Spending some time or money on home improvement projects can both boost the value of your property and help you enjoy life in your house. This guide helps you pick the projects that will pay you back, decide when to DIY and when to pay a pro, tap into the latest decorating trends, and more.

Renovate or move? It’s an eternal debate for most homeowners and a question that 2022’s chaotic housing market helped many people answer without a doubt.

As far back as 2020, before the Covid-19 pandemic even began, the Dallas Morning News was already reporting a shift in the Texas real estate market and the rest of the nation. A growing number of homeowners were opting to fix their existing abodes rather than move.

Three years later, in early 2023, House Method released data claiming that 55% of homeowners had renovated a portion of their homes in the past year.

This renovation trend doesn’t seem likely to go away any time soon. That said, the intense desire to renovate doesn’t necessarily mean doing so will pay off financially. The insurance company, The Zebra, provides a flow chart to help homeowners decide if renovations are worth their time, effort, and resources. Carpenter and TV personality Bob Vila has also spent time grappling with the important question of whether you can over-improve a house.

If you find that you’re in the majority of homeowners working to improve your current living space, it’s important to direct that investment into areas of home improvement that will be worthwhile. Consider renovations that will make you happy now and be an investment if you decide to sell in the future, too.

Here are 10 home improvement projects most likely to add value and sellability to your home.

When the National Association of REALTORS Research Group released its Remodeling Impact Report for 2022, wooden floor renovations took not one but both top spots for value-added projects.

Refinishing hardwood floors led to an average 147% estimate of costs recovered (an astronomical figure, even for a list like this). New wood flooring, while more expensive, saw a 118% return on investment (ROI).

The upgrade left homeowners enjoying their homes more while adding a long-term toughness and durability to some of their home’s most essential surfaces.

Wood floors may be a top option due to their durability and visual appeal. However, the Remodeling Impact Report referenced above also found that the unseen upgrade of adding insulation to a home was a financially effective activity.

Although insulating a home provides no visually desirable improvements, it plays to an essential desire of many modern home buyers: energy efficiency. Between the growing desire to live sustainably and save costs, a well-insulated home has become a top priority for many home buyers.

This means home sellers, on average, were able to recoup 100% of the additional insulation costs when selling the house. In addition, adding insulation can help reduce utility bills while you’re still living on the property.

One of the most obvious ways to improve a home is by expanding it. When you add an addition of any kind to a home, you’re expanding the square footage — which will directly reflect the home’s overall value.

Along with the general value that comes with a bigger home, you can also tailor an addition to the needs of a house. For instance, if a home has four bedrooms and one bathroom, you can make sure to add another full bathroom in your addition. If the kitchen or living area is small, expanding a central room like that can also be highly effective.

According to Remodeling’s 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, each addition provides a different degree of recouped value. For instance, on the one hand, a simple wooden deck has a 65.8% ROI when selling. On the other hand, adding a midrange master suite drops the number to 54.7%, partly due to its high upfront cost.

The garage door was the first item on Remodeling’s above-cited report for cost recouped in home renovations. The site found that homeowners regained around 93.8% of the cost of a new garage door (when replacing an existing door).

This isn’t surprising, considering how important curb appeal is for the homebuying process. A new garage door can provide a clean, updated feel to a home’s exterior — and at a much lower price point than something like a new roof.

Much like hardwood floors, the average upfront costs of a garage door replacement are comparatively low, usually coming in at less than $4,000. This makes it much easier to recoup the costs when selling the home.

Along with a garage door, your landscaping is another area of easy, affordable improvement. Part of the appeal, in this case, is the wide variety of options available.

From new paths to fresh gardens, there are many ways to improve the look of a property, and many homeowners save costs with these DIY activities.

Remodeling’s 2021 report also claimed that adding manufactured stone veneer to a home’s exterior is one of the top recoupable renovations, with the average sale leading to a 92.1% ROI.

Everyone knows the value a fresh kitchen can add to a home. The REALTOR and Remodeling reports have kitchens on their list of top value-added renovations. REALTOR notes a full kitchen reno at 75% ROI, while Remodeling puts a minor midrange upgrade at 72.2% ROI.

The issue with a kitchen renovation is deciding which upgrades have the most value-added effect. It’s a subject that the Austin Luxury Group addresses head-on.

