Not all home improvements are created equal. Some projects deliver an impressive return on investment, while others—no matter how stunning—may not boost your home value in the same way. But here’s the truth: focusing only on immediate resale value misses the bigger picture.
We encourage homeowners to view renovations as both a long-term investment and a way to improve how you live in your home now, while still making sense for its future value. The right project should make your home more functional and enjoyable today, while adding long-term worth.
There’s a tangible benefit to a well-planned home renovation, and there’s also a substantial emotional cost to not doing the work. Consider the frustration of hosting dinner parties in a cramped kitchen, or skipping the idea altogether because of it. Picture those mornings when the whole family is trying to get ready in a bathroom that can barely handle two people at once.
Functional improvements can:
Start your mornings with ease: A thoughtfully designed kitchen makes room for everyone, whether it’s prepping breakfast, packing lunches, or grabbing coffee, without bumping elbows.
Create calm through organization: When every belonging has a designated spot, clutter disappears and your home feels more peaceful.
Make hosting and family gatherings easier: Well-designed layouts allow you to enjoy being in your home with the people you care about most.
The best home improvement projects give you the best of both worlds: they make your life easier today while also adding long-term value for the future. These eight improvements are smart choices that pay off in more ways than one.
Kitchens consistently top the list of high-value upgrades, but a “band-aid fix” is rarely a worthwhile long-term solution. Instead of minor kitchen remodels such as painting cabinets, updating light fixtures, replacing countertops without addressing layout challenges, or purchasing temporary appliances, it’s best to tackle the root issues from the start.
Key considerations for a value-adding kitchen:
Know who will use the kitchen: The way a kitchen functions for a household with two busy adults is very different from one with young children or one that frequently hosts. Think about how the space will be used on an ordinary weekday morning and during larger gatherings. Will multiple people be cooking at once? Does the chef of the house need uninterrupted prep space, or is it a shared effort? Planning for both daily use and special occasions ensures your kitchen will meet all demands.
Functional storage: Storage isn’t just about adding more cabinets; it’s about designing them for the way you cook, host, and store items. This is where custom cabinetry really shines. Deep roll-out drawers make pots and pans easy to reach without crouching. A built-in KitchenAid lift eliminates the strain of moving heavy appliances. Custom utensil organizers keep drawers from becoming cluttered catch-alls. When kitchen storage is designed intentionally, it saves time, enhances safety, and helps maintain an organized, stress-free space.
Layout and flow: Layout drives functionality. Many of the daily annoyances people experience in their kitchens stem from poor layout and inefficient use of space. If your refrigerator door blocks a walkway, if you constantly have to cross the room to access prep surfaces, or if your storage doesn’t match the way you cook and entertain, a quick cosmetic update won’t solve those problems.
Without rethinking how work zones are arranged, how traffic flows through the space, and how storage is integrated, you’ll still face the same bottlenecks, clutter, and inefficiencies, just in a prettier (and more expensive) setting. The result is that you have spent time and money on changes that don’t improve how the kitchen actually works for you and your family.
Prep and countertop space: Countertops are valuable real estate in a kitchen. Ample, uninterrupted prep areas commonly found in kitchen islands make cooking more efficient, while strategically placed landing zones next to appliances improve safety and convenience. Materials are just as important. Durable countertop surfaces that resist staining and scratching will serve you well for years to come.
Like kitchens, bathroom renovations benefit from complete solutions rather than temporary updates. Adding a fresh coat of paint, redoing tile, or updating fixtures may look nice short-term, but hidden leaks or outdated plumbing can cause costly damage later. If the layout doesn’t support your family’s needs, no amount of cosmetic upgrades will resolve the underlying functional challenges.
What to consider:
Number of bathrooms needed: Having the right number of bathrooms is a necessity for achieving both convenience and functionality. Too few can lead to morning traffic jams, constant scheduling conflicts, and even spark arguments, especially in larger households. If you frequently host guests, adding an extra full or half bath can also make entertaining less stressful and more comfortable for everyone.
Who will use them (and when) to minimize disruptions: Understanding the daily patterns in your home helps guide smarter bathroom design. If multiple people get ready at the same time, features like double vanities, multiple mirrors, and a separate shower area can significantly reduce congestion. If a bathroom is primarily for guests, privacy and ease of use should take priority.
Functional needs—storage, tub or shower preference, lighting, and layout: Every bathroom should be tailored to the way it will be used. Ample storage for towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies keeps counters clutter-free. The choice between a tub, a shower, or both depends on your lifestyle. Families with small children often need a tub, while many homeowners prefer the ease and accessibility of a walk-in shower. Proper lighting, from task lights at the vanity to softer ambient options, ensures the space is both practical and inviting. A thoughtful layout can make even small bathrooms feel more spacious and efficient.
Features like a separate water closet for shared bathrooms: When more than one person needs to use the same bathroom, separating the toilet area with a door or partition allows for simultaneous use without sacrificing privacy. This small design choice can have a big impact on convenience, particularly in a primary suite or shared family bathroom.
When space starts to feel tight, many homeowners assume moving is the only answer. But often, the best solution is rethinking the space you already have. Adding livable square footage, whether through an addition or by converting underutilized areas like attics, basements, or garages, can give your home the breathing room it needs without uprooting your life.
