A remodel can make your home feel all-new, and it can make you feel fresh and young again. Considering how expensive and time-consuming these projects can be, however, you may not have the finances or the stomach to do the entire house all at once. It would be too much chaos for too long, and it wouldn’t even raise your home’s value by much. Instead, measured steps make much more sense. The question is, however, where do you start?

Make sure, first, that the house is in good shape

No matter how great the remodeling ideas are that you have, it won’t make sense to spend on it until you know that the basic structure of the house is in good shape. From energy efficiency to HVAC, plumbing to freedom from mold, you need an inspector to certify your house. If there are repairs that your home needs, you should see to them. It’s the budget that’s left over that you get to apply to the actual remodel.

Think return on investment

There are two paths to a decision on where to start — your personal dreams, and calculations to do with return on investment. If you have dreamed your whole life of a personal movie theater just like the celebrities have, or a pool in the backyard, you should have it if you’re sure it will make you happy.

Both these remodels, however, add little to the value of a home. They are for your pleasure alone. Come the day that you’re ready to sell, they may actually take away from the value that potential buyers see in your home, because they may not want these additions. 

When you think of return on investment, you’re actually thinking of safe improvements that are likely to be appeal to the widest range of potential buyers. These are popular additions that are both useful and in demand. ROI is a sensible way to decide on the kind of remodel to go with.

Kitchens are the most popular choice

Kitchens are the number one most popular home remodel choice. Not only do they add greatly to the look and enjoyment potential of a home, they practically pay for themselves in the way they raise home values. 

The kitchen is a great place to start even if you have no plans to sell. It’s the part of the home that most family members are likely to enjoy. It’s also the part of the home that guests are likely to see.

You should look at the trends of your region

It isn’t always a straightforward matter, determining what part of your home is likely to fetch the greatest return on investment. Outdoor recreational areas are more popular and the South, and people will pay a lot for them. Your neighborhood can matter a lot, too. If your neighbor street is trending downscale, utilitarian upgrades can matter a lot — a rec room in the basement, a better bathroom, a finished attic and so on. It’s important to never forget context.