High ROI Renovation Ideas for SoCal Homes

Renovation is an important part of homeownership. It can help improve the comfort, use, and appearance of your property. With that said, not all home improvement projects are created equal in terms of ROI. This is especially true in Southern California, an area whose sunny climate and competitive real estate market create unique considerations for homeowners looking to attain top dollar for their property come resale time. Keep reading as we explore some of the best renovation projects to maximize ROI in SoCal. 

Open Up the Interior

The open interior concept is one of the most powerful trends in home renovation. By removing cumbersome interior walls, homeowners can enhance the sense of spaciousness in a property. An open interior also has energy efficiency benefits. Fewer obstructions means greater transmission of natural light. It can also streamline customization when changing decor and rearranging furniture. Some ways to maximize an open interior are by choosing light wall colors for greater reflectivity, installing sound proof wall panels to limit sound transfer throughout the home, and leveraging glass partitions to create defined space without inhibiting natural daylighting efforts. 

Low-Water Landscaping

You don’t have to be familiar with the film noir classic Chinatown to know that water is a precious resource in southern California. And in the era of climate change, this is underscored in the real estate market. Modern homeowners are constantly looking for ways to limit their water consumption to save on utility bills and help protect the planet. 

According to the EPA, some 30% of a home’s water consumption comes from outdoor use. This figure is likely worse for water-inefficient homes in southern California, as the region gets far less rainfall than most parts of the country. Therefore, look for ways to curb water consumption through mindful landscaping. Consider partial xeriscaping of expansive grass lawns. Choose low-water plants and cacti for a burst of color. Look into the benefits of turf infill over traditional grass for a lower maintenance lawn experience. 

Siding Upgrade

A siding upgrade is a great way to fortify a home’s building envelope. Modern products such as steel log and fiber cement offer elite resistance against moisture, fire, pest, and impact damage. They can also be fabricated in a wide range of exterior house paint colors to capture the desired curb appeal. The great news is that these modern siding options do not require frequent staining, sealing, or painting to retain their aesthetics and protective properties. These low maintenance features give them a leg up on traditional wood and masonry siding products. 

Garage Door Replacement

A garage door replacement is one of the most impactful home renovations a homeowner can make. It instantly improves curb appeal, enhances safety, and improves energy efficiency. With professional installation, many garage door upgrades can be completed in as little as half a day. For these reasons, Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report for the Pacific Region shows that a garage door replacement recoups a whopping 250% of project costs through increased home value. 

Modest Kitchen Renovations

Kitchen renovations are arguably the most exciting home improvement projects. Homeowners will go to great lengths to create the proverbial “dream kitchen.” However, it is important to remember that one homeowner's dream kitchen may be a buyer’s living nightmare. 

Overly expansive kitchens with niche features can end up causing far too much work for the benefits they provide. As such, functional, mid-range kitchen renovations are the way to go. Replacing old countertops with nonporous quartz surfaces, adding modern crown moulding to kitchen cabinets, and implementing energy-efficient appliances are features that any buyer is sure to appreciate. 

Roof Replacement

The home insurance crisis in California is making national headlines. With the ever-present threat of earthquakes, wildfires, and other types of disasters, more and more California homeowners are getting the heart-dropping nonrenewal letters from their carriers. One of the best ways to make a SoCal home more insurable--and, hence, more highly coveted--is through a roof replacement. Durable metal or composite roofs resist fire, impact, and severe weather to give the home the utmost protection in all types of conditions. 

Functional Exterior Space

Homes that allow potential buyers to visualize themselves soaking in the California sun are sure to stand out from the crowd. Build decks with louvered pergolas, stately ipe wood decking, and low-profile hog wire railing for unencumbered views. Construct patios with durable stone pavers for gathering around the table and enjoying a meal outdoors. 

Also consider transitional spaces. The biophilic design principle is gaining traction. It helps residents feel more connected to nature, which can increase comfort of the property and lower stress levels. Sliding glass doors that open to a connected veranda, 12x12 wood flooring tiles that transition between interior and exterior spaces, and carefully constructed stone accent walls can help blur the lines between inside and out.

Maximize ROI with High-Value Renovation Projects

Southern California is one of the most idyllic regions of the country in which to live. Make the most of the iconic backdrop by considering any of the 7 high-ROI home renovations listed above. If you are looking for additional ways to help your property stand out in a competitive SoCal real estate scene, explore the resources at Jones Realty Group for the leading insights in the market!

Author Bio:

Lisa Thompkins is a freelance writer living in Dallas, Texas. She works closely in the Home Improvement and Restoration fields and has a background in Real Estate. When not writing, Lisa enjoys spending her time traveling and seeing the world. Lisa’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.