Scary Smart Renovations: Where to Spend (and Where to Skip) This Fall
Scary Smart Renovations: Where to Spend (and Where to Skip) This Fall
October 2024
As the air gets crisp and the pumpkins appear on porches, fall is the perfect time to assess your home improvement priorities. Whether you're prepping your home for sale, boosting energy efficiency before winter, or simply adding value, now is the time to invest wisely.
But beware—not all renovations are created equal. In fact, some can cost more than they’re worth. So here’s your scary smart guide to fall renovations: what to spend on, what to skip, and how to make every dollar count.
✅ SPEND: Insulation and Energy Efficiency Upgrades
With colder months ahead, energy-saving improvements are not just smart—they're essential. Consider:
Adding attic insulation
Sealing windows and doors
Upgrading your thermostat to a smart version
Installing energy-efficient windows or doors
Why it’s smart:
You’ll lower your utility bills, increase comfort, and appeal to eco-conscious buyers. Plus, you may qualify for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.
❌ SKIP: Over-Customized Decor or Holiday-Specific Improvements
That built-in Halloween fog machine or custom tile backsplash with bats might wow your guests—but it’ll likely scare off future buyers.
Why it’s a miss:
Highly personalized or seasonal decor rarely adds value and often needs to be removed before listing. Stick to updates that have long-term appeal.
✅ SPEND: Kitchen and Bathroom Mini-Makeovers
Instead of gutting these rooms, consider small, impactful upgrades:
Fresh paint or cabinet refinishing
New hardware and fixtures
Modern light fixtures
A new vanity or faucet in the bathroom
Why it’s smart:
Buyers focus heavily on kitchens and baths, and even modest updates can offer 70%+ ROI.
❌ SKIP: Expensive Flooring Unless It's Damaged
While flooring can boost appeal, replacing it isn’t always necessary—especially if it’s still in good shape.
What to do instead:
Professionally deep-clean carpets
Refinish hardwood if it's scratched but salvageable
Replace only in high-traffic or visibly worn areas
Save your budget for upgrades that have a stronger impact on buyer perception and comfort.
✅ SPEND: Curb Appeal and Exterior Maintenance
Fall is a great time to enhance your home’s first impression. Focus on:
Power washing siding, walkways, and decks
Painting your front door
Cleaning gutters and trimming overgrown trees
Swapping out dated exterior lighting
Why it’s smart:
Curb appeal can influence a buyer’s decision before they even step inside. These upgrades are low-cost, high-reward.
❌ SKIP: Building Out-of-Place Additions
That home gym in the formal dining room or a luxury wine cellar in the laundry room might suit your lifestyle—but it could confuse future buyers.
Stick with spaces that serve clear, functional purposes unless you’re sure you’re staying long-term.
🎯 Bonus Tip: Bundle Upgrades to Maximize ROI
If you're hiring contractors this fall, bundle projects to save on labor costs. For example, painting the walls and replacing light fixtures at the same time can cut down on total project hours.
Bottom Line
Fall renovations should be smart, strategic, and seasonally timed. Focus on energy efficiency, high-ROI rooms, and curb appeal, and skip the flashy or overly personal projects that won’t hold value.
Make these improvements now, and you’ll have a home that not only feels cozier this fall—but is worth more come spring. Now that’s scary smart. 🏡🎃
