Top Upgrades on a Home Renovator’s Wish List

While there is a fair cost involved in a typical home renovation, it is also often very rewarding. A more comfortable home that you can relax in and can really call your own is worth it. And now that it’s time to think about holiday wishes, we want to share some of the most frequent upgrades requested by home renovators that you can add to your own wish list!  
 

CABINETS 

Soft-Close Drawers 
These drawers only require a soft push of the hand to smoothly retract back into the closed position. Never worry about drawers slamming shut and the damage that may result ever again. Trust us, once you use a soft-close drawer, you will never want to go back!  

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Cabinet Lighting 
Enhance your room’s appearance with cabinet lighting. Like magic, this detail will make your cabinets a focal point. Combined with glass doors and open shelving, it will bring a museum-like quality to your display. Remember, like most projects, there are a few things you should keep in mind when adding cabinet lights. Read our article on cabinet lighting for more tips on how to get it done right!  

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Built-in Cabinet Organizers  
Cabinet organizers help keep clutter at bay and built-in cabinet organizers are certainly an upgrade worth investing in. Customizing shelves to your needs will make finding and retrieving what you need a breeze.  

For example, cumbersome baking pans often need storage options. Because of their large size, they are quite difficult to store neatly. Standalone baking pan organizers exist, but they do not have the stability and luxury appearance of built-ins.  

With built-in cabinet organizers, you can access every nook and cranny of your cabinets with ease. Concentrate on the task at hand (such as cooking up that delicious casserole dish) instead of digging for what you need! 

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PLUMBING 

Pot Filler for the Kitchen 
A feature often seen in luxury kitchens, a pot filler is a convenient you never thought you needed but will make the cooking process much more enjoyable. Imagine not having to lug a heavy pot filled with water from the sink to the stove! Due to the extendable arm, you actually don’t have to lift the pot at all. Plus, you can add more water during the cooking process whenever needed because the source is close at hand.  

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Double Vanity Sinks in the Master Bath 
If you live with your significant other, a double vanity sink is a must-have. Each of you can have your own sink and not be in each other’s space when getting ready in the morning or retiring for the night. Your daily routines will become much more streamlined with the addition of a double vanity sink, especially if there are no other bathrooms nearby that can be used.  

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Aesthetic Toilets 
Homeowners and designers are realizing the amount of positive design impact a more attractive toilet has in the bathroom. The great news is, you can get one without paying much of a premium!  
 
For example, a basic toilet without a concealed trapway from American Standard costs around $180, but for less than $100 more, you can get a concealed trapway model. As seen in the photo on the left below, the base of the toilet is completely smooth, which makes it more modern in appearance and easier to clean.  

If you design a more luxurious upgrade, you should explore tankless toilets and Japanese toilets. Because of their sleek and minimalist design, tankless toilets are often used in modern bathrooms. Japanese toilets include additional hygienic and comfort features such as a bidet, dryer, and seat warmer.

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Energy-Efficient Tankless Water Heater 
Tankless water heaters are the more modern water heater option because they are energy-efficient, space-saving, and allows you to have an on-demand, endless supply of hot water. Unlike in a traditional water tank, water is not heated in advance and stored in the tank. Heating water only when you need it helps save energy.  

The fact that it is a smaller apparatus also helps save space in your garage or storage room. While heated water may take longer to initially reach the faucet because it is not stored, you will never run out of the heated water once started. 

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ELECTRIC 

Smart Home Connections 
Simplify your life by controlling your lighting, devices, and appliances on a mobile app or schedule! You may be familiar with self-installed options such as the popular Ikea, Amazon, or Google Nest systems. These systems are readily available, relatively inexpensive, and easy to install for the average DIYer.  

However, there are lesser-known smart home companies that specialize in built-in smart home customizations for those with a bigger budget who want the best features. A couple examples are Savant and Control4. Both companies offer fully inclusive smart home features including integrated smart lighting. Like working with a contractor or home renovator, their services start with a consultation before being matched to an installation consultant.  