The realtor group points out that new cabinets, more countertop space, floors and skylights tend to reward investors. In contrast, fancy materials, nonessential luxury items and excessively personal choices can detract from a kitchen’s value.

Like kitchen remodels, bathrooms have been practical home improvement investments for years. House Method puts the current ROI of a bathroom remodel in Texas at 60% of the initial investment.

The site adds that, while still worthwhile as a remodeling project, the overall cost of remodels has increased since 2012. For comparison, the average remodel cost in 2012 was $13,898, compared to $25,815 in 2022.

The steep increase has dropped the ROI in the Lone Star State by over 10 percentage points. Yet, despite the reduction, improving a bathroom remains one of the best ways to improve an existing home.

The complexities of adding a two-story addition to a house are intimidating. It’s enough for most homeowners to abandon the thought and search for easier projects to tackle. However, This Old House claims second-story add-ons may be worthwhile if you can give it a little time to appreciate in value.

The home improvement site reports that a two-story addition can provide an 83% return after one year. This is one of the best returns right up there with a minor kitchen remodel or new bathroom. It can pay off down the road if you’re prepared for the initial costs and logistical elements that come with building upwards.

Effective exterior renovation options like replacing siding and windows can also pay off. According to Remodeling’s data, homeowners can recoup 69% of a fiber cement siding replacement. This also has the added benefit of providing a visually stunning improvement to your home’s curb appeal.

Vinyl windows also provide a 68.6% ROI. That number can go up if you opt for replacement windows, as these easily fall into the DIY category. Upgrading windows also increases a home’s energy efficiency, which can help nudge a homebuyer toward making a more aggressive offer.

Most of the items on this list focus on more extensive activities. However, there are smaller, functionally focused aspects of remodeling that can also help a home sell faster.

For instance, according to data from NAHB (the National Association of Home Builders), 34% of homeowners want improved functionality from a remodel. This could be something as simple as making sure you have a viable home office. It could also include removing a non-load-bearing wall for open-concept and easier foot traffic.

Other ideas include adding an electric car charging port or renovating a closet. Smaller items add up in value, especially when they provide targeted, functional improvements that can make your property more desirable.

From kitchens and bathrooms to garage doors, insulation, and even car chargers, there’s no end to the number of ways you can renovate and improve your home. The critical factor to remember is to resist that desire for overly personal projects. Instead, choose investments that will pay for themselves when you decide to sell your home in the future.

Some projects are too complicated for homeowners to tackle safely on their own. Replacing a roof, putting on an addition, or overhauling a kitchen are big tasks. They require an abundance of knowledge and experience to do properly.

And yet, there are plenty of smaller or easily accessible projects that anyone can do, no matter what their skill level might be. Many of these can improve life in your living space or even save you a little money sprucing your home for a sale. When you do them yourself, they can quickly add value to your home, too.

Here are a few of the best DIY projects Texas homeowners can take on over a weekend. All you need for each one are a few essential tools, access to a home improvement store and your YouTube app handy.

Paint is ground zero for a fully optimized DIY project. Painting checks all of the home improvement boxes. It allows you to personalize your space in a significant way. It also can help you sell a home faster and even boost your final sale price by as much as 3%.

The best part about this particular home improvement option is that it’s cheap and easy. All you need is paint, brushes and rollers, some drop clothes, and a nice, peaceful chunk of time to give your space a fresh look.

Wooden floor upgrades are a home improvement project with a significant return on investment. They can more than pay for themselves, and they instantly add a sense of clean, elite decor to any home.

While more complicated than painting, refinishing wood floors is another project that doesn’t require much know-how. You can rent a sander at most home improvement stores (don’t try to do a larger space with a hand-held unit, or you’ll be busy for a long time).

Test any new stain colors on an inconspicuous area first, then carefully follow drying times and application instructions with your top coat.

Both plumbing and electric work can be complex and dangerous activities. If you’re doing anything significant in these areas, it’s wise to work with a contractor.

With that said, there are a variety of small-scale lighting and water projects that are easy DIY upgrades. For instance, installing a new faucet in the bathroom or a kitchen sink only takes a handful of tools and an hour or two of your time. Light fixtures, outlets, and even ceiling fans are typically simple two-wire ordeals (although wiring things like larger switches can be a bit trickier).

Kitchen remodeling can be intense. Installing cabinets, measuring countertops, running plumbing and setting up certain appliances can leave you pulling your hair out.

