Boston is home to a variety of homes, including historic rowhouses, colonial-era architecture, and modern high-rise buildings. And if you’re a homeowner in the Boston area, you might want to maintain your home’s original charm while investing in some valuable remodeling trends to increase your home’s value.
Whether you’re installing central heat in your historic home, upgrading lighting fixtures throughout the space, or adding new features to your kitchen, here are eight home improvement trends recommended by Redfin and five home improvement projects recommended by local experts that can help increase the value of your Boston home. Let’s look into them to make the right home renovation choice.
It’s important to note that the median list price in Boston is $851,990. So comparing the list prices of different home features can help you determine which upgrades will sell for more.
#1: Central heat
Adding central heating to your Boston home is not only a great investment for comfort, but it can also significantly increase the value of your home. Boston’s cold winters make installing an efficient and effective heating system a must for many home buyers. A central heating system provides consistent warmth throughout your home. It can also improve your home’s energy efficiency, leading to lower utility bills.
Homes with central heat for sale in Boston sold for a median list price of $1,475,000.
#2: Jacuzzi
Consider installing a hot tub as your next home improvement project. This could set your home apart from other homes in the area. This may not be your typical home improvement project, but especially in a cold climate like Boston, a soak in warm water can be a welcome respite from the winter chill and can help increase the value and appeal of your home. This relaxing home upgrade will encourage you to get outside, even in the dead of winter, and may encourage potential home buyers to check out your home.
Homes with hot tubs for sale in Boston sold for a median list price of $789,000.
#3: Security gate
Adding a security gate to your Boston home can provide both aesthetic and functional benefits and increase its value. Security gates can be a big selling point for potential home buyers, as they not only improve the overall appearance of your property, but also provide an extra layer of protection and privacy.
Well-designed gates can be customized to match the architectural style of your home, whether it’s contemporary, Victorian, or Cape Cod. Gates can also be customized to include advanced security features such as intercom systems, cameras, and keyless entry.
Homes with security gates for sale in Boston sold for a median list price of $1,099,000.
#4: New lighting fixtures
Old or outdated light fixtures can make your home feel dim and uninviting, while new, stylish light fixtures can provide a bright and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, modern lighting fixtures can give your home a more contemporary and up-to-date feel, which can be a big selling point for potential buyers. From chandeliers and pendant lights to recessed lighting and smart home systems, there are options to suit every aesthetic and budget. Whether you’re looking to sell your home in the near future or simply want to enjoy a more modern living space, upgrading your lighting fixtures is a great home improvement project.
Homes with new lighting fixtures for sale in Boston sold for a median list price of $749,999.
#5: Pond
The pond provides a calming and peaceful environment, perfect for relaxation and meditation, which is rare in the city. Not only do ponds enhance the aesthetics of your home, they can also attract local wildlife such as birds and butterflies, and create a natural habitat for fish and plants. A pond can also serve as the focal point of your backyard, making it the perfect place for outdoor gatherings and social events. With careful planning and maintenance, a pond can provide a unique and tranquil retreat for years to come.
Homes with ponds are for sale in Boston with a median list price of $875,000.
#6: Mudroom
Mudrooms help keep the rest of your home clean and tidy by providing a dedicated space for storing wet and dirty items such as shoes, coats, and bags. It also acts as a transition space, preventing dirt, debris, and moisture from entering the home’s main living areas. Mud rooms come in a variety of styles and sizes and can be customized to suit your specific needs, whether you have a large family, a pet, or enjoy outdoor activities. Not only do mudrooms offer practical benefits, they can also increase the overall value of your home and appeal to potential buyers.
Homes with dirt floors for sale in Boston sold for a median list price of $1,275,000.
#7: Coffee bar
Boston loves coffee and cold winters, so having a dedicated space to make and enjoy your favorite beverage can be a big draw for potential homebuyers. A coffee bar can be as simple or elaborate as you like, complete with an espresso machine, coffee maker, grinder, and dedicated counter space. Having a dedicated space to make coffee will keep your kitchen clean, free of clutter, and more functional for cooking and entertaining. Moreover, a well-designed coffee bar can add a stylish and luxurious feel to your home, making it stand out from other coffee bars on the market.
