Home renovation can come in many forms. When most people think about renovation, they typically start with the ideas that are most affordable. However, this isn’t always the right way to improve a home. There could be key features of your home that are in desperate need of renovation or repair. Some improvements could even help to protect your home and the investment that you’ve made in it. New roofing, for example, could beautify your home while ensuring that it is protected from the elements.

Sometimes all your home needs is a little touch up, but in other cases, a large project could actually provide more value and functionality over time.

If you’ve considered the smaller improvements, it’s time to look at the bigger ones. Here are four of the most popular big home renovations you could plan this summer.

Upgrading Your Roof

The average American spends over $7,000 on roof replacement, making this one of the major home remodeling projects for you to consider.

Patching a roof is ideal in an emergency, but when you want to create lasting value, a full replacement is recommended. Roofing is one of the most important components of your home. A roof that leaks could cause interior moisture damage, leading to mold and structural deterioration. Neglecting your roof could lead to costly repairs, or even catastrophic damage in the worst-case scenario.

Reroofing with a home remodeling team might not seem like the most exciting project, but the benefits are worth it. You could also combine the work with exterior painting to give your home improved curbside appeal.

If you plan to sell your home, a new roof will increase your appraised value. Roofing is a real investment and if yours is already showing signs of damage or deterioration, it’s one that you should prioritize.

• The average whole home roofing project takes two days from removal to installation.
• A new roof can last from 25 to 50 years, depending on materials used.

Adding a Deck or Outdoor Living Area

A deck is one of the best improvements for any home, as it will add lasting value and market appeal. If you plan to sell your house in the next five years, a deck addition or improvement might already be on your to-do list.

Building or renovating a deck will create the perfect area for relaxation and entertaining. You can enjoy the warmer months of the year somewhere that is comfortable and convenient. You could set up a grilling station and outdoor dining area, install a hot tub, or even use integrated planters to get the most from a deck.

Placement is everything when installing a large deck. If you’re going to use yours for outdoor dining, it should be located close to your kitchen so that you can have an easy indoor/outdoor flow. You’ll need to plan for the amount of sun coverage that you want, and even the view from your yard could come into consideration.

There are also style choices to consider, including the material that will be used, paint or stain colors, and railing designs.

Unless you have skills and experience, building a large deck as a DIY project is not recommended. Because of the importance of this feature, a professional design and installation is always preferred.

• A deck usually takes between two days and one week to build, depending on size and design.
• Treated wood or composite decks can last up to 50 years.

Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home. While it sounds very much like a cliché, it doesn’t make it any less true.

You spend your mornings in the kitchen, preparing for the day and bonding with family. The kitchen is also where lunch and evening meals are prepared. If you’re like most families, your kitchen is probably a place for conversation and entertaining as well. In fact, it’s one of the most versatile rooms in the home.

Considering this, it’s no surprise that kitchen cabinet refacing is one of the most popular home remodeling projects in America. If you’re going to spend so much time in any single room, it should look warm and welcoming. Run down cabinets can ruin the atmosphere in your kitchen.

Refacing your cabinets is a great way to remodel without going all in on a whole kitchen replacement.

• Cabinet refacing can be completed in five days, depending on the size of your kitchen and availability of materials.
• High quality kitchen cabinets could last for 50 years. Natural timber cabinets can be refinished indefinitely.

Whole Kitchen Remodel or Renovation

If your kitchen is dated, run down, and in dire need of modernization, you should consider a whole kitchen renovation. This will include refacing or replacing cabinets, replacing flooring, updating your appliances, and installing new lighting and other smaller features. You could even choose to remodel your kitchen by adding an island, removing a wall, or even extending it beyond your current floorplan.

This is one of the biggest jobs in home renovation and remodeling. You’ll need to consider your needs both today and in the future. Plumbing upgrades may be necessary, and it’s a good idea to insulate your pipes while remodeling, ensuring that your kitchen is winterized for the years ahead.

Remodeling your whole kitchen is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your home. Expanding the floor plan could make the room more practical and comfortable. A new island could add an additional space for food preparation, and it could be used for informal dining. If you have an older home with a closed kitchen, you could consider removing a wall to open the space and create a better flow throughout your home.

The average cost for a home kitchen renovation ranges from $15,000 to $20,000, but this figure could increase to $40,000 or more if you add an extension or perform other remodeling work. The investment is worth it, especially considering that a new kitchen will provide decades of convenience and enjoyment, and it could also add to the market value of your home.

• Expect a kitchen renovation to take up to 12 weeks, depending on the size, materials, and upgrades that you are including.
• The main features in your kitchen, such as counters and cabinets, will last for decades. Appliances and fixtures like sinks/faucets will typically last from 10 to 15 years.

Get Expert Advice for Home Renovation

For any large project or complete home renovation, you need to work with contractors that you can trust.

At HomeWorx, you can talk to our design consultants to develop a remodeling plan that works for your needs and budget. Our knowledge of current trends, cost-efficient improvements, and our quality workmanship can make your home the best it has ever been. We’ll even 3D model your improvements, so you can visualize and customize before work begins.

Make a strong investment in your home, whether you plan to live in it for life or sell it in the future. Start a project that will provide lasting value by talking to the best renovation contractors in Iowa.