The Best Home Improvements

Homeowners renovate for two basic reasons: money and fun. Or, more precisely, undertake improvements at home to improve the resale value of your home or the enjoyment of your home. Best home improvements, however, are those that offer both.

Americans will spend nearly $ 141 billion on remodeling in the first half of this year, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard. If you are among the many homeowners who opt to improve rather than move, you may be wondering what is likely to give the best balance between increased resale value and immediate enjoyment request renewals.

Here are five best home improvements - from budget-friendly to big budget - providing outstanding return on investment (ROI) in terms of increased value and improved enjoyment:

1. Skylight

You can reduce your electricity bill by installing skylights that reduce dependency on artificial light and fill your home with natural light. You can get quality, "leaks" energy efficient skylights Velum for about $ 800 per unit for a standard fixed skylight with flashing kit. You can find a local installer to provide a cost estimate www.veluxusa.com customized. In terms of positive energy, the effects of exposure to natural light of the physical and mental health are well documented. They are also an effective privacy buoy for bathrooms, which you may not want a wall window. Skylight and sun tunnels (skylights that use reflective tubes to bring sunlight into rooms without direct roof access) not only improve the energy efficiency of your home, which can only make you feel better there live.

2. Covers

Whether you opt for wood or composite, adding a deck is a great way to increase the resale value, expand your living space and enjoy your family. On average, homeowners who add a wood deck can expect to recoup more than 80 percent of its cost when the time comes to sell, according to the 2009-2010 Cost vs.. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine. Added bridge compound return of approximately 71 percent at the time of resale.

3. Kitchens

It is logical that the room where most families spend most of their time would be a popular remodel - and pays big dividends in terms of quality and price. Even a minor kitchen remodel old - which costs about $ 21,000 - will return about 78 percent of its value on resale, according to Remodeling Magazine. An important work of the kitchen, which costs about $ 57,200, about $ 41,200 recovered, or 72 percent.

4. Baths

Whether you tackle the important work is to remove the walls and switch devices, or simply improve the appearance and upgrading faucets and repainting, remodeling the bathroom goes straight to the heart of our desire for comfort. Americans view their baths as far more than a place to wash and take care of other needs. Even if you will not create a home spa, improving the bathroom is sure to increase the resale value of your home and increase your satisfaction with the environment. Remodeling Magazine says the average bathroom remodel costs around $ 16,100 and returns up to 71 percent of the cost at the time of sale.

5. Basement / Attic Remodeling

With more families remain in place in the homes they have, rather than moving to larger homes, many Americans are looking for ways to expand your living space while remaining in place. Attic and basement remodels are great ways to add usable, livable space at a fraction of the cost of building an addition. The lingering effects of the Great Recession have multiple generations living under the same roof again, and many of these families create bedrooms, bathrooms or even family rooms in unfinished attic or basement space. Everyone appreciates the extra space, and attic renovations and basement remodeling yield resale returns of 83 percent and 75 percent, respectively, based on price versus value report.