Homes with coffee bars for sale in Boston sold for a median list price of $509,000.
#8: Center Island
A center island can provide additional counter space for cooking and meal preparation, as well as additional storage space for kitchen appliances and utensils. With the rise of open-concept homes, center islands can also act as a natural divider between the kitchen and living area while maintaining an open flow. It also serves as a gathering place, serving as a convenient place for casual dining, entertaining, or just hanging out while someone cooks. Center Island’s versatility and convenience make it a desirable feature for potential homebuyers. And for homeowners looking to increase the value of their home, it’s a smart investment.
Homes for sale in Boston, including a central island, sold for a median list price of $925,000.
Redfin.com home-by-home listing data as of March 2023.
We asked local experts to provide insight into what home improvement projects can add value to Boston real estate. Here are their opinions:
#9: Exterior siding and garage door
The first impression is determined by the appearance of your home. “Siding and garage doors make a huge difference in the equity of your home,” says Troy Buscemi, principal appraiser at Boston Appraisal Company. Troy likens these upgrades to a kitchen overhaul and suggests there’s more to be gained by updating these few exterior items.
Additionally, Michael Cattan, CEO of Michael’s Moving and Storage, shares the importance of “improving curb appeal through landscaping.” He calls it a great way to “make a strong first impression and make your home stand out in a competitive market.” Curb appeal can be anything from a well-manicured lawn to sidewalk lights that you can carry with you to your next home. Minimal enhancements can go a long way when it comes to helping buyers understand your compelling vision.
#10: Simple painted interior
Owning a home gives you the freedom to express yourself through colors, fabrics, and other personal design elements. But when homebuyers are looking for a home to buy, it’s often important to have a clean slate that allows them to envision their next chapter. Colorful walls can be a hindrance for some people, as they can be an extra obstacle to envisioning and creating your dream space.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that major renovations are needed to increase home value. As a local developer, I always find the greatest benefit comes from a fresh interior coat of paint,” said Jeremy Stivaletta, managing partner at The Agency Boston. Jeremy says fresh interior paint combined with “professional presentation, curb appeal improvements, well-maintained common areas, and simple updates to the kitchen and bathrooms such as refinished cabinets and new hardware” can create a “bright, clean, move-in-ready home.”
#11: A timeless project
When an aspect of interior design is referred to as “timeless,” it often refers to the idea that that particular detail remains distinctly in style no matter what design era society enters.
Luxury real estate photographer Jack Vacher says: Well-designed kitchen and bathroom renovations always add value. Refinishing worn floors can also make a big difference. Floors don’t lie, giving buyers a glimpse of how the home was lived in. ”
#12: Kitchen Upgrade
There’s a reason the kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and it’s often one of the make-or-break areas in a buyer’s final purchasing decision. However, it is important to understand how much of an upgrade is enough and when the investment becomes unrecoverable.
“Kitchen ‘renovations’ (refinished cabinets, new countertops, updated lighting) also perform well and increase buyer interest, while a complete overhaul of a luxury kitchen looks great in photos but won’t pay as much,” says photographer Joan Mejia of JM Real Estate Photo.
#13: Consider avoiding premium updates
Upgrades classified as “luxury” are aesthetically pleasing, but often don’t offer equally luxurious financial benefits.
Barah Chbib, owner of Sham RE Media, says, “Luxury finishes are appealing, but thoughtful updates that improve comfort, efficiency, and make your home move-in-ready usually provide the highest return on investment.” Instead of luxury upgrades, Barra says, “the remodeling projects that consistently bring the most value in the Boston metro market are updated kitchens, modern bathrooms, refinished hardwood floors, and energy-efficient upgrades like new windows and high-efficiency heating systems.”
