What Are the Most Desirable Home Improvements for Newlyweds?

Home improvements after the wedding mark an exciting beginning to your married life. With so many projects to tackle, which ones should you prioritize? Focusing on those that boost your home’s value ensures your expenses count.

This way, you can build equity on your property more quickly or gain enough returns on investment (ROI) to afford a bigger home later.

Recent market research indicates that these six home improvements are your best bets.

 

1. Hardwood Flooring Refinish

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Remodelers estimates that this project may increase home value by $5,000 — 147% higher than the job’s approximate cost of $3,400. Finding buyers willing to pay an extra $1,600 for a refinished hardwood floor is relatively easy because this feature is a definite home desirability boost.

What’s more, it’s less disruptive than resurfacing. Using an eco-friendly stain allows you to enjoy your space much sooner. Such a green product may have zero or low volatile organic compounds — harmful emissions that lower indoor air quality.

Refinishing your home’s hardwood floor is worth the trouble only when it looks worn and scuffed. If you have damaged planks, replacing them will make more sense. Resurfacing is less convenient, but NARI Remodelers believes a $5,500 new wood flooring project has an ROI of 118%. The margin is slimmer, but it may still add a thousand bucks to your bank account at resale.

 

2. Fresh Coat of Light-Colored Paint

There’s a reason 65% of homeowners repaint their indoor spaces. Surface colors dictate a room’s mood — the dominant hue determines whether it feels relaxing or energetic.

Beauty is subjective, but the most forgiving paint color is any shade of white. Bright walls are airy because they reflect light well. Conversely, dark hues absorb light, making spaces feel hotter and seem smaller.

Light colors are neutral, so most people prefer them. Anecdotally, applying a fresh coat of paint, decluttering and deep-cleaning your home can convince buyers to bid $20,000 higher and finalize a deal more quickly.

In addition to colors, consider paint finishes. Generally, the glossier the finish, the more reflective, durable and moisture-resistant it is. However, too much sheen can create a mirror-like effect — which may seem tacky when used abundantly — and highlight surface imperfections. Use eggshell paint finishes in high-traffic areas and high- or semi-gloss ones on accent walls to balance aesthetics and maintenance.

 

3. Home Office Update

The home office is now a staple of American residences. About 35% of employed adults work from home full-time, while hybrid workers telecommute at least three days a week.

Houses with functional home offices sell for more than 3% higher than those without. A home office is more than just a workstation with a reliable internet connection. It should also be quiet, bright and comfortable. Tips for a conducive working space include the following:

• Choose a low-traffic area that gets plenty of daylight.
• Outfit it with ergonomic furniture.
• Incorporate built-in storage solutions to save space.
• Decorate it with soundproofing elements — such as acoustic panels, insulated windows, wooden shutters, mass-loaded vinyl curtains, upholstered chairs and rugs — to reduce outside noises.

Some employers help finance home office improvements. Find out whether your company offers stipends or reimburses specific purchases to save money.

4. Shower Addition

Research shows that 71% of home improvement experts say homeowners are willing to spend more to remodel a bathroom than before. Sixty-five percent consider the shower the most sought-after feature.

Add a shower to enhance your bathroom’s functionality and attract more people to your property when you list it. This fixture can coexist with your tub or have a dedicated area if you have space to spare.

Compare showerheads that bear the WaterSense label. These products meet federal criteria for water efficiency, allowing you to conserve 0.5 gallons of water per minute compared to standard models and reduce your utility bills.

 

5. Landscape Upgrade

Beautifying your landscape is an effective strategy to discourage homebuyers from making lowball offers. Most would offset every penny you spent as a thank-you for saving them time and energy for doing a project.

If you upgrade your landscape before marriage, your stunning backyard can be a memorable wedding venue. Imagine how much you can save if you hold the ceremony and reception on your property and use personal items to decorate. This idea isn’t for everyone but adds a personalized touch to your wedding, creating an eclectic vibe.

Moreover, proper yard upkeep can convince buyers to pay more. Landscape maintenance has a cost recovery of 104% — not too shabby. If your hardscape is in good condition, concentrate on a standard lawn care service to get more bang for your buck. Its impressive 217% return proves that a well-manicured grass area is a vital home value determiner.

 

6. HVAC Electrification

Sustainability is a powerful influencer of consumer behavior. The 2023 Cost vs. Value Report found that HVAC electric conversions recorded the highest ROI among 23 remodeling projects nationwide. Spending $17,747 to switch from a fossil-burning furnace to an electric heat pump raised home values by $18,366 — with a 103.5% cost recovery.

Recouping less than 4% of your initial expense can be unexciting, but the financial rewards don’t stop there. Going electric can lower your energy bills and qualify you for a tax credit or a local utility rebate.

 

Start Your Marriage on a High Note

Home projects can be stressful for newlyweds but also a fun bonding experience. Improving your home to suit your lifestyle and increase your wealth should be high on any couple’s bucket list.

 

 

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

 

 

are you a bride or groom-to-be?

We'd love to plan with you on weddingday-online.com. Let's get started!

 
are you a wedding extraordinaire?

Join WeddingDay Magazine in inspiring brides by partnering with us! See how here.