Whether you recently purchased a fixer-upper, are looking to sell your home in the near future, or simply want to live in a home with the latest and greatest design features, we believe there's no time like the present to start your home renovation project. But should you remodel now in 2022/2023? Business Insider says that the other side of the housing boom is here: home-renovation projects. In this post-pandemic climate, people all over have realized the value of a comfortable home environment. Here are the top three reasons you should remodel your home now and not wait to create that cozy, sacred space that you crave.

1. Materials could be unavailable in years to come.

One of the biggest motivators for remodeling your home now with the talk of a coming economic decline is a likely shortage of materials in years to come. Prepping Planet stated that if you are planning to renovate your house then it is a good idea to buy the materials before a recession comes. During a recession, these construction materials will not have the same demand, which in theory should make their prices lower, but the truth is that most companies will simply stop selling until the market bounces back. Furthermore, we are still seeing shipping delays, so the sooner you can get your materials ordered, the better!

2. Buyers will expect homes to be in tip-top shape.

Selling your home before a recession may be the perfect opportunity to liquidate your equity and build up your nest egg. But today’s housing market is tricky. While some homes in Orange County are still selling over asking price, other sellers are forced to accept offers hundreds of thousands of dollars less than asking price. The bottom line is this: Buyers feel that if they’re going to be paying the full asking price or above, the house should be worth it. Rightfully so. That means that a seller’s home must be in tip-top shape! Read on to hear more about the top spaces to renovate.

3. Home renovations are an investment.

There are a number of reasons to remodel your home including personal taste or comfort, to fix an issue like the electrical wiring, or simply to improve the efficiency and functionality of your home. But the #1 reason to remodel your home is to increase your home’s value.

The areas of your home that will increase your home’s value and provide you with the greatest return on investment (ROI) are kitchens, home offices, and outdoor spaces. We also believe that accessory dwelling units (ADUs or granny flats) could also have made the list, but we will tackle that at a later time.

The Kitchen

One survey says Americans spend more than an average of 400 hours a year in the kitchen. It’s where we start the day with a morning coffee, where we commune with friends over a snack and a spindrift, and where we come together with family at the end of the day to make a meal and connect. Hence a kitchen remodel will provide the greatest ROI compared to any other room renovation. An upgraded high-end kitchen will clearly appeal to homeowners and home buyers alike. When remodeling your kitchen, it's vital to keep a few key things in mind:

Design an open layout for cooking and entertaining so family and friends can easily gather.
Don’t forget the “work triangle” when spacing your alliances.
Opt for chef-grade appliances and smart-home features.
Choose flooring that will withstand wear and tear, but also flow nicely with the rest of your home.
Add some personality in the kitchen: splash in a pop of color with painted cabinetry, go big with impressive countertops, or choose a fun tile pattern for the backsplash or flooring.
Hide the trash, recycling and refrigerator behind cabinet doors for a high-end custom look.
Install larger pantries and hidden storage spaces to maximize functionality.

The Home Office

More than a third of U.S. households reported working from home more frequently than before the pandemic, so home offices are in higher demand than ever before. A home office remodel can also be a tax write-off (don’t forget to consult your tax accountant first ;). But keep in mind that designing an efficient and aesthetically pleasing home office requires careful planning and a greater investment than just adding a desk and computer to an empty bedroom. There are a number of design elements to consider when putting together a home office:

Lighting—what will function best for your work? Is it a task light for detailed work, bright all over light to energize you, or lighting that illuminates your face for your frequent Zoom meetings? If you work best in day light, consider installing large windows or doors to the outside to help let in more natural light.
Noise—are you hosting meetings regularly while next to a room of noisy kids? Explore all your noise-canceling options like strategically placed paneling or thicker drywall.
Technology—aside from the usual office must-haves (computer, printer/scanner, extra monitors, etc.), ask yourself if you need a specific sound system or speakers, video equipment, special charging docs, etc. to get your job done efficiently.
Use of space—to avoid a cluttered look, make good use of your space with built-in bookshelves, hidden storage, and functional furniture.
Comfort—choose high-end furniture that’s comfortable and promotes healthy ergonomics.
Add plants—I’m a huge fan of adding a little life and color to your home office with house plants. Plus, plants can help relieve stress and improve your mood!

The Outdoor Space

Curb appeal will always be one of the top factors in providing significant value to your home. Before we discuss major exterior renovations consider this: homes with well-kept lawns and professional landscaping sell for 7% more than similar homes with exterior blemishes or unattractive front yards. That’s a huge percentage just for maintaining a mowed lawn. Imagine how much your home value would increase if you invested in the following:

Lush, beautiful flowers and trees
An inviting pathway and pavers
A stunning new garage door
New larger windows
A new and improved deck or fence
New siding, brick or stone veneers, or smooth stucco
Intentional lighting to add a decorative touch or highlight architectural features

Or take it up a notch with a new…

Pool/jacuzzi
Firepit
Entertainments areas with comfortable furniture
Outdoor kitchen and bar
Solar panels
Patio doors
Outdoor shower
Accessible dwelling units (AUD’s or granny flats)

Photo credit: @erdmannexteriordesignsltd

Even though remodeling these areas of your home will give you the greatest ROI, that return will vary greatly based on the materials used, how good the design is and how much you invest. Make sure you hire an interior designer who knows the market, and who will not only listen to what you are looking for but can help you make the best decisions for your remodel. And most importantly, remember that the greatest return from investing in your home is the happiness you get from loving where you live every day. Why wait to create the home that you love when you could start living in your dream home now?

Save this blog post for later! Save to your *Pinterest Remodel Ideas Board*.

We can help with full-service interior design as well as more limited design only or E-design services. To learn more, schedule your complimentary discovery call today!