They say a home is one of the biggest investments of your life, and while there’s no denying that fact, there’s a (potential) catch. The truth? If you don’t put money into improving your home along the way, you may end up with a lofty investment that, well…doesn’t actually pay off. That’s why when it comes to home renovations, we aren’t always fans of playing it safe — we like to tell our clients to reach for the stars. So, without further ado, here are 5 luxury home renovation tips that guarantee you’ll get just as much out of your home as you put into it…and maybe even more!

#1 Spice Up Your Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of your home, which explains why it also holds the power to increase your ROI — whether you opt for major upgrades or minor tweaks. According to Remodeling Magazine, you can expect to recoup anywhere from 53% to 72% on your kitchen remodel depending on the type of renovation you do, the materials you use, and where you live.

Seeking some inspiration? Check out this show stopping kitchen from our latest listing at 2013 Q Street NW.

#2 Put Unused Spaces to Work

The golden rule in real estate? Don’t leave any extra space on the table.

As a homeowner, leaving that space untouched just means you have square footage you aren’t taking advantage of. Making the most of those unused rooms will not only enhance your living space while you’re still there, but it will also make your home appealing to potential homebuyers when the time to sell does come. Plus, it’s typically much less expensive than adding additional floor space to your home.

➤ For More Home Preparation Tips Read: The 5 Keys to Staging a Luxury Home

#3 Build an Outdoor Oasis

An insider tip? Society’s newfound emphasis on outdoor space isn’t going away anytime soon. Fittingly, then, projects that make your outdoor space more accessible and functional also increase home value in turn. Depending on the materials you use, such as wood or composite decking, decks and patios can have an ROI of more than 64%. Other options include stone or brick patios and lower decks, which can make great DIY projects if you happen to be handy.

Already have a deck or patio? Be sure pressure wash and refinish it if necessary. Repair or replace any old, rotting boards or broken pavers, and strip flaking paint and stain. Sprucing up your existing outdoor structures is a low-cost way to increase your home’s appeal to buyers and add to the overall desirability of your property where it counts.

Photo courtesy of 940 T Street NW, a home with an outdoor setup we can’t stop obsessing over.

#4 Energize Your Extras

This just in: Energy-efficient appliances and building materials come with a host of meaningful benefits — including their appeal in the eyes of prospective buyers. The secret? Not only do they help to save money on energy costs, but they can also reduce your home’s environmental impact. Here are some environmentally-conscious projects to consider:

• Installing solar panels
• Purchasing Energy Star appliances
• Investing in a smart thermostat
• Replacing old windows
• Swapping out poorly insulated exterior doors
• Improving insulation

Not sure where to start? Consider hiring a professional to conduct a home energy audit. Many gas and electricity providers offer evaluations that provide you with an energy score and tips for how to boost your home’s efficiency.

➤ For Insights On The DC Luxury Real Estate Market Check Out:

• Everything You Need to Know About Buying (or Selling) A Luxury Home in DC
• The Price of Luxury Living in DC

#5 Let Your Design Shine

In the world of real estate, a little interior design goes a long way. Buyers are big on details, which is why there are countless design updates that can help position your home to shine in its best light — without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for some easy but worthwhile home improvement projects to increase your property’s overall value and entice buyers, consider:

• Updating light fixtures
• Replacing light covers and heat registers
• Swapping out old door knobs and hardware
• Installing custom window coverings, such as blinds
• Modernizing your paint colors
• Repainting baseboards, ceilings, and interior doors
• Adding crown molding

Although at first glance, these jobs may seem less impressive than large-scale renovations, don’t underestimate how much the visual appeal of your home can impact its ultimate value.

Don’t just take our word for it — check out 1612 8th Street NW to see the power of design in action.

For more inspiration ideas for your luxury home renovation check out our complete portfolio of listings here.

The bottom line? Whether you’re ready to list tomorrow or 5 years down the line, planning for the future is key. Don’t worry — you’re not in it alone! We’re here to help. Get in touch with us today to bring your real estate goals to life.