Upgrades That Will Make You Love Your Home, Not List It

Get the biggest bang for your renovation bucks.

Whether it’s because staying put saves time, money or stress, most Americans are happy to remain in their current homes. It might not be the right time for your family to think of changing commutes and schools or adding mortgage costs.

And how does one let go of the emotional attachment to a home in which so many cherished memories have been made?

I teamed up with Eli Vaknin, experienced General Contractor at EV Remodeling; Jennie Hong, Flooring Expert and Owner of Floor Coverings International Northeast Atlanta; and Interior Designer Leah Kessler of Leah Kristin Designs to look at home upgrades that could turn your existing home into your dream home. 

We’ve gathered exciting options for a range of budgets, from $10,000 to $100,000. I hope these ideas inspire your next projects!

For a $10,000 budget

EV Remodeling 

Vaknin proposed upgrading a fireplace for $10,000. The hearth can be refaced with veneer stone, a thin layer of stone applied directly to drywall with no special preparation.

Other material options for fireplace refacing are marble and large-format tile that comes in huge 4” x 8” sheets. One sheet can cover the entire face of the fireplace.

“People are going for a more modern, clean look — something that doesn’t catch so much dust, that you can wipe clean easily,” he said.

Mantles can also be updated, though for a more contemporary look, Vaknin recommends eliminating the mantle altogether. Traditionalists may shudder and consider a change of mantle material instead. 

The fireplace surround dictates what sort of mantle is suitable. Vaknin favors contrasts. A rustic wood mantle for a farmhouse look plays well against a clean, bright white material; whereas a ‘clean’ mantle pairs well with rustic stone veneer. 

More ideas

Other ways to freshen a home include a new handrail and balusters for a staircase. Balusters can be wooden, iron or horizontal cables for a modern esthetic.

Repainting the exterior of your home also can provide an instant facelift that your neighbors will enjoy, too.

New, man-made quartz or natural stone granite, quartzite or marble countertops and backsplash in an average-sized kitchen can make it stand out. Vaknin said he has witnessed a trend towards darker counters in black or gray.

Floor Coverings International 

Familiar with older homes in Peachtree Corners, Hong is aware that if you’re not moving, you’re looking to do some work.

Many homes come with solid, 2.25” hardwood floors on the main floor, other than one or two carpeted rooms, maybe. Hong suggests removing any carpet, replacing it with hardwoods, then sanding the whole main floor and updating the stain.

Sanding and refinishing everything to a new color eliminates the orangey old stain, which is outdated.

“Everybody loves California white oak. Natural wood is in now,” Hong said. “You can get the entire main floor, solid hardwood, sanded and refinished. You can also sand and refinish your stairs. That’s right around $10,000 …for an entirely new look.”

The removal of any carpet on the main floor and replacing it with hardwoods is included. “That’s the best bang for your buck,” Hong said. “You don’t have to spend a fortune; you already have the hardwoods.”

If tackling a carpeted upper level is more pressing, you can remove the carpet and replace the hallway floor with solid hardwoods finished to match the main level. Depending on your budget, you may consider extending hardwoods into the primary bedroom and getting fresh carpet in the secondary bedrooms.

“There are a lot of ways you can slice and dice it. That’s what we’re good at,” Hong said.

Another option within the $10,000 range is redoing basement floors with luxury vinyl. From 800 to 1,000 square feet can be refinished this way. The price includes everything: product, trim, moving furniture, subfloor preparation and installation.

Luxury vinyl

Popular because it’s scratch resistant and waterproof, luxury vinyl is easier to maintain than hardwoods — and it’s great for people with pets.

“Even in million-dollar homes, the sale of hardwood is going down, but luxury vinyl is skyrocketing,” Hong shared. She attributes this, in part, to the rise in pet adoptions during the COVID outbreak. 

“People are gravitating towards luxury vinyl because their lifestyle has changed. They have kids and pets that scratch the hardwood floor. Luxury vinyl looks and feels like hardwood, but it’s a fraction of the price,” Hong said.

Barring being totally submerged in water in the event of a flood, luxury vinyl is indestructible and can last a lifetime.

“It’s not the vinyl sheets you knew from back in the day. They’re gorgeous, long planks that look like wood,” Hong continued. “Depending on the type of luxury vinyl you choose, we can do a basement or several rooms on the main level for $10,000.”

Leah Kristin Designs  

Heading-up a full-scale design firm specializing in country club and high-end residential projects nationwide, Kessler provides space planning, procurement and FF&A (fabrics, furniture and accessories) selection for renovations and new construction. 

According to Kessler, for $10,000 one could consider changing up the furniture and accessories of a space or adding a fresh coat of paint or wall covering. 

“Sometimes a small refresh can give a space a completely new look,” Kessler said. New pillows for example, or the addition of a decorative window treatment, can soften a room.

She advises clients to keep large-ticket items like upholstered pieces more neutral while adding pops of color or bolder patterns in less expensive items like pillows and accessories.

This allows for the easy transformation of a space’s look.