Nevertheless, some projects are worth investing a little bit of personal elbow grease. Installing light fixtures and faucets are two of these options (see the previous recommendation). Refreshing your cabinets is another.

If you have dated wooden cabinets, you should sand them down and give them a fresh coat of stain or paint. If the exteriors are in good shape, simply swapping hardware can instantly upgrade the look and feel of one of your home’s most important spaces.

A backsplash is one other easy, high-return kitchen project worth considering. It can provide an elegant, eye-catching decorative element in an area of the home that is focused on functionality.

Real backsplashes are technically DIY, but you’ll want to make sure to get everything you need to cut tiles and mix mortar. Another option is to use peel-and-stick tile, which comes in many forms and can look real when applied correctly. However, Realtor.com warns not to use cheap peel-and-stick as a quick way to schmooze buyers since modern home buyers can spot the difference.

Curb appeal is a big deal, regardless of whether you’re trying to sell your home or impress your friends. The good news is, upgrading your home’s exterior is full of DIY opportunities, too, such as:

• Power washing your siding
• Adding gardens
• Installing pathways
• Setting up a fire pit
• Painting your front door

Planning in time to keep up on your home’s exterior is a great DIY way to give your home an inviting vibe from the moment it comes into sight.

From painting walls and refinishing floors to installing fixtures, refreshing cabinets, adding backsplashes and upgrading curb appeal, there are many ways homeowners can personally invest in their properties. Take a look at your home and come up with a list of repairs you can handle as you invest in affordable activities to improve your living space.

Homeowners do a lot to maintain and improve their properties. At a certain point, though, they need to bring in trained professionals.

Contractors can help with everything from a new build to major additions, renovations and a plethora of additional home improvement and repair projects. There are also plenty of construction contractors to work with, with IBISWorld reporting that there are 3,787,470 construction businesses in the U.S. alone.

For homeowners, this astronomical number is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it means there are plenty of companies to work with. On the other hand, finding a contractor that fits your needs and will work well with you can feel daunting.

Fortunately, there are ways you can sort through your options and find that needle-in-a-haystack contractor that best fits your needs.

Before you make any calls for recommendations or send an email asking for a quote, start by considering what you’re asking for. What exactly do you want your contractor to do?

Don’t be vague, or you’ll set yourself up for issues right from the beginning. Consider each thing that you need, even if you aren’t sure about the details.

For instance, if you want a contractor to take down a wall in your living room, consider details like existing outlets, flooring, and other elements that might be disrupted by the project. That way, you can discuss everything thoroughly when you meet and ask for a quote.

It’s also a good idea to do some homework beforehand. For instance, what does it normally cost to complete your current project in your hometown? It’s OK to ask for multiple quotes to get the best rate.

It may be difficult to find comparable homes and projects if you live in a sparsely populated area, while at the same time, building codes, permits, or regulations in an urban center like Austin could add up. Other questions to consider include:

• How long should the project you’re requesting take on average to complete?
• What materials are needed?
• What alternatives are there?

The more informed you are going into the process, the easier it will be to gauge how honest and capable each contractor is.

Once you’re prepped, it’s time to find some contractors to interview. There are multiple ways to do this.

You could use a site like Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor to pair with a contractor. You can also use Google, Yelp, or social media to locate reputable contractors near you. When using a third-party source, always read reviews and ratings.

Word-of-mouth is one of the best options. If you have a friend or family member who has a good reference, that can help. It also gives you a better position in the professional relationship since the contractor will know that their reputation with more than one customer is at stake.

Once you start talking to contractors, don’t be afraid to ask for proof that they’re qualified to do the job you’re asking them to do. Licenses and insurance are important elements in the home improvement process.

Next Insurance points out that contractors in Texas don’t operate under a statewide requirement. Instead, licenses are issued locally and may not even be required in some cases.

Figure out what licenses and insurance are required in your area. Then make sure each contractor is licensed, up to date and also has appropriate insurance (depending on the work they’re doing).

As you interview contractors, there are many small signs to look for that can also help you gauge if they’re a good fit. For instance, are they responsive and on time? Are they receptive to comments and interested in incorporating your feedback?

Formality is also important.

• Do they use contracts?
• Do they write down their estimates?
• Do they have a clear understanding of the codes and permits required?
• Do they have a clean legal record?

