A well-planned and well-executed home remodel can transform your space, making your current house a forever home.
The most popular parts of the home to remodel are those areas that add value and make a big impact on your day-to-day life. Some popular changes are cosmetic, while others have a deeper impact on the functionality of the home.
When you're trying to decide which parts of your house to remodel, consider your budget, and which parts of your house get the most use. If you're planning to sell your house sometime soon, it's also important to consider the needs and interests of home buyers.
Below, we've listed five parts of your house to think about remodeling in the coming year. The 2021 home remodeling season is here - so choose a home remodeling contractor and get started!
1. Kitchen
A minor kitchen remodel can have an ROI as high as 80%, though midrange and upscale remodels have a smaller ROI because they cost more.
The kitchen is effectively the heart of the home. It's also the part of the house that gets the heaviest use, requires the most frequent cleaning, and is the most affected by layout and design.
If your kitchen is dated, you'll feel the effects in a variety of ways. Old appliances use a lot of water and energy and may not do their job very well. Poor storage solutions make cooking challenging, and lack of counter space can be limiting when making big holiday meals.
Updating your kitchen can affect every meal you make and transform your holidays. When you're planning your kitchen remodel, work with a contractor that understands the kitchen triangle. An efficient and effective layout is key to a better kitchen, so it's important to work with a contractor with experience.
2. Bath
Bathrooms have been changing in the last several years. Homeowners who want to age in place have been focusing their remodeling efforts on changes that make bathrooms safer. How is this achieved?
- Bigger, low-curb showers. Tub to shower conversions has increased in the last several years. Low curb showers are easier to use and safer for older adults with mobility trouble.
- Wider, more open spaces. Wide walkways in the bathroom can accommodate devices like walkers.
- Proper lighting. The more lighting choices, the better. Areas of darkness can lead to accidents, especially in the bathroom, where puddles of water can lead to slips.
3. Home Office
For many people, the work-from-home arrangement is here to stay. If you work from home, you'll need a dedicated office space where you can work in privacy and comfort. Some homeowners turned their closets and dining rooms into their home office at the start of the pandemic, only to realize many months later that their work-life could be improved if they only had some dedicated office space in their house.
Work with your contractor to ensure that your home office has all the features that you need to get the job done.
- Outlets. You'll need extra outlets to plug in your many devices, especially if you want the flexibility to arrange and rearrange your workspace in whatever way is most comfortable for you.
- Built-in desk or furnishings. Built-in furnishings are beautiful and can be customized to your unique needs.
- A view. You don't want to spend your whole workday looking at a wall, do you? Have your contractor install a window that gives you something to see and think about while you're going about your business.
- Access to the outdoors. Access to the outside makes it easier to jump in your car and go to the office. It also makes it easier for clients to visit your office without accessing the private areas of your house.
As you're working on your design, work with a contractor that can suggest features that will make your home office just right for your needs.
4. Home Siding
The quality and condition of the siding on your home can impact the way your home looks and the overall effect of your home's curb appeal. Higher-end homes benefit from quality products like Cedar Impressions, a durable high-quality vinyl that's low maintenance and looks convincingly like real cedar shake shingles.
Installation of home siding takes about a week, but at the end of that week, your home may look brand new. This high-value home improvement has an ROI of about 80%. If you're planning to sell your home sometime in the next year, this a valuable home upgrade that can make your house stand out.
5. Deck
If you like to spend time outdoors, whether that's for barbecuing, entertaining, or sunning yourself on your property, then you should have a good deck. Years ago, most decks were made from wood.
Today, most decks are made from a composite material that can withstand exposure to sun, rain, wind, and those harsh Connecticut winters - all without the need for refinishing or repainting. You'll also never get a splinter from your composite deck.
This high-impact project can raise the value of your home significantly, so it's another great home improvement to consider if you're planning to sell in the next couple of years.
Homeowners are Remodeling. The Schedule Is Filling Up Fast!
Connecticut's homeowners are busy at this time of year, planning their next home improvement project. If you're planning a home upgrade this summer, contact a contractor as soon as possible to get your plans started.
Do your home improvement right. To find out more about starting your Connecticut home remodel, download our Guide to Choosing a Home Remodeling Contractor. 
