Regular renovation is an important aspect of keeping your home safe, functional, and up-to-date. With that said, as design sensibilities and buyer demands evolve, what served as a high-value remodeling project last year may not carry the same weight in years to come. To help you get the most bang for your buck, we have sorted through 7 trending renovation projects that will add the most value to your Grand Rapids-area home in 2022.
1. Basement Remodel
Remodeling a basement has not always been a priority project for home improvement enthusiasts. After all, spending upwards of $30,000 to complete a “man cave” is a tough pill to swallow for many homeowners.
However, in 2022, having a finished basement means much more than having a comfy nook to watch the game. With the increased demand for home office and gym areas, as well as the potential for renting out space to help defray the rising cost of housing, homeowners are now looking for the best ways to put their basements to functional use.
Some critical features to include in a finished basement include:
- The best flooring for a basement, such as luxury vinyl plank or engineered hardwood, that will most effectively stand up to moisture
- Adding waterproof membranes to the foundation and basement walls
- Including acoustic ceiling tiles to help muffle the sound from overhead foot traffic
When properly executed, a finished basement can recoup up to 75% of costs through increased resale value.
2. Home Office Redesign
Similar to a finished basement, a home office went from a nice luxury to a must-have in the post-pandemic world of remote work. Statistics show that a top-notch home office can increase home value by as much as 10%. Some features to include when designing your home office include:
- Sliding pocket doors to maximize functional space
- Nonporous solid surface desks and shelving to streamline cleaning
- Large windows to maximize natural light flow
3. Deck Addition
The pandemic placed increased focus on the importance of functional exterior spaces–a trend set to continue full steam ahead throughout 2022. While there are countless ways to improve your home’s exterior, perhaps none are as simple–or value adding–as building a deck.
According to statistics, a wood deck addition in the Michigan region will improve home resale value by more than $10,000. To help maximize these returns and guarantee the safety, performance, and longevity of your deck project, consider treating the planks with a heavy duty deck stain and covering the area with a stylish pergola to help protect it from excessive sun exposure.
4. Outdoor Kitchen
While on the topic of exterior renovations, an outdoor kitchen is an increasingly popular project for homeowners looking for a change of scenery within the confines of their own property. With the demand for functional outdoor spaces increasing by more than 10% in 2021, be sure to include these features when designing your outdoor kitchen in 2022:
- Moisture resistant quartz countertops
- Louvered pergola for better control of the elements
- Stainless steel appliances
- Masonry floor and counter skirting
- PVC cabinets
5. Landscaping
Mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges may seem like mundane chores, but you may be surprised to find out that basic landscaping can improve your home’s resale value by upwards of 12%. Some simple landscaping ideas include:
- Installing a permeable gravel driveway to improve upon the marred appearance of cracked concrete
- Landscape drainage solutions, such as slot or grate drains, for your sidewalks or pool decks
- Xeriscaping or other features that will lower water consumption
6. Sustainability Features
Buyers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable, eco-friendly features in a home. Not only can these features help lower energy and maintenance costs, but homeowners enjoy the altruistic value of knowing they are contributing to the long-term health of the planet. Some of the best sustainability features in a home are:
- Recycled steel siding
- Bamboo floors – bamboo very closely resembles engineered hardwood but uses a much more resource-efficient growing cycle
- Smart features that allow homeowners to optimize heating and cooling cycles
- EnergyStar appliances
- Solar panels
7. New Windows
New windows can improve the value of your home across a variety of fronts. They can improve the natural light flow into the home, reducing the dependence on artificial light and improving energy efficiency. They can also help boost the home’s curb appeal, as giving the home a fresh set of “eyes” is one of the first things passersby will notice. To further leverage the curb appeal of your new windows, consider installing them simultaneously with a siding or trim upgrade. Some trendy styles include board and batten, farmhouse, and white house with black trim.
Make Your Mark With High Value Renovations in 2022
Not all renovation projects are created equal in terms of ROI. Therefore, to help maximize the value of your Grand Rapids-are home, a basement remodel, home office redesign, deck addition, outdoor kitchen, landscaping, sustainability features, and new windows are 7 of the most high-value renovation projects you can perform in 2022.
Andrea Erickson is a contributor to Innovative Building Materials. She is a blogger and content writer for the real estate industry. Andrea is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that increase property value, maximize energy savings, and turn houses into homes.