There are many ways you can update your home and just as many reasons to do so. Before you start your next home improvement project though, ask yourself what you hope to accomplish with the change. 

All home improvement projects can be grouped into six major purposes – Comfort, Space, Security, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance and Repairs and Aesthetics.

1. Comfort

Any project that improves upon the physical comfort found in your home will fall under this category. This includes:

• Installing a new ventilation system
• Updating your heating and cooling systems
• Soundproofing bedrooms, music rooms, offices, etc.
• Increasing the capacity of your plumbing
• Waterproofing your basement
• Modifying a room specifically to change the temperature, humidity or air flow

In order to plan a comfort project, the first thing you’ll need to know is what it is that is making you uncomfortable. Sit in a room that makes you feel truly at ease, then go to the space you are planning to renovate.

Identify the changes – like you are playing one of those spots the error games. Once you know what the difference is between the two spaces, you can proceed with your renovation plans.

2.  Space

Any project that increases the amount of space available in your home. This includes:

• Adding new rooms to the outside walls or roof
• Knocking down non-load bearing walls to increase the size of a room
• Converting attics and basements into additional living spaces
• Building sunrooms, patios or decks to add living space to the exterior

Most people take on these projects because their home has become too small due to the addition of a new family member; others decide to add to their home or renovate existing spaces to upgrade and/or increase the resale value of the house itself.

3.  Security

Any project that creates a safer environment for you and your family. This includes:

• Home alarm systems (fire and burglar)
• Sprinkler systems
• Adding or building a storm cellar
• Installing backup generators
• Replacing locks and doors
• Putting a fence around your property
• Fixing/installing exterior lighting (motion sensors as well)

Everyone wants to feel safe and secure in their home. If you don’t, identify what it is exactly that feels unsafe and act upon it. Only once you have done so will you and your family be able to sleep well.

4.  Energy Efficiency

Any project that will eventually reduce your carbon footprint and save you on monthly bills. This includes:

• Installing a renewable energy source – wood stoves, solar paneling, wind turbines, etc.)
• Replacing old windows and doors with new, energy efficient ones
• Upgrading to thermal insulation
• Changing your lighting to best optimize the daylight and reduce light pollution during the evening

With so much talk about our carbon footprint and about energy efficiency, our home needs to reflect our desire to save the planet and our wallets. These types of home improvement projects will benefit you in the near future and will provide you with a higher resale value.

 5.  Maintenance and Repairs

Any project that acts solely to improve, repair or maintain the existing qualities of your home. This includes:

• Roof replacements or upgrades
• Foundation or chimney repairs
• Fixing the plumbing or electrical systems
• Replacing or fixing windows and doors
• Any project that is done with the purpose of restoring the home to its original glory

Maintenance and repairs have a dual purpose. They improve the quality of your home and increase its beauty at the same time. Many people choose to include maintenance and repairs in their renovations, this way they only have to do the project once.

6.  Aesthetics

Any project that changes, updates, improves or modifies the physical appearance or “look” of a room. This includes:

• Painting – walls & ceilings
• Changing the flooring
• Updating/changing the appliances, fixtures and hardware (cabinetry)
• Updating/changing the storage system
• Exterior appearance – landscaping, siding, brick, etc.

These types of home improvements are largely the most popular, especially since they directly address the nagging feeling in the back of their head about something being off. If you don’t like something, changing it will make your house feel the most like home.

In the end, when deciding on which home improvements to make, you should ask yourself “Which of these six categories do you want to address with your home?” Then, start narrowing down your choices!