Looking to update your home systems or specific rooms? Learn which improvements have the most impact on your home resale value and your enjoyment of your home.

Whether you’re trying to stay on top of home trends or just looking to make updates that will be covered by your home warranty policy, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some trending home improvement tips that will keep your home updated — and, if done correctly, these home improvements can pay off by adding to the resale value of your home.

Flooring Updates

It’s amazing what new flooring will do to the overall look and feel of a home. Today, you can choose from plenty of sensible, low-maintenance and budget-friendly options. While carpet remains a popular old standby and accounts for 60 percent of retail flooring sales, homeowners (not to mention home buyers) are increasingly showing a preference for flooring that is more fashion-forward. Vinyl floors are a pleasure to walk on, easy-to-clean, durable and come in a variety of colors and designs. In fact, with its remarkable lookalike qualities, top-of-the-line vinyl flooring is getting harder and harder to distinguish from more upscale and expensive stone and hardwood flooring. Porcelain tile that sports wood grain patterns and textures is also a popular choice among remodelers, especially in bathrooms and entryways.

Air Conditioning Updates

According to National Association of Realtors®, 65 percent of all home buyers are willing to pay more for a home with central air conditioning. So much so that an up-to-date HVAC system can increase the value of your home by up to 12 percent. Of course, as with all home renovations, you must also factor in both purchase and labor (installation) costs. With a central air conditioning unit, those costs may expand to include ductwork and extra attic insulation. Luckily, if you are looking for a quicker and less pricey upgrade to your existing HVAC system, new innovations in thermostat technology provide some great options.

Kitchen Updates

Strategically updating your kitchen can help with clutter and the overall appearance of what is among the most important (and busiest) rooms in your home. For example, a microwave drawer may seem like a simple renovation, but it can immediately make your kitchen feel more modern. Today’s best-selling homes feature similarly sleek kitchen updates such as stainless steel appliances, center islands and granite counter tops. Kitchen islands are especially popular as they can really open up a cramped kitchen and improve your home’s overall room-to-room flow.

Bathroom Updates

Updated baths have become more popular in the last 10 years or so because people see their homes as a sanctuary — and bathrooms are a big part of that. Double sinks and wall-mounted televisions are just a couple of amenities homeowners are adding to their bathrooms to make them feel more “homey.” But smart technology is coming to the bathroom as well, in the form of UV-powered self-cleaning toilets and digital controls that allow you to save your shower preferences (water temperature, pressure, etc.). Updates to bathroom tile and countertops remain popular as well. Pebble flooring, mosaic tile and wood lookalike porcelain planks are all very much “on-trend” for 2017. Complement these new fixtures with atmospheric, spa-like lighting and you’ll have a master bath sure to please — and wow a potential buyer.

Remember: home renovations are an investment. Make sure you protect that investment by purchasing a home warranty that covers up to 21 major home system components and appliances. A home warranty from American Home Shield® can help you cover the costs of maintenance as well as repair, ensuring that your home retains (or even grows) its value. Review our various plan options and learn more about the flexible plans that you can choose from.

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Collected and published by Arms &McGregor International Realty® editorial team. Get in touched with us at [email protected]