pay off in the long run.
