Congratulations on buying your first home! It can be a taxing process (figuratively and literally, depending on where you live) and no doubt overwhelming.

And if we’re being realistic, the work isn’t over by a long shot. Unless you lucked out beyond belief, you’ll be making some changes to the property. Here’s how to prioritize renovations as a first-time homeowner.

1. Identify the necessities

As you toured each room in your new home for the first time, you dreamed of many changes. What color to paint, where you’d put the sofa, and what style of cabinets you’d like. 

All of that sits on the back (way back) burner now. Safety first, and that means utilities updated and previous damage mitigated. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are typically top priorities, along with structural and exterior fixes like windows, siding, and roofing. 

If very few of these renovations feel exciting, reframe your thinking. It’s the only way to protect a huge, important investment. Your first home is a major achievement and personal milestone you don’t want to take preventable risks with.

2. Get clear on your intentions

People picture first-time homebuyers almost universally as young couples ready to settle in and start a family. If this isn’t you, you’re not alone. The median age of first-time buyers is on the rise, for starters. 

Ensure your future plans factor into how you prioritize renovations. 

  • If you dream of staying for as long as possible, go for maximum quality, durability, and timeless personal style.

  • If you want to resell in the next few years, prepare to stage and aim to make updates that buyers typically like to see.

  • If you plan on retiring here, prioritize leisure and accessibility in your remodeling endeavors.

  • If you plan on growing your family, be realistic about how (and how long) the home can accommodate your changing routines and lifestyle.

3. Study the budget and aim for max ROI

Do you ever see yourself selling, even well into the future? Good maintenance is a useful tip, but choosing the right spots to remodel is another way to get maximum value.

First, learn more about other homes in the area. What are they going for, and why? You probably already discovered some of this during the purchase process, but stay up to date.

Now, designate space in the budget for those areas that offer the highest ROI. Kitchen and bath remodeling usually offers some of the best. Even better, they offer big returns even when you don’t do a full-scale reno; a minor mid-range kitchen remodel can offer a 96% return. 

Other high-value areas to consider in your remodel are entries. Garage and entryway door replacement clocks in at an average of 194% and 188% recouped, respectively.

4. Find room for your wants

Hopefully, the previous areas of prioritization covered at least some of your wish list as a first-time homebuyer. If not, it’s finally time to put your desire front and center. A new composite deck, one-of-a-kind stone countertops, and the walk-in closet of your dreams await.

If you want a more attractive, personalized home design that feels great to you and also keeps the home’s value up, consider architectural details. Mudroom storage, built-in shelving, molding and trim, tile work, and custom cabinets are all investments that you can feel proud of while you own them.

5. Ready, set, remodel!

How many professionals did you have to hire when purchasing your first home? The broker, the agents, the inspector, and the appraiser. You may have even needed an attorney and a surveyor. 

When it’s time to remodel, it feels like that lengthy, complex process starts all over again. Designers, material manufacturers, craftspeople, and contractors. The Designery is an all-in-one solution for hiring fatigue. We offer professional designers, showrooms brimming with quality materials, craftspeople skilled in fabricating hardware, cabinetry, and more, plus experienced contractors to install and carry out other remodeling jobs–all in one place. 

If you think you can’t afford it, check with us first. Like we mentioned earlier, high ROI on hot remodeling areas like kitchens isn’t dependent on a full overhaul. Plus, we know how to work with (and even improve) your budget.

And you can definitely afford to consult us–your introduction to a design professional is free. 

First-time homebuyer remodeling FAQ

What is the 30% rule for renovations?

The 30% rule says you should avoid spending more than 30% of your home’s value on a remodel. This is generally good advice, as spending more can make your property a mismatch with the rest of the area and harm the ROI. 

What is the difference between a renovation and a remodel?

We may use these words interchangeably, but there is a difference. 

Remodeling indicates changing the structure space. Knocking down a wall or adding cabinets to a kitchen to change its layout are examples of remodeling. Upgrading the faucet and painting are examples of renovating, which usually involves cosmetic fixes.

But don’t worry about semantics; plenty of renovation tasks are included with remodels. 

What comes first in remodeling?

Safety hazards and basic functioning, like plumbing and electrical, are always first. Beyond that, many homeowners start with the kitchen. It’s considered the heart of the home and, accordingly, offers some of the highest ROI.