Nurture Your Denver Home Investment
How to Nurture Your Denver Home Investment When Planning a Renovation
We remodel a lot of homes in the Denver metro-area. We work on everything from a primary bathroom remodel through to whole home remodels and additions. For some of our clients, it is their forever home, so we don’t consider the Return on Investment (ROI) as much as the client wish list. For others, this home isn’t the forever home so we balance the wish list with smart ROI.
Investing in a home in Denver is a smart move, but keeping that investment thriving requires thoughtful renovations that enhance both value and livability. Whether you’re updating a historic home in the Highlands or modernizing a suburban gem in Greenwood Village, a strategic approach will ensure your renovation increases your home’s value. Here’s how to make the most of your home improvement journey.
Know Your Neighborhood’s Market Trends
Before diving into a renovation, research what’s in demand in your neighborhood. Denver’s real estate market varies from one area to another. If you’re in an up-and-coming area, trendy, high-end finishes may attract future buyers. In more established neighborhoods, preserving historical character can be important to maintaining home value.
Talk to a real estate professional and find out what features are expected in the highest selling homes in your area. Do they expect high-end appliances? Or perhaps there is more demand for a luxury primary bathroom.
Focus on High-ROI Projects
Not all renovations offer the same return on investment. Here are some of the most worthwhile upgrades for Denver homes:
- Kitchen Remodels: A modern, functional kitchen is a huge selling point. Opt for timeless (yet not boring) design and quality appliances. The kitchen is often adjacent to a family room with a fireplace. Renovate the fireplace at the same time to ensure a consistency across the home design.
- Bathroom Upgrades: Updating and upgrading an existing bathroom, especially the primary can significantly increase your home’s appeal.
- Energy Efficiency Improvements: Colorado’s weather extremes demand smart energy choices. Investing in energy-efficient windows and/or window treatments, solar panels, and insulation can reduce bills and attract eco-conscious buyers.
- Outdoor Living Spaces: Given Colorado’s beautiful climate, a well-designed patio, deck, or even an outdoor kitchen can add significant value and create an additional room for up to 8 months of the year.
Work with the Right Professionals
Hiring experienced, reputable contractors and designers is crucial. Look for professionals who have experience with Denver’s unique architecture and climate considerations. Don’t forget the personality fit – you’ll be working with your renovation team for months.
There are many reasons to hire an Interior Design Firm to guide you through your remodel. I’ve written about that many times over the years. And here are several articles to reference.
Purchasing Interior Design Services – What are you really buying?
Getting The Most Out Of Your Interior Designer
Top 5 Benefits Of Hiring An Interior Designer
The bottom line is that a local design firm manages multiple remodels every single year, if not month. They have invaluable experience to help you make the best home design decisions as well as the contractors, resources and experience to help your project run smoothly. The Beautiful Habitat team almost 20 years of experience in Denver and the relationships with vendors and contractors to run our projects with stunning results.
Create a Realistic and Thorough Budget BEFORE You Start Purchasing
Setting a realistic budget for your home renovation is hard. I have a whole article about the pitfalls and misinformation about what a home remodel really costs. We follow a thorough interior design process that includes pricing every piece that we need to complete the design, down to the cabinet knobs and the toilet paper holder. We also include all taxes and freight and delivery charges. We present this with the full design plan so our clients have the accurate and complete picture of what the renovation project will really cost.
We do this entire design and investment process BEFORE a single thing is ordered. This is the opposite of the approach many take where they start a project, and where the budget often goes off the rails.
The common scenario is that a couple of items are priced, and then you might purchase a few and get started on the demo. But you haven’t looked at the big picture and every single item you need. And don’t forget the freight and taxes, which could add another 20% to the bottom line. Before you start any home improvement project – read this important article on How to Set Your Interior Design Budget
When it comes to best nurturing your Denver home investment, be realistic about expenses, and prioritize updates that offer the best balance between personal enjoyment and resale value.
Blend Modern Comforts with Denver Charm
One of Denver’s most attractive features is its mix of old and new. If you own a historic home, preserve its unique architectural details while incorporating modern conveniences.
If you have a newer home, adding touches like exposed brick, natural wood, or a cozy fireplace can bring warmth and character.
Via Beautiful Habitat
Think Long-Term
Whether you’re planning to sell in a few years or stay longer-term, consider how your renovations will age. Choose durable materials and timeless designs to ensure your updates don’t look outdated in a few years. But at the same time, don’t make your home too boring or bland. Future buyers will be wowed by a home with more interesting design features.
A well-planned renovation doesn’t just make your home more enjoyable—it safeguards your investment for the future. By making smart, strategic updates, you’ll enhance your Denver home’s value while creating a space that truly feels like home.
Don’t forget to Budget for Furnishings and Décor
Nothing is more disappointing than spending the entire budget on a remodel, then having to keep shabby old furniture or window treatments in a newly remodeled space.
Just as I discussed that we create a detailed design and budget BEFORE purchasing, our design process includes the furniture, too. We include the furniture plans, selections and budget up front so our clients know the costs of the remodel and the furniture and decor to make it feel like home. Read more advice on furnishing your home.
And don’t spend so much money that you are tempted to go cheap on the furniture. This is another common mistake and one that will end up costing you more time, money and headaches. I made this mistake recently, so learn from me – the REAL costs of cheap furniture.
What renovation plans do you have in mind for your Denver home? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about your projects!
Want more of our Top home Remodeling Advice? Check out these past articles.
Should You Remove The Bathtub In The Master Suite?
Keeping Your Remodeling Project On Track