Ever-evolving design trends allow for paint and wall coverings to quickly make a huge impact.

“We’ve all been in homes that have a color change from one room to the next going from gold to hunter green to burgundy. Or every room has an accent wall painted in a very loud color,” Kessler said. “Current design trends are much lighter and more neutral.”

Today, swaths of cream, white, taupe and gray fill homes, achieving an overall more cohesive, airy look.

A reno second to none

Renovating a smaller secondary bathroom can enhance a home without being a huge undertaking. 

It can be more cost-effective to purchase a vanity with a pre-installed sink and countertop.

“Older homes in our area have lower vanity heights. Ready-made vanities provide a higher sink height for a more updated and custom feel,” Kessler said.

One can achieve the high-end look of natural stone, minus the high dollar price, by redoing floors and showers with porcelain tile. Another trend Kessler mentioned is the elimination of a bathtub in favor of a walk-in shower. 

A small wet bar or butler’s pantry update are other popular post-COVID projects, as homeowners make improvements to facilitate entertaining. Adding cabinets, installing a new countertop and backsplash, incorporating a beverage fridge or wine cooler can enhance a small kitchen, dining room or living room wall for between $10,000 to $15,000 and make it more functional. 

For a $30,000 budget

EV Remodeling 

For $30,000, Vaknin proposes a new guest, hallway or three-fixture bathroom remodel — down to the studs. It would include new cabinets, a counter, tiles, planning and permitting.

“Anytime you remove more than three sheets of drywall exposing walls, you need to pull a permit. You’d be replacing the light fixture and adding an exhaust fan. An electrician and an HVAC company will vent it out of the house. The faucets require a licensed plumber. All those things must be inspected by a city inspector,” Vaknin affirmed.

Certified contractors know current building codes, but a permit ensures everything will be up to code.

“I like the homeowner to have peace of mind. If a mistake is made and the city inspector fails him, that’s good for the client. The inspector makes sure we’re all on the same page,” Vaknin explained.

A kitchen renovation at this price point would include replacing the countertop and backsplash, painting the cabinets — and there may be enough to upgrade a few appliances. If cabinets date from the 80s, it might be wise to consider getting new ones so tracks and doors function properly. 

“You want to upgrade the hardware and the inside too. It can be $5000 just to paint cabinets in a small kitchen. I don’t think that’s a good choice in an older kitchen,” Vaknin said. Especially since new soft close cabinets and new hardware would cost $10,000.

Vaknin also recommends an accent wall behind the bed. It can be adorned with wood paneling or shiplap, for example. Replace furniture, light fixtures, a ceiling fan, carpet or — depending what’s going on in the rest of the house — install wood floors. 

The garage is the new front entrance

We all enter and exit our homes through the garage. It practically serves as the front door.

For $20,000 to $30,000, you can make your garage a welcoming place to enter your house, provided you’re starting with a solid concrete floor free of cracks or any sinking issues. 

Vaknin recommends refacing the floor in an epoxy finish with an array of colors to choose from. “Darker colors like gray and black are best to hide oil spills and tire marks,” he suggested. 

A garage makeover would include new cabinetry to hide any disorder and prevent the dust and pollen buildup that occurs on open shelves.

For additional storage, Vaknin envisions shelves hanging from the ceiling where “same-size boxes” can be stored neatly. 

Floor Coverings International 

For a “Wow!” factor, the floors and stairs in about 1,900 square feet of space can be sanded and refinished and old carpets replaced with new, nylon carpet for $30,000, according to Hong. That could cover practically the entire house. 

In addition, Hong recommends redoing all the handrails.

“People are updating old white wooden spindles to metal. Back in the day, they had the spiral, rounded handrails. Nowadays, square posts and handrails — a sleek, boxy look — is popular,” Hong explained. 

Engineered hardwoods

Another option for about $30,000 is a designer brand of engineered hardwoods covering about 2,000 square feet of space. “It’s a beautiful, wide plank, gorgeous caramel color. This is very upscale and sexy for people who like design,” Hong said. 

Engineered hardwoods are for homeowners who prefer natural materials. “People think engineered hardwoods sound fake,” Hong said. “But they’re made of layers of real wood built up to make pieces of wood, whereas solid hardwood is one piece of wood,” Hong explained.

Typically less expensive than solid hardwood, engineered hardwood is popular for homes on concrete slabs. It’s installed with a glue-down application.

This product is not to be mistaken with what you find in home improvement stores where they sell 90s versions of engineered hardwoods for $3.50 per square foot.

“The designer brand retails for about $8 a square foot. You can go anywhere from cheap engineered hardwood to nicer brands,” Hong said.

A more rustic, wire brush matte texture hides scratches. If you have pets, Hong advises avoiding smooth finishes. As with solid hardwoods, a glossy finish makes scuffs more prominent. 

Leah Kristin Designs

New architectural details like beams, wainscoting and trim that add drama and elegance are what Kessler envisions for $30,000. She advises converting open bookcases to more decorative cabinets, keeping storage behind cabinet doors to hide cluttered shelves.

