Upgrade Your Home with this Guide to Home Improvement

One of the best things about owning a home is being able to make it your own. From brand new construction to fixer-uppers, people all over the country are doing just that—in fact, 90% of homeowners plan to remodel their homes at some point. 

But before you tackle any home improvement projects, you'll need a plan. 

These home improvement tips will help you choose the best improvements and devices to bring value to your home now and in the future. 

Home improvement 

A recent survey found that 61% of homeowners plan to remodel their homes rather than move. There are a number of reasons why homeowners are turning to remodeling versus buying a new home, including:

• Rising home prices. Home values and prices have risen steadily in recent years and are predicted to continue increasing, making it easier for some to renovate rather than move.
• Desire to stay in their area. This is particularly true of people who have lived in their home for at least six years.
• Feeling empowered. Thanks to the many DIY and home improvement shows on TV, a record number of people are heading to their local home improvement stores to tackle their own home improvement projects.

Whether you want to save money, stay in a neighborhood you love, or just try your hand at a DIY project, home improvement can transform your current home into a modern dream home.

Paying for home improvements

If you’re planning to remodel, costs are usually at the forefront of everyone’s mind. There are a number of ways you can finance your home improvement projects, including:

• Cash or savings. Many people (between 50 and 75%, according to one report) use their savings to finance their projects. The more expensive the project, however, the more likely people are to use other financing options. 
• Home improvement loans. For people buying fixer-uppers, this also includes mortgage loans that roll in the cost of improvements and repairs to the amount financed.
• Financing from home improvement stores. Many national home improvement stores will finance projects like kitchen and bath remodels, breaking the cost into monthly payments, usually with interest.
• Home equity line of credit (HELOC). Some homeowners also tap into their home’s equity to pay for remodeling costs through this specific line of credit.

Creating a budget will help you determine the best way to fund your home improvements as well as prioritize your projects.

Ways to improve your home

Regardless of how you’re financing your home improvements, it pays to choose projects that provide a good return on your investment when it comes time to sell your home. Some of the highest home improvement ROIs include:

• Kitchen remodel. It’s one of the pricier investments, but it also offers one of the best returns at 80%. This includes things like refacing or repainting cabinets, upgrading countertops, and installing new energy-efficient appliances.
• Exterior improvements. Anything to improve your home’s curb appeal, such as landscaping or installing stone veneer accents, can recoup up to 75% of the initial cost.
• Garage door replacement. Not all improvements need to be cost prohibitive. Spending around $3,000 to upgrade your garage door not only improves curb appeal, but also has a 97% return.
• Energy efficient improvements. Certain energy efficient improvements, like adding solar panels, can also qualify you for a Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit. 

Smart home devices 

In addition to cosmetic improvements, upgrades that make your home safer, more comfortable, and more convenient are also an excellent investment.

Smart homes with home automation not only provide benefit to your day to day life, but they'll also benefit you should you decide to sell your home. One survey found millennial buyers are willing to pay more for a home that has smart technology, such as keyless access, smart thermostats, and mobile-controlled security. 

Some of the best smart home improvements you can make to your home that will help bring more ease, convenience, and value to your home include: 

• Security cameras. There are security cameras on the market for the outside and inside of your home, and even your doorbell—and they’re all a great investment. Not only do they provide an added security measure, but they also let you check in on family members, sitters, or pets wherever you are.
• Garage door opener. If you’re already upgrading your garage door, a remote opener is the icing on the cake. Even better? Garage door control that notifies you if you left your door open and allows you to close it wherever you are.
• Smoke detector. Although required by law, smoke detectors vary in quality and timely detection of smoke. Upgrading to the latest technology in smoke detectors is an upgrade you can’t afford not to make.
• Carbon monoxide detector. This deadly gas is responsible for hundreds of deaths and thousands of hospitalizations each year, but believe it or not, carbon monoxide detectors aren’t required by law in every state, like smoke detectors. Keep your family safe by installing accurate detectors in your home.
• Smart thermostat. What’s better than a thermostat that automatically adjusts to your liking? One that saves you money at the same time. Smart thermostats are both trendy and practical. When part of a Vivint system, they can even be controlled via voice or an app.
• Keyless door locks. Smart door locks are convenient, safe, and a great investment for any home. By locking or unlocking via your app or a code instead of a physical key, you don’t run the risk of losing a key or compromising home security by leaving “hidden” keys outside.
• Smart lighting. Smart lights like Philip Hue bulbs make life easier. Turn lights on and off with your app, no matter where you are, or just say, “Hey Google, turn off the downstairs lights,” if you have a voice-activated speaker.
• Motion sensors. Smart homes are safer homes, especially when equipped with home security systems that feature motion sensors. When your Vivint system is armed, any movement will trigger an alarm and alert the central monitoring system, which will in turn notify authorities on your behalf.
• Water leak detector. Home improvements can be fun—unless they involve expensive repairs for damage caused by water leaks. A water sensor that senses moisture from leaks or in a basement can alert you before costly damage occurs.
• Smart Hub. Your smart home needs a central hub that allows you to control everything from a single location. With the Vivint Smart Hub, you can do everything from view camera footage to arm your security system to adjust your thermostat, all from one spot.

Add value to your home with Vivint

Any home improvement you make to your home should ultimately help make your home a better place for you and your family. 

With a Vivint system, you can add value to your home now and in the future. You and your family will enjoy the added comfort and convenience smart home technology will bring your home. 

What does a Vivint offer?

Take a look: 

• A customized solution that fits your needs. No Vivint system is alike. That's because we customize your system based on what you need and want for your home. So whether you want to focus on security features or you want a full home automation package, our Smart Home Pros help you create the system that works for you. 
• Devices that work together.  Vivint devices all work together seamlessly, allowing you to use your voice assistant to adjust your temperature,  or control them all with a single app. 
• 24/7 monitoring. Whether you're home or away, Vivint's 24/7 home security monitoring ensures your home is watched over by a professional monitoring team. And should a smoke or burglar alarm go off, the monitoring team will contact the proper authorities so you can get your family to safety. 
• Professional installation. If DIY isn't your thing, you're in luck. All Vivint systems include professional installation. Our installers ensure all your new smart devices work together seamlessly and train you how to use your new system. 

Whether you want to increase your home's value with the latest smart devices, make your home a safer place with home security features, or just enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being connected to your home wherever you are, a Vivint is an improvement that pays.

Call our Smart Home Pros today at 800.646.1469 for a free quote on a customized smart home system.