The key isn’t just adding more space for the sake of it. How that new area connects to your existing layout is just as important. A thoughtfully designed addition should feel seamless, supporting the flow of your home and making it easier to live in every day. For example, a family room addition works best when it ties into the kitchen and dining areas, creating a natural gathering spot for both daily routines and entertaining.
Benefits of adding livable square footage include:
Increased functionality: New space can be tailored to exactly what your family needs, whether that’s a larger kitchen, a primary suite, or a dedicated home office.
Staying in the neighborhood you love: Expanding your current home allows you to remain in the school district, community, and location that already work for your family.
Long-term flexibility: Extra bedrooms, bathrooms, or multipurpose spaces can adapt as your needs change over time, serving kids, guests, or even aging parents.
Greater value: Additional usable space almost always translates to increased home value, especially when it’s designed to be functional and cohesive with the rest of the house.
Adding livable square footage isn’t simply about making your home bigger; it’s about making the new space work better for you. The right addition or conversion can solve space challenges, improve the flow of your home, and make it possible to stay in the place you already know and love.
First impressions matter, which is why many of our clients choose to pair larger renovations with curb appeal upgrades. These home improvement projects don’t just improve how your home looks from the street; they can increase property value, make you feel proud every time you pull into the driveway, and make your exterior spaces more practical and enjoyable to use.
Examples include:
Updated siding, entry door, new roof, and garage door replacement: Updating these key exterior elements can give your home a fresh, well-cared-for look while also making it more comfortable to live in and secure. Better insulation from new siding and windows can help lower energy bills, while a sturdy front or garage door improves safety and reduces upkeep. These changes will protect your home from the elements while simultaneously keeping it looking its best.
Fresh landscaping and hardscaping (patios, walkways, driveways, porches): Thoughtful landscaping and well-built hardscaping can completely change the look of your property. Patios, walkways, and porches add structure and function, while updated plantings bring texture and color. Together, they make your outdoor spaces more usable and appealing year-round.
Outdoor lighting to highlight your home’s best features: Good exterior lighting does more than make your home’s exterior look nice at night. It improves safety by brightening walkways and entry points, makes it easier to enjoy your yard after dark, and draws attention to the architectural details and landscaping you’re most proud of.
When done right, energy upgrades can lower your utility bills and keep your home comfortable in every season. In many older homes, windows and doors have worn seals, outdated weather stripping, or thin glass that lets air escape.
High-impact remodeling projects include:
Installing new windows with Low-E glass to help block heat in the summer
Adding insulation to maintain steady indoor temperatures
Using smart thermostats, lighting systems, and even outlets that can alert you during a power outage
Tip: Take advantage of programs like the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program for rebates and free home energy assessments
Replacing worn carpet with hardwood flooring, tile, or luxury vinyl creates a clean, updated look that homebuyers love. Choose durable, low-maintenance materials that fit the needs of each space. For example, tile in mudrooms and laundry rooms adds a high-end look and practicality.
Decks, patios, and three-season rooms extend your living space and make it easier to enjoy the outdoors. Features like built-in grills, fire pits, and upgraded patio doors create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection for entertaining.
Finishing your basement is one of the most versatile ways to gain usable square footage without altering your home’s footprint. Because the space already exists, it’s often one of the most efficient renovation projects to maximize what you already have.
Basements act as a blank canvas, ready to be tailored to your needs. They can become a guest suite, home office, gym, kids’ hangout, or an additional family room. Adding egress windows also allows you to create legal bedrooms, giving you even more flexibility for growing families or long-term guests.
What makes a finished basement especially valuable is its ability to serve multiple purposes at once. A well-planned design can combine spaces like a home office and workout area, a recreation space with an additional bathroom, or a mix of private and open zones so that your basement adapts as your family’s needs change.
By finishing the square footage you already own, you create new living areas that improve how your home functions day-to-day while adding meaningful value for the future.
Some home upgrades look impressive but don’t always deliver a strong return when it’s time to sell. Swimming pools, for example, can be expensive to install and maintain, and not every buyer wants the upkeep, safety concerns, or seasonal limitations that come with them.
Over-customized spaces, such as themed rooms, custom murals, or converting a bedroom into an oversized closet, can limit your home’s appeal. While they might suit your personal style perfectly, potential buyers may see them as something they’ll need to change, which can reduce their perceived value.
1. Focus on how the space will improve your life now—not just resale value.
A remodel should make your home work better for you from the moment it’s finished. When you choose projects that solve everyday challenges, make your routines easier, and create spaces you truly enjoy using, you get an immediate return in quality of life, which is equally as important as a financial return on investment. The resale value is an added bonus, but it shouldn’t be the only driver.
2. Remember that transitional neighborhoods can be a smart investment (high tides raise all ships).
In areas where some homes are dated and others have already been renovated, improvements to your home can help lift the value of the entire neighborhood. As more homeowners make updates, the area becomes more desirable, which can benefit everyone’s property values, including yours.
3. Work with a local design-build professional who understands both functionality and market appeal.
A design-build team with experience in your area will know how to design for the way you actually live in your home, while also incorporating features that buyers value most in your specific market. They will help you strike the right balance between creating a home that fits your lifestyle and one that holds its value for the future.
The best home improvements strike a balance between beauty, function, and future value. When you invest in projects that make your home more enjoyable to live in today, you’re also making a smart investment in your future.
Are you ready to take the next step in planning your renovation? Download The Ultimate Step-by-Step Home Renovation Transformation Guide and get a clear roadmap for creating a home that works for your life today while building lasting value for tomorrow.