For a $50,000 budget

EV Remodeling

Putting $50,000 into your primary bathroom allows for the relocation of plumbing and the removal or repositioning of walls that won’t affect the home’s structural integrity. Tile materials can range from porcelain to Carrera marble, though Vaknin recommends porcelain for ease of care. 

Or it may be time to bring that old deck up to code. In most cases, a deck will have to be torn down and rebuilt. “You don’t want to build a new structure on top of an old one,” Vaknin cautioned. 

For $50,000 you can have the deck of your dreams, minus the fireplace. I tried to squeak one in — Vaknin advised it would add considerably to the cost.

The structural material of the deck should be pressure-treated pine. Vaknin recommends composite material for the decking boards and railings to provide 30 years of worry-free upkeep.

Metal railings with horizontal cables are the up-to-date, preferred choice for unobstructed backyard views. 

To stay within an existing footprint without moving any walls, Vaknin highly suggests a full kitchen remodel as the best bet for a $50,000 budget. It could include new countertops, cabinets, backsplash, appliances, an architect’s plans and permits. 

Leah Kristin Designs

Kessler also champions a kitchen redesign for $50,000. It’s her most popular client request. 

“The kitchen is where people gather, whether they’re entertaining large groups for a special occasion or just winding down at the end of the day with family. A well-designed kitchen that is both functional and comfortable is hugely important,” Kessler said.

Floor Coverings International

If you want your home to look like a million-dollars, Hong suggests updating about 2,900 square feet of flooring for $50,000. That price gets you three stories of luxury vinyl, except for bathrooms, where you may prefer tiles.

Included are an attractive stair runner on the main staircase and a back staircase in luxury vinyl treads and white risers that look like hardwoods. 

Stair runners help prevent both pets and humans from slipping on the steps. They’re decorative and popular here in the South.

A new stair runner on your hardwood stairs can range from $1,600 to $5,000 depending on your carpet choice. “Stairs are big. They’re often the first thing you see when you walk into a house,” Hong said.

If your home came with a stair runner, the wood underneath is likely lower grade. Hence, removing a stair runner could mean replacing all the stair treads, a $3,200 job.

Careful what you crave

Another flooring trend is special order, 7” wide plank, white oak floors. “The wider planks are in, but it’s not so good for solid hardwood, which expands and contracts with temperature and humidity fluctuations,” Hong warns. 

If you want the coveted look of natural European white oak, get 7” engineered hardwood instead. Along with new matching stair treads and a runner, $50,000 will cover about 1,500 to 1,700 square feet of space, if laid in a straight pattern. 

“We make sure to educate our customers. We share the pros and cons of each option. It’s ultimately up to them, but we let them know the implications,” Hong shared.

For a $100,000 budget

EV Remodeling

Set your sights on maximizing the use of your backyard with a blow-out budget of $100,000. Vaknin recently transformed his own backyard into a private resort. The renovation included an outdoor kitchen, an al fresco patio that runs along the backside of the main floor and a section of patio with overhead coverage.

Clear plastic panels atop wooden beams provide protection from the elements but still allow sun to shine through. This price also includes grading, concrete, massive pavers and new, horizontal, modern fencing.

Floor Coverings International

This budget commands splendiferous floors! It’s easy to spend $50,000 in a bathroom on high grade porcelain tiles or marble on floors, walls and shower stalls. Incorporating a chevron pattern, decorative shower pieces, or mosaic tile drives the price up.

Renew two bathrooms and voilà — $100,000.

When working with $100,000, Hong feels the utmost attention must be given to an overall design element. Laying floors in a herringbone pattern in strategic areas, for example, would fall within this budget. It’s a great way to accent a hallway, a primary bedroom or the front entrance.

Material options for herringbone installations are tile, solid hardwoods, engineered hardwoods and luxury vinyl.

Border designs could be incorporated too. Picture a porcelain or marble tile foyer surrounded by wooden, herringbone floors.

Hong suggests choosing porcelain instead of marble because it’s durable, it’ll stretch your decorating dollars and you still get the beautiful, veined look of marble. 

Leah Kristin Designs

A finished basement is what Kessler suggested for a $100,000 home improvement project. The designer believes it’s best to focus on completing one room or area at a time instead of doing a little here and there.

“Your home should be a reflection of your personality and style. Pictures, accessories and furnishings that speak to you tend to speak to each other, creating harmonious spaces,” Kessler offered. “Buy things you love. They’ll be emotionally satisfying even 20 years down the road.”

No need to pack!

Which of these renovations would turn the home you already love into the home you’d never want to leave?

Hiring professionals to do the heavy lifting required to beautify, renew and improve your dwelling’s functionality is key. Consider a one-stop-shop general contractor like EV Remodeling.

For your flooring needs, a five-star company like Floor Coverings International “brings the floors to your doors” with mobile showroom-outfitted vans.

Finally, an interior design firm like Leah Kristin Designs will devise a cohesive plan for your treasured abode.

So, stay and enjoy your home in a whole new way!