If you’re a Milwaukee homeowner looking to elevate your living space while maximizing your property’s value, you’re in the right place. You may be thinking about or getting ready to remodel your home– which is exciting! Just make sure you are aware of The Costly Mistake Homeowners Make (And How to Avoid It) and Essential Tips for Planning Your Home Renovation.
Or you can leave the home projects to the professionals at JJB Home! Whether you’re prepping to sell or simply want to enjoy a more luxurious lifestyle, certain home improvements offer both aesthetic appeal and impressive returns on investment (ROI).
Top 5 Milwaukee Home Projects That Add Value
1. Kitchen Remodeling
A well-executed kitchen remodel can dramatically improve your home’s appeal. In Milwaukee, homeowners can expect an average ROI of up to 91% for major kitchen remodels.
Why it works in Milwaukee:
- Open-concept layouts are highly sought after for kitchen remodeling.
- Energy-efficient appliances appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
- Neutral or soft color palettes with high-end finishes attract a broad range of modern buyers.
Another design tip is to incorporate soft-close cabinetry for a touch of elegance.
2. Bathroom Renovation
Transforming your bathroom into a spa-like retreat not only enhances daily living but also adds significant value. Minor bathroom remodels can yield an average ROI of 102%, depending on the bathroom upgrades. Many modern homeowners are looking for a sleeker bathroom design, with big vanities, soft-close drawers, and expansive walk-in showers.
Milwaukee-specific considerations include:
- Heated floors for comfort during the cold winter months.
- Walk-in showers with frameless glass enclosures for a modern yet accessible design.
- Double vanities for increased functionality.
A common color theme for bathroom remodels is to use light, neutral tones with a pop of color to create a sense of space and tranquility.
Get inspired in our dedicated blog, Spa-Like Bathrooms to Beat the Winter Blues.
3. Basement Finishing
Finishing your basement adds valuable additional living space and can boost your home’s marketability. In Milwaukee, this project can offer an ROI of ~90%, depending on what additional upgrades you are making to your basement.
Popular basement finishes include:
- Creating a home office, spare bedroom, entertainment room, or gym.
- Enhancing the space to become a rental unit (for additional income).
The lower level must have proper insulation and moisture control to create a comfortable environment.
The possibilities with a basement remodel are endless: Turn Your Empty Basement into an Entertainment Hub.
4. Curb Appeal Enhancements
Improving your home’s exterior can make a lasting impression on potential buyers. Simple updates can offer substantial returns. High-ROI home addition projects:
- Replacing the front door with a steel entry door can recoup up to 100% of its cost.
- Updating landscaping, such as adding fresh mulch and colorful plants, can yield a 70% ROI.
Additionally, maintaining a well-kept lawn and adding outdoor lighting can further enhance evening curb appeal.
5. Energy-Efficient & Smart Home Upgrades
Modern homeowners are tech-savvy and eco-conscious, and your home should be too. Milwaukee winters make energy efficiency essential, and smart systems add convenience to the overall wow factor.
Smart home upgrade ideas:
- Adding smart thermostats that are Wi-Fi-enabled and app-managed.
- Lighting and security systems that can sync up and be controlled remotely through app management.
- Energy Star-rated HVAC, windows, and appliances to reduce overall energy consumption. Installing high-efficiency HVAC systems can save $300–$800 annually.
- Improving insulation can lead to $200–$500 in yearly savings.
- Solar panels or tankless water heaters for eco-luxe options.
It is said vinyl window replacements have an ROI of 67%, and the addition of smart, eco-friendly home upgrades can really attract modern homeowners. When thinking about doing these home upgrades, think about seamlessly integrating smart features. This means touchless faucets, hidden outlets, smart lighting, etc., for elevated function without visual clutter.