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TV Conduits 
Tired of looking at the unsightly cables behind your television? Installing a TV conduit can make for a much tidier appearance. In this installation, two well-defined holes are created. One is inserted at the top of the wall to allow the cable to run through from the back of the television and another hole is created as an outlet for it to be plugged into an electrical source. This hole should be concealed by a furniture piece.  

However, options also exist for floating TV installations. Your electrician can insert an outlet directly behind your television.  

In our opinion, these upgrades look better than a cable raceway/cable cover and are a worthwhile investment to get the built-in look that many desire.  

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HVAC (HEATING AND COOLING) 

Whole House Fan 
This ventilation cooling system (such as the one by Quiet Cool) is designed to pull cool air from the outside and attic vents. This allows for on-demand fresh air and may also help you save on energy costs in the long run because you don’t have to use your air conditioner as often. You simply set the timer on the control panel and let the fan do the rest of the work! 

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FLOORING 

Hardwood Floors 
Hardwood floors are a sought-after home feature and are often highlighted in home sale listings. This is because they are very durable and long-lasting when well-maintained. And there’s something about the timeless quality and appearance of real wood that attracts homebuyers.  
 
Depending on quality, hardwood floors are on average 2-5 times more costly than laminate but are often a feature homeowners are willing to splurge on to increase the value of a home. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homeowners often see a 118% return on investment (ROI) when hardwood floors are installed.  

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Removing Dated Carpeting and Tiles 
In any capacity, replacing dated and damaged flooring will greatly impact the overall look of your renovation project. All updates will shine even more with newly installed flooring. 

The use of rugs instead of carpets is very popular in modern homes, but the price of installing flooring instead of carpeting may not be in everyone’s budget. There are a multitude of modern carpeting options available as an alternative for the rooms that need it. Many homeowners with 2-story homes also opt for a 1^st floor with solid flooring and a 2^nd floor with carpeting.  

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WALLS 

New Paint and Textures 
Dingy, damaged, or outdated wall colors will benefit from a fresh coat of paint. But before you begin, you may also consider changing your existing wall texture. Overly textured walls (i.e. popcorn ceilings and deep orange peel walls) are considered outdated today as most homeowners desire more subtle textures or smooth walls.  

When painting, you may even explore the possibility of an accent wall. This is a wall of a different color or texture (for example, wall panels) that adds contrast and interest to the space.  

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Kitchen Backsplashes  
Kitchen backsplashes are a decorative and functional feature. They add personality as well as protect walls from anything that can happen during cooking such as oil splashes and other stains. Because of the many designs available, homeowners love to be able to add some extra character to the kitchen via the addition of a backsplash.

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Solid Surface Showers 
Solid surface showers are often featured in home design magazines. Either made of real stone or possessing a stone-like appearance, they are much more striking in appearance than your standard white fiberglass shower stall. We also think they tend to wear better because the stone often comes in a varied color instead of stark white. Overall, it is an additional design feature that significantly upgrades the look of a bathroom.  

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HARDWARE 

Cabinet Knobs/Pulls 
An easy update that can make a world of difference, this is a popular small project for homeowners. The key lies in choosing quality hardware. You may notice some pieces costing $0.50 a piece while others cost $50 a piece. They may not look vastly different when looking at them online, but in person, the difference can often be seen and felt in the weight and build quality.  

Imperfections are often the case with cheaper brands of cabinet hardware. Cheaper options may also not last as long with repeated use. Our advice is to compare your choices and to consider the highest-quality option that falls within your total budget for hardware that is intended for frequent use. Reputable brands such as Signature Hardware, West Elm, and Anthropologie often sell reliable hardware at reasonable prices.  

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Doorknobs  
Like cabinet pulls, the change of doorknobs can also greatly update and bring cohesion to your space. Because doorknobs are used frequently and are also a security/privacy feature, you should follow the same advice as choosing cabinet knobs when choosing doorknobs and select the highest-quality option that falls within your total budget. Schlage, Kwikset and RELIABILT are examples of door hardware brands with good track records.  

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We Can Help You Tackle Your Wish List! 

Interested in having some items in this article as part of your home renovation or have additional ideas? We offer options customized to fit every style, home, and budget. Contact The Cabinet Doctors and make your home makeover a part of your New Year’s resolution plans!