Thinking about remodeling your home but not sure where to start? Itâs easy to get caught up in design trends, but smart, high-value upgrades will give your home a look that is incredible and boost its value.
Not every renovation delivers the same return on investment, so itâs important to choose projects that add real valueâboth in everyday livability and resale potential.
Here are seven home updates that pack a punch and keep your home feeling fresh, efficient, and built for the future.
1. Start in the Kitchen
Not sure where to start with a home remodel? The kitchen is often the best place. The heart of the home is where daily routines begin, guests gather, and modern home improvements can make the biggest difference.
A kitchen remodel improves your everyday life and delivers a strong return on investment, with even minor renovations recouping a whopping 70% of their cost!
Popular Kitchen Renovation Ideas
Countertops & Cabinets
Upgrading to luxury materials like quartz, granite, or natural wood custom cabinetry instantly elevates the look of your kitchen while improving durability and longevity. Add custom storage solutions like pull-out shelving, large lower drawers with dividers, and built-in appliances.
New Appliances
Do new appliances increase home value? Yesâespecially energy-efficient, high-end models that enhance both style, safety, and function.
Kitchen Island
A larger island improves storage and prep space. Work with your designer to add an overhang to provide a spot for seating, and you'll have a needed multi-tool in your kitchen that you can't believe you lived without.
Open-Concept Expansions
A first-floor addition or kitchen expansion creates more space for entertaining and daily life, but itâs essential to design with your homeâs architectural style in mind.
Cohesive Design
A sleek, modern kitchen in a historic home might feel out of place. The best home improvement trends blend updates with your homeâs character, ensuring harmony between the old and new.
2. Exterior Updates With High ROI
If you're planning a full house renovation, donât forget about the exterior. The outside of your home isnât just about curb appealâitâs about protecting your investment, improving energy efficiency, and increasing resale value.
In fact, some of the best home improvement trends for a top-notch return on investment come from exterior updates.
Top Exterior Home Updates
Garage Door Replacement
A new garage door doesnât just boost curb appeal, itâs also one of the highest improvement value upgrades you can make. A modern, insulated garage door improves energy efficiency and security while giving your home a polished look.
Siding Replacement
Does new siding increase home value? Absolutely! New siding protects your home from the elements, improves insulation, and gives it a fresh, updated appearance. Materials like fiber cement and high-end vinyl offer durability and a modern finish that buyers love.
Entry Door Replacement & Enlargement
Your front door is one of the first things people notice. Replacing it with a high-quality, stylish optionâor enlarging the entrance for a grander lookâcan make your home feel more inviting while improving security and insulation.
Energy-Efficient Windows
Modern home improvements that increase energy efficiency are in high demand. New windows can dramatically cut down on heating and cooling costs while making your home quieter, more comfortable, and more stylish.
3. High-Impact Bathroom Remodel Upgrades
A bathroom remodel is one of the smartest home updates you can make. As one of the most frequently used spaces in your home, it shouldn't feel like a chore to get ready in the morning and relax in the evening.
High-Impact Bathroom Upgrades That Add Value
New Fixtures & Hardware
Replacing outdated showerheads, faucets, and cabinet hardware instantly refreshes your space. Modern, water-efficient fixtures can also help reduce utility costs.
Tile & Grouting
A fresh tile design or new grout can revitalize the look of your bathroom.
Bathtub & Walk-In Showers
A luxury soaking tub or spacious walk-in shower adds comfort and transforms your bathroom into a spa-like retreatâone of the most sought-after home improvement trends today.
Stylish, Personalized Touches
Bathrooms are the perfect place to play with design and color. Consider incorporating statement lighting, bold tile patterns, or high-end finishes to create a space that feels custom and luxurious.
4. Outdoor Additions That Add Value
Your backyard has the potential to be so much more than just a patch of grass. With the right outdoor living upgrades, you can create a space thatâs perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and increasing your homeâs value.
Best Outdoor Home Updates to Consider
Deck or Patio Expansion
A spacious deck or patio creates the perfect spot for lounging, dining, and hosting. Consider materials like composite decking, stone pavers, and stamped concrete.
Outdoor Kitchen & Dining Area
Love to entertain? A custom outdoor kitchen with built-in grills, sinks, and refrigeration makes cooking al fresco a breeze. Include a covered dining area with ceiling fans or heaters, and youâve got a space that works year-round. Add a custom bar with an ice maker, seating, plenty of storage for mixers and break-resistant glassware.
Screened Porch or Sunroom
Want to enjoy the outdoors without the bugs? A screened-in porch or sunroom addition offers a bright, airy space thatâs comfortable in all seasons.
Fireplace
Add warmth and ambiance to your outdoor living space with a fireplace. A built-in fireplace with seating creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere for gatherings on cool nights. For larger spaces, you could add a double-sided fireplace to warm up two areas at once, like your dining area and lounge area.
5. Improvements Across the Home
While you're reimagining your home, donât forget about the updates that increase value, improve efficiency, and make everyday life more comfortable. Sometimes, the best improvements are the practical ones.
