Residential Remodeling: the 3 Most Overlooked Renovation Projects

Any general contractor providing residential remodeling services will tell you that the industry is all about kitchens and bathrooms. And for good reason -- most general contractors agree that kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects have a very high return-on-investment rate, 63.6% on average. Even so, the most reliable general contractors will also tell you there are other beneficial renovations often overlooked by homeowners.

If you're saving up for residential remodeling and construction work, then here are three projects to consider first. Not all of these projects sound exciting. They won't go viral with Big Remodeling News or House Renovation Blogs, but they will be worth your hard-earned money.

1. From the Ground Up
Homeowners are often amazed by just how much of a difference new floors can make to their home, whether it's fresh carpet or gorgeous hardwood flooring. Over time, your carpet becomes stained and faded, while hardwood, tile, and linoleum becomes scuffed and scratched. This often happens so slowly you never even notice. Replacing your flooring not only gives your house a breath of fresh air, it can make small spaces seem much larger.

2. Sometimes Less is More
Bathroom and kitchen remodeling service is the general contractor's bread and butter. In the United States, bathroom remodeling makes up 78% of all renovations. Not only that, but 69% of a general contractor's customers will request kitchen remodeling as well. And among the most requested renovations are those sparkling granite counter tops, a giant kitchen island, and added square feet. These are all worthwhile investments in your home's value, but small jobs can often have a greater impact on your home.

For instance, before you start knocking down walls, consider installing brand new appliances, counters, sinks, and lighting fixtures. Small accents and updates like these can have a drastic impact on your kitchen space. And while many people have their heart set on those granite counter tops, high-end synthetic stone materials look just as good but last much longer.

3. This Old House... No Really, This Old House is Super Old
While general remodeling contractors will be happy to help you design and build the renovation of your dreams, some homeowners ignore needed repairs for aesthetic renovations. While there's nothing wrong with adding space, new flooring, and remodeling your bathroom, older houses often need a little more TLC. If your home is more than 30 years old, consider installing new HVAC systems, insulation for your windows and doors, and booking a thorough inspection of your plumbing and electrical systems.


In short, don't give your home a facelift before you check its pulse. Ignore crucial repairs for surface-level changes at your own risk. That being said, no general contractor will complain if you want to do both at the same time!