A new kitchen is every homeowner’s dream. There’s nothing more luxurious than a spacious, modern kitchen with lots of light and brand-new fixtures. A kitchen renovation is also one of the smartest remodeling projects you can undertake.
While the biggest reason you should remodel your home is improving your quality of life, it helps to prioritize projects that will improve the resale value of your home. Kitchen renovations have a great ROI, returning on average 92.8% of the cost of remodeling. In some cities, kitchen remodeling can even deliver better-than-cost at resale. Better returns on your investment will help you recoup the costs of home improvements when you decide to remodel.
Bathroom remodels are another attractive remodeling project with a good ROI. Home buyers like to see luxury in these parts of the home. But at the end of the day, the best reason to take on a remodeling project is building the home of your dreams.
Minor vs. Major Remodels
If you’re moving anytime soon, keep your renovations minor and cosmetic. They have better returns and, frankly, it’s not worth putting your family through major renovations when you’re going to be selling soon. On the other hand, if moving isn’t in your near future, it may be worth a major renovation that goes down to the bones of your home, even down to the plumbing. With major renovations like these, you want to take the opportunity to upgrade the basics that will keep your home running smoothly and efficiently for decades to come.
New Fixtures
New fixtures are one of the biggest reasons people want to remodel their kitchen or bathroom. A new sink, shower, or tub can make a huge difference in your kitchen and bathroom. Modern kitchen sinks can come with features like pull-out faucets, innovative taps that bring water right where you need it, and eye-popping contemporary finishes.
Should You Replace Your Plumbing?
Once you’ve decided to get new fixtures, it might be a good time to replace and upgrade your plumbing. If you’re changing the fixtures, the pipes are exposed anyway. Hiring a plumber with experience in your area to change the plumbing during a renovation can cost as little as a few extra hundred dollars, since you’re already down to the pipes.
What are the advantages of changing your plumbing during a home renovation? Your pipes should have an average lifespan of 70 to 100 years, depending on whether they were made from galvanized steel, brass, or copper. Cast iron drain lines can also last up to 100 years, but PVC can last as little as 25 years. Depending on the age of your home, problems may start arising in the latter years. Keep an eye out for problems.
Older homes may even still use lead pipes. Lead pipes leech lead into your drinking water – a serious health risk.
Doing some work on your plumbing and upgrading your pipes while they’re exposed and you’re renovating will save you money in the long run. You can save thousands of dollars getting the job done now rather than later. Call your local plumber about upgrading your plumbing.
