Tips for Sustainable Green Home Renovations

Embarking on a remodeling project is an exciting endeavor for homeowners, as it presents an opportunity to enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal and functionality. Whether you aim to modernize your living space, increase energy efficiency, or add value to your property, choosing the right remodeling projects is crucial.    From revitalizing the heart of your home to embracing outdoor living, these projects will transform your residence into a haven of comfort and style while maximizing its overall potential.   

Kitchen Remodeling: Enhancing Functionality and Style

The heart of any home is its kitchen. Whether entertaining guests or in the process of selling your home, the kitchen is the central focal point of your living space. Many Los Angeles County homeowners keep their kitchens up-to-date with the latest trends to stay caught up with their neighbors and increase property value.    Remodeling your kitchen improves functionality, increases the overall value of your home, and will save you time and money in the long run.    JLCOnline studies indicate that adding additional features can vastly improve the value of your home depending on the amount of money you put into the project. To put that into perspective:

• Midrange minor kitchen improvements, for example, can bring up to 72% on investment when you spend $26,000.
• Midrange major kitchen improvements can bring an average of 57% on investment when you invest $75,000.
• Upscale major kitchen improvements can get an average of 54% on investment when you invest $149,000.

  When planning for your kitchen remodel, you’ll want to consider the space and placement of your appliances, aiming to have a functional, comfortable, and efficient kitchen.Updating your kitchen regularly, even with minor changes, can make a huge difference in your home’s value and overall appearance. A fresh coat of paint on cabinets, installing quality hardware, and reconsidering the placement of appliances will build your home’s ROI (return on investment).    Additionally, remodeled countertops add a touch of luxury and increase the overall appeal of your kitchen. This kind of remodeling project changes the entire feel of your home. It can determine whether a buyer will choose to put an offer on your home over others on the market.  

Bathroom Renovations: Creating a Relaxing Oasis

A well-designed and functional bathroom is crucial to the overall comfort of your home. Regularly updating your bathrooms allows your house to stand above the competition when you decide to re-sell. According to Zillow estimates, California residents receive the highest ROI in the country on bathroom remodels, at 87.7%.   If you’re looking to appeal to Los Angeles County homebuyers, you might consider adding popular spa-like features and other luxurious amenities for your bathroom, such as a spacious soaking tub or a walk-in shower.    Updating tile and lighting fixtures with quality hardware increases the value of your home. Expanding bathrooms provide more space for a growing family and appeal to a large buyer base.   

Outdoor Living Spaces: Embracing California’s Year-Round Climate

As a proud Los Angeles County homeowner, you know of the mild and sunny climate that Californians enjoy. Entertaining in your outdoor space is just as important as your indoor space to homebuyers in LA County, so ensuring your home has a comfortable outdoor living area makes sense.   Not only will you and your family have a beautiful space to enjoy, but these kinds of updates also drastically increase the home’s value.   Remodeling your front porch or expanding your living area outside ensures you and your guests will enjoy the weather in LA year-round. Outdoor kitchens and saltwater pools are luxurious additions and will attract buyers willing to spend more for these worthwhile remodels.  Additionally, non-cosmetic changes like remodeling your roof can add significant value to your home and remove any worry about springing a leak!   Just as a first impression sets the tone when meeting a stranger, the outdoor space is the first opportunity you have to attract homebuyers. Ensure your landscaping is attractive and designed to match the style of your house. Curb appeal is a deciding factor for potential homebuyers in their buying journey.   

Home Office and Study Spaces: Adapting to Remote Work and Learning

In our globally connected world, with more flexibility in where to work than ever before, your home office or study must be well-designed. When remodeling your home office, you should optimize the space’s productivity, comfort, and organization. Adding these concepts to a home office will appeal to buyers and lead to more money on offers.   Installing built-in cabinetry and bookcases attract remote and hybrid workers and creates a comforting atmosphere for students who partake in online courses. Special lighting for reading and built-in window nooks are attractive renovations for the buyer who wants the comfort of working from home.  

Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Saving Costs and the Environment

The fight against climate change is at the forefront of many buying decisions in Los Angeles County. Adapt to these concerns by renovating your home for energy-efficient solutions.  Installing solar panels alleviates monthly power bills and can lead to tax deductions that offset your costs. Platinum Home Builders provide professional and knowledgeable engineers who install your solar panels correctly and establish an energy-efficient monitoring system from start to finish.    If you opt not to install solar panels, renovating with energy-efficient windows and updating your insulation are additional investments that increase energy efficiency in your home. These additions are often self-funded systems. Best of all, they pay for themselves over time, as utility bills and tax deductions make investing in energy-efficiency cost-effective.  In addition to cutting the costs of living in your home, energy-efficient upgrades are worthwhile renovations because they increase the value of your home. Buyers today are willing to pay extra to skip installing upgrades themselves.  

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Maximizing Space and Potential Income

If you have a growing family or need more space, consider the benefits of adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to your home. Benefits of ADUs include:

• Additional space for your growing family 
• Added value to your home in the long-run
• A blank canvas to change what you dislike about your home

  Whatever your particular situation, an ADU will help offset space issues and provide multigenerational living solutions for your family. Planning for the future ensures you and your family have room to live at your home for the years to come.  

Smart Home Technology: Enhancing Convenience and Efficiency

LA County is famous for its cutting-edge technology, and by incorporating technological advances into your remodeling budget, you add value and security to your home. Invest in smart home technology, such as home automation and security systems.    Attract potential buyers by investing in quality appliances for the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Security systems and cameras provide a sense of relief to you and your family and future buyers. Integrating smart devices when remodeling your home increases its overall value.   

Universal Design and Aging-in-Place Modifications: Ensuring Accessibility and Safety

Buyers in LA County are looking for homes designed for universal use. Improving accessibility in your home increases the market for your house. Design your home to feel comfortable for all ages and abilities.    Implementing universal design in your remodeling projects can provide the ultimate comfort for you and your family. If you’re looking for concrete examples, you might consider the following: 

• Install grab bars in showers and other vulnerable places
• Provide accessibility solutions like wider doorways and hallways 
• Accessible bathrooms with walk-in showers and low-rise tubs

  Accessible renovations are worthwhile because they increase value but are also a way to ensure longevity for you and your family.   

Conclusion

These worthwhile projects are just some of the many ways you can increase the value and comfort of your home. If you’re looking to start a remodeling project for your Los Angeles County area home, Platinum Home Builders can help you find the right remodel for your needs. Whether you’re renovating to increase your property value, looking to flip a house quickly, or want to enjoy a beautiful new space with yourself and your family, our trusted team of designers, contractors, and more, will do the job well.  Contact us today for more information about how we can help make your dream home a reality.