Must-Have Updates to Include in Your Remodel
Electrical & Panel Upgrades
Many older homes werenât built to handle todayâs energy demands. If you're adding new appliances, lighting, or smart home features, updating your electrical panel and wiring is essential to keep things running safely and efficiently.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
A remodel is the perfect time to upgrade your ventilation system, replace outdated air ducts, or add whole-home air purifiers and dehumidifiers. These upgrades make a huge difference in allergy control, moisture management, and overall air quality.
Flooring Refresh Throughout
Old flooring can instantly date a home. Refinish your original hardwoods, install luxury vinyl plank, or choose natural stone tile. Work with your designer to guide your selection process. Some materials work better for different demands in different spaces.
New Interior & Exterior Doors
Donât stop at just a new front doorârefreshing interior doors, closet doors, and sliding glass patio doors adds instant style and functionality to your home. Upgrading to solid-core doors also helps with sound insulation, making spaces quieter and more private.
Bathroom Upgrades That Add Value
A return on investment bathroom remodel doesnât mean you need a full overhaul. Swapping outdated tile, adding sleek new fixtures, and upgrading lighting can make your bathroom feel brand new.
Updated Lighting Throughout:
Donât underestimate the power of great lighting. From recessed lights and statement chandeliers to under-cabinet and dimmable LED options, smart lighting design enhances both form and function.
6. Basement Transformation Ideas
If your basement is unfinished, underutilized, or just a glorified storage unit, itâs time to rethink what it can be. A basement renovation is one of the best ways to maximize your homeâs space while adding serious value.
Want a place to entertain? Need extra room for guests? Dreaming of a private gym or home office? A basement remodel gives you the opportunity to be that space in your home you've been longing for.
Basement Ideas to Create Your Perfect Haven Underfoot
Home Theater or Media Room
Bring the big-screen experience home with surround sound, a projector, and cozy recliners. Add a half bath and a snack bar for convenience.
Guest Suite or In-Law Apartment
A finished basement with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette gives guests (or family members) a comfortable, private retreat. Include a separate entrance for even more independence.
Home Gym
Skip the crowded gym and monthly fees by creating your own workout spaceârubber flooring, mirrors, top-tier equipment, and even a sauna for recuperation.
Bar & Lounge
A custom bar with seating, stylish shelving, and accent lighting can turn your basement into the ultimate cocktail lounge or game-day hangout.
Game Room or Playroom
Keep the kids (or adults) entertained with a space designed for video games, board games, or a billiards table.
Home Office or Creative Studio
Whether you're working from home or honing a craft, a quiet, dedicated space makes all the difference. Include a kitchenette and a half bathroom for uninterrupted creativity.
.jpg?width=1000&height=1500&name=C0528_0009%20(3).jpg)
7. Energy Efficiency Enhancements
A home remodel is the perfect time to make energy-efficient upgrades that will reduce utility costs, enhance comfort, and increase your homeâs value.
While focusing on aesthetic improvements, donât overlook opportunities to make your home greener, smarter, and more cost-effective in the long run.
High-Impact Energy Efficiency Upgrades
High-Efficiency Windows & Doors
Upgrading to double or triple-pane windows and well-insulated doors significantly improves temperature control and reduces energy loss. Modern low-E glass also blocks UV rays, protecting your furniture and flooring from fading.
Smart, Energy-Efficient Appliances
If your remodel includes a kitchen or laundry upgrade, opt for ENERGY STARÂŽ certified appliances. They use less water and electricity while delivering top performanceâa win-win for your home and your utility bills.
Tankless Water Heater
Unlike traditional water heaters that keep a full tank hot at all times, tankless models heat water on demand, reducing energy waste and ensuring endless hot water whenever you need it.
Solar Panels
If youâre planning exterior updates or a roof replacement, consider adding solar panels to harness clean energy and lower your electric bill. Many homeowners also qualify for tax incentives when installing solar.
Electric Car Charging Station
Future-proof your home by installing an EV charging station in your garage or driveway. As more people switch to electric vehicles, this upgrade adds convenience and appeal for future buyers.
Attic & Wall Insulation
Proper insulation reduces heating and cooling costs year-round. If youâre opening walls for a whole home remodel, take advantage of the opportunity to install modern, high-R-value insulation.
Smart Home Energy Management
Incorporate smart thermostats, LED lighting, and automated energy-efficient systems to keep your home comfortable while reducing waste.
Make Every Dollar Count with the Right D.C. Area Home Remodeler
Thinking about remodeling your home but not sure where to start? Itâs easy to get caught up in design trends, but smart, high-value upgrades will give you a home that looks incredible and works better for your lifestyle.
Not every renovation delivers the same return on investment, so itâs important to choose projects that add real valueâboth in everyday livability and resale potential. If you're looking for a team that will help guide you through deciding which remodeling projects are right for your home, get in touch with us.
At Metro Building & Remodeling Group, we strive to give every homeowner a remodel that adds value and suits the way you live. Schedule a consultation with us today.
