Home Renovations That Offer Return on Investment

Embarking on home renovations isn’t just about enhancing your living space; it's also an investment in your property's value. Whether you're gearing up to sell or simply aiming to create a more comfortable and stylish home, strategic renovations can offer a substantial return on investment (ROI). 

As a remodeler, there are tried and true home improvement projects known for their potential to elevate both aesthetics and property worth. From kitchen overhauls to energy-efficient upgrades, let’s talk about the renovations that can not only transform your living space but also prove to be wise financial decisions in the long run. Here are some of my favorites that strike the perfect balance between functionality and added value:

Kitchen Remodeling: upgrading countertops, cabinets, appliances, and lighting can enhance both aesthetics and functionality.

Bathroom Renovation: modernizing bathrooms with new fixtures, tiles, and amenities can add value to your home.

Curb Appeal Improvements: enhancing the exterior with landscaping, fresh paint, and an inviting entryway can significantly boost curb appeal.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades: installing energy-efficient windows, doors, insulation, and HVAC systems can attract eco-conscious buyers and reduce long-term utility costs.

Basement Finishing: converting a basement into a usable living space, such as an extra bedroom, office, or entertainment area, can add square footage and appeal.

Attic Insulation: adding insulation to the attic can improve energy efficiency and appeal to buyers looking for homes with lower utility bills.

Deck or Patio Addition: outdoor living spaces can be attractive to potential buyers, especially in areas with favorable climates.

Smart Home Upgrades: adding smart home features, such as a programmable thermostat, security system, or lighting, can make your home more appealing to tech-savvy buyers.

Garage Door Replacement: upgrading the garage door not only enhances curb appeal but also improves energy efficiency and security.

Hardwood Flooring Installation: many homebuyers prefer hardwood floors, so replacing carpet with hardwood can be a wise investment.

Additional Bedroom: adding an extra bathroom can significantly increase a home's value, particularly if it’s a flexible space that can be used as an office.

Painting: a fresh coat of paint, both inside and outside, can make a home look well-maintained and appealing.

Before embarking on any renovation project, it's crucial to research local market trends and consult with real estate professionals to ensure that your investment aligns with the preferences of potential buyers in your area. Keep in mind that each improvement is an investment with the potential for lasting returns. Whether it's the heart of the home, a welcoming curb appeal, or the integration of smart technologies, strategic renovations not only enhance your living experience but also position your property as sought-after in the real estate market. 

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Five Home Trends for 2022

With 2022 shaping up to be like the years proceeding it, people will be looking for ways to create an environment that goes beyond just livability as they spend more time at home. This year, practicality will dominate how we think about our space, with focuses on consumption, comfort, and function rising to the top of our at-home wish lists. So what’s ahead for 2022? From throwback color palettes to transformer-inspired rooms, here’s what will dominate interior design in the new year.

Sustainability

Global conversations about climate change have many of us thinking about how we can waste less and make our homes friendlier to the environment. From insulation and energy-efficient windows to smart appliances and solar, the next generation of homeowners are investing in sustainability that both save the planet and reduces our personal energy consumption and spending. 

Multi-Functional Spaces

Rooms that are dedicated to a certain function will get an upgrade as people look for ways to enjoy their favorite activities at home. An underused dining room may become a home gym, yoga studio, office space, or homework zone. Furniture that folds and storage that does double duty will be popular to ensure spaces can be functional without feeling cluttered.

Comfort

Spending more time at home means cozy and comfortable will be major factors in how we approach interior design. Curved furniture, warm paint colors, plush fabrics, and greenery will all dominate as homeowners move away from monochromatic tones and straight lines. Things will start to feel a bit like the 70s with modern shag, smooth velvet, and rich shades of earthy brown and green taking center stage.

Air Quality

It’s not the most exciting trend on the list, but people will finally start paying more attention to the air inside their homes. From high-quality filtration systems to roof ventilation that reduces mold and mildew penetration, homeowners will be looking at ways to improve both the health of their home and that of their family. 

Outdoor Living

From lounge furniture to firepits and sunshades, making an investment in outdoor living will be a major trend in 2022. With families spending more time at home, the opportunity to create additional space that can be enjoyed by all will be a smart spend. My tip? If a big outdoor project such as an in-ground pool or new patio is in your future, call those contractors now. Demand will be high as the weather starts getting warmer. 

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

The 2022 Color of the Year Round-Up

Around this time, all the major paint brands and color pros choose a shade that sets the mood for the year to come. Influenced by what’s happening in the world around us as well as trends in fashion, design, and pop culture, the “Color of the Year” is chosen to give people inspiration for how to design and decorate their home for the year to come. While each major brand goes its own way, there are sometimes overlaps or themes that really set the tone for the upcoming season. Here is a sneak peek of what we will soon see in living rooms across social media, according to the big names in color. 

October Mist by Benjamin Moore

Announced on Wednesday, Benjamin Moore chose October Mist 1455, a quiet sage green that offers an anchor to a collection of 14 earthy, neutral tones. According to Andrea Magno, Benjamin Moore Director of Color Marketing & Development, "October Mist 1495 and the corresponding Color Trends 2022 palette reflects an effortless harmony of colors while inspiring unique combinations for any paint project."

Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams

Soothing and subtle, Evergreen Fog SW 9130 is described as a versatile and calming green/gray that offers lived-in comfort with earthy warmth. Great for kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms, it’s a nice, sophisticated color that will age well in any type of home, making it a smart choice for someone who is interested in following trends but doesn’t want to be trapped in a “here today, gone tomorrow” design choice. Think of it like a walk in the woods on a misty autumn morning. 

Aleutian by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

All the creature comforts of home come to mind with HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams’ 2022 pick, Aleutian HGSW3355. Like a well-worn pair of your favorite jeans, this relaxed blue sits comfortably between warm and cool tones, making it easy to pair with other soft neutrals. After a hectic 2020 and 2021, the idea behind Aleutian was to create a sense of calm with color. HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams went a step further, developing a palette of complementary tones called the Softened Refuge Collection, with Aleutian as its foundation color. 

Breezeway by Behr

If you like the feeling of the beach but don’t want to get washed out in all blue, Behr’s 2022 Color of the Year might be for you. Called Breezeway MQ3-21, the soft green shade feels like sea glass but can easily pair with richer, warm hues for an autumn feel. Fans of more simple colorways will love the way it looks with white, gray, and natural or lighter shade wood tones. Behr, calls Breezeway "a color that welcomes a hopeful sense of renewal, restoration, and healing." However you style it, the color is fresh, relaxed, and inviting. 

With so much happening in the world today, it’s clear that interiors will look to evoke a sense of serenity that’s here to stay. What’s your favorite hue for 2022? I would love to hear from you. Message me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/odonnellbros

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.