Small signs like these can help you decipher if a contractor is a good fit.

You don’t need to hire the first contractor you meet. Most people recommend getting at least three bids. This can be a lot of work, but Angie’s List points out the benefits of considering multiple contractors.

This extra step helps you find the best price and offers you more options. You can get a better sense of each contractor’s personality and how they all compare to one another, too.

Finally, remember that no contractor is perfect. Even the most capable and honest professionals will do their best to deliver an accurate quote and deliver on that estimate.

It’s wise to stay flexible and avoid setting unrealistic expectations, even when you think you’ve found the ideal contractor. Remember that you’ll need to make adjustments as you go along. However, if you can make those pivots with a contractor that you trust, it makes the entire home improvement process easier on your mind, your emotions, and even your bank account.

The housing market is always evolving. Trends shift, and while many of them cycle back through every so often, they’re always tinged with the current cultural trends and interests.

If you’re curious about what home design options are trending in 2023, here are a few areas of interest to keep an eye out for in the months ahead, including both interior and exterior, as well as decorative and architectural trends.

Homeowners have enjoyed showing off minimalism with white and gray color palettes over the last few years. Often this led to clean, austere home interiors that were clearly delineated from the outside world (an easily predictable trend during an era defined by work-from-home and social distancing lifestyles).

Now, things are shifting back to a warmer, more personal appeal. The National Association of Realtors points out that biophilia is the order of business in 2023. The desire to connect living spaces to nature is en vogue. Organic furniture, warm colors and plenty of plants are showing up in living spaces across the country.

3D printing hasn’t gotten much of the limelight since its splashy entrance into the real estate game a few years ago. However, a lack of buzz doesn’t mean 3D printing is out. On the contrary, many are seeing the ability to “print” homes as a potentially powerful sustainability option moving forward.

One home in Austin, called “House Zero,” was recently printed by Lake Flato Architects and Icon. The ranch-style home features luxurious curves, piped walls and a net-zero energy capacity that will doubtless interest many younger homebuyers.

3D printing may not be fully mainstream yet, but it’s on the doorstep. Its imminent proliferation could herald a dramatic shift in how homes are designed in the coming months.

Americans are bold individuals. It’s a confidence that is bleeding through to their interior design trends in 2023, too. The Dallas Morning News reports multiple confidence-boosting trends that are coming to American homes this year.

Color-wise, boldness is the order of business. U.S. homeowners aren’t shy with their color choices, from strong greens and even magentas to powerful pastels. Patterns and layers are also making a statement through textiles and wallpapers. Even flooring is getting in on the action, as textured options, like stone and terracotta tiles, remain popular.

Health and wellness is a growing multi-billion-dollar industry, but it’s rarely equated to the real estate business. Even so, as a new generation of homebuyers accumulates wealth and wellness products become more accessible, wellness as a style is bringing a new perspective to the home decor and design process.

Research from John Burns Real Estate Consulting finds that when asked, 93% of home buyers report that wellness is important to them, and 73% will be looking for wellness elements when they buy their next home. Homeowners are sitting up and paying attention. More listings emphasize wellness features, such as non-toxic materials, anti-bacterial elements (like touchless technology), and saltwater pools.

Homes often reflect the regions that they’re from, including whether they’re in an urban area or a cityscape. In Southwestern America, there is a growing emphasis on the need for rural design decisions, and “growing” is the operative word here.

Architecture Digest reports that home buyers are heading south and west this year, with states like Texas seeing double-digit growth in population. The remote work shift also continues to percolate, as many homebuyers are abandoning cities in favor of the countryside. This will doubtless have an effect as a growing number of homeowners will be searching for ways to decorate and design larger, open homes surrounded by spacious yards and picturesque views.

Lighting is always important in a living space. In 2023, designers are set to take the use of photons in architectural spaces to the next level.

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services highlights the fact that homeowners aren’t just lighting their spaces this year. They’re using light to influence the usability and mood of each area of their homes. From larger statement chandeliers to utilitarian floor lamps, layered lighting installed with a purpose is in for 2023.

Design trends are unpredictable. They’re also a lot of fun — and 2023 seems to be no exception. From 3D printing and rural settings to bold colors, plenty of lighting and even a healthy dose of wellness and personalization, homes will be influenced by a distinct and unique combination of trends this year.