7 Signs You Need a Home Remodel

Remodeling is a natural part of homeownership. Home renovations help boost property values and can make homes more desirable to buyers.

A good home remodel can even improve quality of life by making the house more beautiful, more functional, easier to clean and more modern. But how can you tell when it's time to remodel? What are the signs?

The answer is varied. Where one home might have broken appliances, another home might have dated flooring, damaged walls or non-functional fixtures. These problems can drag down the property's value, detract from the natural beauty of the home and make maintaining the property more difficult.

Sometimes homeowners can become desensitized to the problems in their home. Over time, worn carpeting and damaged walls may start to seem normal. Only by looking around, taking stock of their property and noting the problems can homeowners realize that a remodel is in order.

Your Home Looks and Feels Outdated

Some building features can be easily tied a home to a specific time period. When that time period is long past, the home may start to look outdated, old and unkempt. Look for these problems in your home:

• Dated paint. Some paints are naturally tied to certain periods in time. Mint green is to the 1950's as mauve is to the 1980's. These colors were attractive in their day, but for many people, that time is gone.
• Shag carpet. This carpet was fun for a while in the 1970's, but now old shag can devalue a home.
• Closed floor plans. Once upon a time, people liked all the rooms in their home to have a defined perimeter. In modern times, homeowners prefer wide, open floor plans.

Floors Need to Be Replaced

Old floors can have many problems that make life a hassle. Old carpeting can get dirty and worn, while old hardwood floors can show scuffs and scratches. Some floor materials can be fixed (grout can be cleaned, hardwood can be refinished), but other problems cannot.

Talk to a contractor to find out what can be done for your floors.

Your Kitchen and Bathrooms Look Old

Kitchens and bathrooms have a lot of changeable fixtures, so they're among the first rooms in the house to look dated.

• Dingy cabinets. Cabinets that have been in use for a long time can start to get grungy and warped. Look for scratches, uneven surfaces, doors that don't close properly and surfaces that are covered in years of baked on grime. Some cabinets can bounce back if they're properly refinished, others are best replaced.
• Damaged countertops. Countertops get the most wear and tear in the kitchen. If your countertops are covered in scratches and gouges, this can make them hard to clean and unsanitary.
• Lack of lighting. It's common for older homes to feature only one or two light sources in a room. In the bathroom and kitchen, this can be a hazard.

Planning a remodel? With our free checklist, you'll be sure every detail is accounted for before you begin construction.

Your Roof or Home Is Damaged

A damaged roof can cause leaks that lead to wood rot and pest invasion. Roof leaks can also damage drywall and plaster, leaving stains and bubbles on the paint. If your roof starts to leak, repair should be the first priority. After the leak is contained, it's time to think about fixing the walls and remodeling to remove the damage.

Work with an experienced contractor to help ensure that your home will look better than it did before the leak. Talk to your contractor about installing new light fixtures, built-in shelving and other features that will make your home stand out.

Your Family Is Growing

So, you love your house, but you're out of room? A growing family is a good reason to add a bedroom, nursery or playroom to your property. Adding on to an existing house is a good way to avoid the expense of moving while staying on the property that you love.

Adding space is also a good way to increase the value of your home. Work closely with a design-build contractor to ensure that your addition matches the existing structure. A reputable contractor will know all the steps to ensure that your addition is built to code, with the proper permits.

Children Are Leaving the Nest

Children sure can do a lot of damage to a house. When they leave, parents often find themselves with extra money, extra time and scuffed up walls and floors. It's the perfect time to turn an old bedroom into a yoga studio, a home office or a library.

Make a list of remodel must-haves, then contact a design-build contractor to make your remodeling dream a reality. A remodel can restore your home's beauty and keep you busy with the kids out of the house.

You’re Thinking About Selling Your Home

Home buyers like modern appliances, open floor plans, new flooring, functional outdoor spaces, new windows and clean, unscuffed walls. Does your home have what it takes to sell in a competitive market?

Upgrading your home with the latest features can make life better while you're in your home, and can increase your profits when it's time to sell.

Some of the most popular types of remodels that homeowners take on right before they sell include:

• Appliance upgrade. Modern energy-efficient appliances appeal to millennial home buyers.
• Bathroom addition. Homes with only one bathroom often sell for much less than homes with multiple bathrooms.
• Kitchen bump out. Buyers love eat-in kitchens, so if your kitchen is small, it may be time to upgrade.
• Flooring replacement. Brand new hardwood flooring is a good way to make a first impression on a buyer.

If you're not sure what type of remodel would deliver the best ROI for your property, consult with a real estate agent or a design-build contractor. Work with an expert who knows what investments pay off.

Work With An Award Winning Design-Build Contractor

Is it time to remodel your home? Do you know what you want to do and how to accomplish your goals? Leave your comments in the box below! Dated walls and floors, damaged countertops and cabinets, roof leaks and family changes are all good reasons to remodel your home. Home improvements can improve your property's value and improve quality of life for members of your household.

At Litchfield Builders, we help homeowners make major changes to their home. To find out more about starting a remodel project, contact us for a free quote. Or, download our free Remodeling Toolkit to find out more about home renovation and working with contractors.