Posted on
December 17, 2025
by
Darcy Schlechtleitner
With a quiet market, many homeowners are carefully weighing their options: should they renovate or sell?
Renovating your home can be an exciting journey—but before you start knocking down walls, it’s important to pause and ask one essential question: Why are you renovating?
Are you planning to stay in your home for the next decade and want to enjoy the upgrades long-term? Or are you hoping to boost resale value because a move may be on the horizon? Perhaps your goal is to improve energy efficiency in an older home.
Whatever your motivation, here are a few smart considerations to keep in mind before you begin your renovation project.
Invest Where It Counts!
The kitchen is often the heart of the home—and one of the best places to invest. A well-planned kitchen update typically deliver the highest return on investment. Bathrooms are another high-impact area. Simple cosmetic upgrades, modern fixtures, and a fresh coat of paint can transform the space into a relaxing, spa-like retreat.
Be Street Smart
Buyers tend to shop by area first, and their expectations are shaped by what similar homes nearby offer in terms of size, finishes, and features. When your upgrades align with local standards, your home feels appropriately priced and competitive, making it more attractive to a wider pool of buyers.
Think About the Future
Adding square footage can be a great decision if you plan to stay put for several years. Whether it’s an extra bedroom, a larger family room, or a home office, an addition can improve day-to-day comfort, functionality, and overall livability. When you’re staying long term, the value of an addition isn’t just financial—it’s also about how the space supports your evolving needs. However, major additions may not always make financial sense if selling is part of your near-term plan. Large-scale projects are often costly and may not deliver a full return on investment, especially if the added space doesn’t align with buyer expectations in your neighborhood.
Go Green - A Window of Opportunity
Energy-efficient windows are especially appealing in older homes, where drafts and heat loss are often common issues. They not only attract buyers but can also significantly lower your utility bills if you plan to stay for years to come. For buyers, energy-efficient windows signal a well-maintained, forward-thinking home—often reducing concerns about future upgrades and ongoing expenses. Eco-friendly homes are also healthier homes. Choose zero-VOC paints and when it comes to flooring, sustainable options such as bamboo or cork are both stylish and practical. Bamboo is durable and renewable, while cork offers natural insulation, sound absorption, and a softer feel underfoot. Together, these thoughtful, environmentally conscious upgrades enhance comfort, reduce environmental impact, and add long-term value to your home.
Think Outside
Landscaping is often overlooked, but beyond aesthetics, thoughtful landscaping can also improve your home’s energy efficiency. Strategically placed trees and shrubs provide natural shade during the warmer months, helping to keep your home cooler and reducing the need for air conditioning. In colder seasons, evergreens and hedges can act as wind barriers, minimizing heat loss and lowering heating costs.If you decide to renovate, don’t forget to capture before-and-after photos—watching the transformation is one of the most rewarding parts of the process.
And remember, renovations don’t have to be costly to be effective. Small, budget-friendly updates like new hardware, updated lighting, or a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference.
If you’d like guidance on which updates will add the most value to your home, feel free to get in touch—We’d be happy to help.
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