According to research by Nielsen Scarborough, 53 percent of American adults made some type of home improvement in the past year, and 56 percent of those people spent $1,000 or more on their projects. If you’re thinking about making some upgrades to boost your home’s resale value, do a little research first. Remodeling Magazine found upgrades like family room and bathroom additions were pricey, but only returned around 50 percent on the investment.
Instead of focusing on time-consuming and expensive upgrades, make updates that make your life easier and add value to your home. These low-maintenance home upgrades may inspire you:
Artificial turf
Artificial turf has come a long way since the green plastic look of the 1970s. Today, these lawn alternatives offer an eco-friendly option for those tired of maintaining and growing traditional lawns. The turf is soft to the touch and looks like real grass — but there’s practically zero upkeep. In the past, artificial lawns were a tough sell for families with kids and pets — but according to System Pavers, today’s turf doesn’t absorb animal waste or external elements. That’s why homeowners are widely installing artificial grass for dogs. Upgrade your lawn to synthetic turf, and you’ll immediately free up time and money.
Metal roofing
Upgrade to a metal roof for increased safety, low maintenance and a 40- to 50-year warranty. Metal roofing is stronger and more durable than shingle roofs, plus it’s fire-resistant — and it may even save you a bundle on homeowner’s insurance. Metal roofs can look sharp and sophisticated on a modern home, but you can also opt for finishes that resemble slate and wood for a more traditional look.
PVC trim
The trim on your home provides an aesthetic boost, but it can be a headache to maintain. PVC trim doesn’t require paint and can be cut into like wood, but unlike traditional trim, PVC doesn’t rot — and, it’s inhospitable to house pests like carpenter bees and termites. Despite its intense durability, PVC trim mimics traditional trim and can soften the look of your home from the windows to your screened-in porch.
Laminated windows
Old, drafty windows leak valuable heat and cooling, costing you more money of your utility bills. And of course, glass breaks rather easily. A new option called laminated glass is created from two or more layers of glass around an inner layer of plastic. The result is a more durable window that can withstand inclement weather and high-pressure impact, Dupont reports.
Laminate glass not only protects against the weather, but is harder for burglars to break and gain entry. The added layer of protection makes it more difficult to fully break and adds an additional layer of protection. In addition, there is a significant noise reduction with laminate windows.
Quartz countertops
It’s not a given that an expensive kitchen upgrade will add value to your home. But choosing new countertops can add both resale value and a low-maintenance option for everyday living. HGTV reported on the quartz countertop craze that hit the United States over the last decade. The countertops are hard, low-maintenance and natural-looking and come in a variety of colors. Unlike marble alternatives, quartz countertops are virtually indestructible and offer antimicrobial protection.