Important points
We focus on exterior durability to improve curb appeal and protect against Chicago’s harsh weather. Prioritize energy-efficient upgrades and moisture management to reduce long-term costs and protect your home structure. Avoid spending money on interior cosmetics while ignoring the condition of your home’s exterior. Get your sewer system inspected, especially in older homes.
Understanding Worthy Home Improvement Projects in Chicago
If you live in Chicago and are planning your next home improvement project, you’ll want to choose something that will add value to your Chicago home. Many homeowners focus first on cosmetic updates, but a worthwhile home improvement project can go beyond aesthetics. Because urban climates bring extreme temperature changes, high humidity, snow, and moisture, the best upgrades are those that protect your home while improving its comfort, function, and appearance.
Emphasis on exterior durability
Kaspar Merdelis of Rhino Shield in Chicagoland emphasizes, “In the Chicago market, first impressions determine value.” “High-quality exterior upgrades are one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make for a high ROI.” He notes that traditional paint frequently fails due to harsh freeze-thaw cycles and moisture, which can deter buyers seeking a maintenance-free home. Melderis advises homeowners to choose durable and weather-resistant exterior coatings to protect the integrity of the structure. “The biggest mistake homeowners make is ignoring the peeling or weathered exterior and spending money on interior cosmetics,” Melderis adds. “Even a great kitchen won’t seal the deal if buyers are expecting expensive exterior maintenance the moment they pull into your driveway.”
Along with exterior painting, a new roof is one of the most important investments you can make to maintain your Chicago property value. In fact, roof replacements tend to rank among the top exterior projects in terms of return on investment, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. Nationally, replacing an asphalt shingle roof increases a home’s resale value by an average of $15,247. And with harsh winters and frequent rainfall in mind, a professionally installed sturdy roof protects against water intrusion and ice dams, common causes of extensive indoor damage.
>> Read: Does a new roof increase the value of your home?
Prioritize structural and energy efficiency
Lyle Jover, a licensed home inspector with Chicago Home Inspect, recommends prioritizing improvements that are functional and unattractive. “I recommend focusing on boring things at first,” says Jover. “Chicago’s weather is harsh and tough on homes,” he explains, explaining that moisture management and energy efficiency upgrades often pay for themselves through energy savings and preventing costly repairs in the future. Jover identifies specific priorities, such as attic insulation, double-glazed windows, insulated garage doors, exterior doors, roofing, proper landscaping, downspouts, flashers, and sump pumps. “Water is the biggest destroyer of homes,” he points out. Jover also emphasizes the need for sewer inspections of older properties. “It’s good to know what’s going on and if you need to allocate budget for upgrades or repairs,” he says, warning that “sewage backups are slow to repair” and expensive.
Renovation with an emphasis on lifestyle
As long as the structural and protective elements are sound, lifestyle-focused renovations can further enhance your property. A major kitchen remodel can greatly increase its functional value through the use of high-quality materials and an efficient layout that maximizes the use of space. Nationally, kitchen remodels deliver a return on investment (ROI) of 50% to 113%, depending largely on the scope of the project.
For many homeowners in Chicago, installing a heated garage is also a practical upgrade. It protects your vehicle from freezing temperatures and acts as an extension of your living space for projects or storage all year round. Upgrading to energy-efficient double-glazed windows is essential for insulation in Chicago’s climate. These windows significantly reduce heat loss in the winter and help keep you cool during the humid summer months, leading to lower energy bills and increased year-round comfort.
FAQ
Which room renovation will be most profitable?
Kitchen and bathroom updates typically have high returns, but only if the home’s exterior and structural systems are already sound.
>>Read: Home improvement projects that add value
Is energy efficiency worth the initial cost?
yes. In Chicago, features like improved attic insulation and double-glazed windows provide value through lower energy bills and increased home comfort.
Should you prioritize cosmetic or structural upgrades?
We recommend prioritizing upgrades that focus on structure and maintenance. Ignoring these can result in costly damages that outweigh the cosmetic benefits.
How often should I inspect my sewer pipes?
If you own an older home, inspections are an important preventive measure to avoid costly sewage backups and repair projects.
