What’s more comforting than a warming fire on a chilly night? The idea of the hearth — the practical and spiritual center of the home — endures, even though modern HVAC systems are much more efficient and practical ways to heat your home. Fireplaces have changed with the times — about three times more gas fireplace units are sold than wood-burning types, and new designs are energy-efficient. You’ll pay $3,000 to $4,000 for a gas fireplace insert, installed.

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Storage is one of the most sought-after features of prospective home buyers, and built-in storage solutionsalways deliver. Built-ins have a neat, fitted appearance that takes advantage of every available square inch of wall area. Because they make use of existing structural components, such as wall studs, built-ins generally cost less than free-standing furniture of comparable size, quality, and function. Fit built-in storage solutions under stairs, as window seats, and in closets.


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Go ahead, pick a color. From blasé beige to rocketing red, your rooms will never go out of style. Why? Because you can easily redo them — a new paint job is one of the simplest, least-expensive of all remodeling projects. A DIY paint job on a 12-by-12-foot room costs only about $150 for paint and painting tools; expect to pay a licensed paint contractor $300-$400. Use low-VOC paints to protect your indoor air quality.


Credit: Benjamin Moore

Shag carpets come and go, but wood flooring has the uncanny ability to look great in any setting, whether traditional, contemporary, or country. The warm, upscale ambience of wood floors helps preserve the value of your home, and the cost isn’t prohibitive: Pre-finished wood floors in oak, maple, and bamboo run $8-$12/sq. ft., installed.


Credit: Pioneer Millworks

Hardscaping — masonry materials used to create walkways, patios, and retaining walls — helps define and shape outdoor spaces. Making your yard usable for sitting and strolling increases living area, which contributes to your property’s value. Materials, such as brick and stone, are virtually indestructible, readily available, and have timeless good looks. You’ll pay $17-$28 per square foot for professionally installed natural stone pavers.


Credit: Rocha Construction

Your house has a lot to say about your home pride, and so does your yard. Beds and borders of colorful perennial flowers ensure splashes of color year after year, a big-time boost for your home’s curb appeal. Check your local nursery or contact a state extension service in your area that can recommend perennials that’ll thrive in your region.


Credit: Tommy Kyle Landscapes

Your entryway has a lot of responsibility: It welcomes guests, friends, and family while remaining a pillar of strength. It should be the clearly defined entrance point of your home, so visitors can see it at a glance, and it should offer a sense of shelter as you approach. A distinctive exterior door says a lot about the people inside. It’s also a solid investment. According to “Remodeling” magazine’s Cost vs Value Report, a steel entry door returns an average of 73% of its cost at resale.


Credit: Neoporte Modern Door

Adding architectural interest with trims and moldings is a good way to bring rooms to life. Little details can have a big impact when it comes to creating homes that really stand out. Is it possible to overdo it? The carefully assembled wall of trim shown here is a work of textural art. Painting all the walls white lets the shadow lines of the trim stand out. You’ll pay $1-$3 per linear foot for a 5-inch-wide, paint-grade crown molding; $1.50-$6.50 for wood.


Credit: Interior Design: Christopher Stevens, LLC / Photo: Michael Maron