(Family Features) Spring is nature’s cue to renew and refresh. Whether you’re looking to add value for potential sale or simply create a more comfortable living space, you can make the most of the season and breathe new life into your home with projects that provide a high return on investment (ROI).

Consider these top home renovation projects to tackle this spring from the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products – a leader in innovation, design and production of exterior and interior building products including siding, trim, mouldings, roofing, stone, windows, outdoor living and more – based on the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report from “Remodeling Magazine.”

Remodel the Kitchen and Bathroom
The average seller can expect an 96.1% return on a light touch to the kitchen, according to the report, and 73.7% on a modest bathroom renovation. Because personal preferences can vary widely among buyers, minor upgrades can provide a higher ROI than large, upscale remodels. A few easy ways to refresh your kitchen or bathroom include updating shelving or adding new hardware. Decorative trim and mouldings are also cost-effective ways to add visual interest.

Upgrade with Stone Veneer
As natural and textured home trends continue, homeowners are gravitating toward stone veneer, or manufactured stone, as it can replicate the look of real stone, adding comfort, character and beauty to homes. An option like Versetta Stone from Westlake Royal Building Products offers the authentic, handcrafted look of stone in a panelized format that’s easy to install with nails and screws. There’s also no need to paint, coat or seal once installed. Ideal for its ability to add texture and dimension throughout both home interior (accent walls and fireplaces) and exterior applications (siding, entryways and walkways), stone veneer – which comes with a 153.2% ROI – can influence mood, emotion and energy levels while serving as a focal point of your home’s design.

Install New Windows
Depending on the harshness of winter in your area and the age of your home, you may notice certain windows have developed drafts, allowing cold air to enter and heat to escape. Replacing drafty or outdated windows with modern, energy-efficient models is one of the most effective ways to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Additionally, a vinyl window replacement brings approximately 67.1% ROI.

Replace Siding
In some cases, applying a fresh coat of paint is enough to refresh your home. However, if you’re looking to enhance your home’s curb appeal while making a long-term impact, consider installing new siding or replacing existing siding. Because vinyl siding serves as an additional layer of insulation, improving the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, it offers a 80.2% ROI. Weather-resistant, low-maintenance siding like Celect Cellular Composite Siding, which is now available in on-trend colors including Imperial Red, a robust shade of red; Deep Pewter, a compellingly modern forest green; and Timberland, a rich, natural brown, won’t warp, sag or buckle and is built to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. Its patented interlocking joints provide a seamless look and it’s easy to install in small spaces, like along a knee or pony wall.

Update Decking
If you want to entertain guests outside, spring is a perfect time to get your patio or deck ready. While a new coat of stain can update your existing deck’s appearance and help protect it, spring is also an ideal time to build a deck if your home doesn’t currently have one. When choosing a decking material, cost and maintenance are two factors to consider. Composite decking offers a 68.2% ROI and is low maintenance as it’s not susceptible to cracking, warping and weather damage.

Find more ideas to update your home this spring at WestlakeRoyalBuildingProducts.com.

SOURCE:
Westlake Royal Building Products

(Family Features) Whether your graduate is venturing into the real world for the first time or simply continuing his or her education, tech gadgets can help make post-grad life easier and more enjoyable.

From a computer that will likely come in handy for a new job or classes and a smartwatch to stay organized and on time to headphones that help concentrate and relax or a new television to unwind, these gift ideas are perfect for tech-savvy grads in your life.

Laptop
Whether starting a new job, freelancing or pursuing further education, a reliable and powerful laptop is a must-have for graduates. Performance is a key consideration when choosing a laptop. Look for a powerful processor, ample RAM and a high-resolution display to handle demanding tasks such as graphic design, video editing, programming or data analysis. Also keep factors such as portability, battery life and connectivity in mind. Being able to work without interruptions regardless of location allows for seamless flexibility in post-grad endeavors.

Noise-Canceling Headphones
The right headphones can be a game-changer, blocking out unwanted noise and creating a peaceful listening experience while studying in a noisy coffee shop, commuting on a crowded train or trying to relax in a busy apartment. Look for noise-canceling headphones with cushioned ear cups and adjustable headbands to provide a snug and comfortable fit even through extended wear to provide the ability to focus on work or enjoy favorite music with minimal distractions.

Smartwatch
Not just a stylish accessory, a smartwatch is also a useful tool for staying connected and organized. From tracking fitness goals and monitoring sleep patterns to receiving notifications, answering calls and making payments with a flick of the wrist, advanced smartwatch features make it easy to stay on top of opportunities and responsibilities. Plus, with customizable faces and interchangeable bands, most watches can be styled to match personal tastes for any occasion.

Portable Charger
A portable charger is an essential gadget for anyone who is always on the go. With the increasing reliance on smartphones and other portable devices, having a reliable source of power is crucial. Available in various sizes and power outputs, these convenient devices can easily fit in a bag or pocket and often feature multiple USB ports to charge multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, cameras and more, whenever and wherever needed.

Smart TV
Transform that dorm room or new apartment into a home theater with a smart television. With the ability to connect to the internet and access a wide range of popular streaming services, favorite movies and TV shows are never more than the push of a button away. Available in a variety of sizes, you can pick an option to fit nearly any living space. Some models even allow the user to control the TV using voice commands or smartphone apps and offer integration with other smart devices to turn the living room into a true multimedia hub.

Find more gift ideas for grads at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com

(Family Features) Home improvement projects often focus on updating the aesthetic of your house, but upgrades that make your living space more secure and comfortable for you and your family are sometimes even more important.

From your front door to the interior of your home and more, these ideas from the experts at Masonite, a global industry leader in interior and exterior doors, can help provide greater peace of mind – ensuring what matters most is always protected.

Ensure Your Home is Well-Lit
A well-lit home exterior makes it easier to spot potential threats and may even deter people and animals that don’t belong on your property. Automatic outdoor lighting, either set to a timer or triggered by motion or light sensors, can help you see what’s going on outside. Ensure fixtures on your porch, patio and garage are in good working order and replace burned out bulbs or lights that no longer function. Adding landscape lighting can also aid in security while boosting curb appeal.

Protect Your Home with a Secure Front Door
Upgrading your front door can do much more than just improve the look of your home – it’s also an important part of providing enhanced security for you and your family. With four times more impact resistance than a standard deadbolt lock, the M-Protect Multi-Point Security Lock offers homeowners unmatched protection to keep what matters most safe. The lock works like a standard deadbolt, but with more points of contact, and it is compatible with a wide array of handle sets and hardware, including electronic deadbolts. It can be added to any Masonite Performance Door System – an innovative solution that provides superior energy efficiency, performance and comfort – which is available in a diverse range of finishes, colors and glass styles to fit any home design.

Reduce Fire Hazards
Many elements of a home like furnaces, chimneys, hot water heaters and other gas appliances provide value to homeowners through comfort and convenience but can pose risks without proper maintenance. Hiring a professional to check your heating and air conditioning system annually can help you avoid costly repairs while also protecting your loved ones. Keeping the chimney clean of debris, creosote and soot helps lower fire risk and ensures smoke, carbon dioxide and other gases are safely carried out of the home.

Control Home Systems On the Go
Installing security systems, doorbells, lighting and other systems that can be controlled from a smartphone app, like the Masonite M-Pwr Smart Door, can provide added convenience and peace of mind. You can remotely turn lights on and off, unlock doors, change the temperature, open or close garage doors and check camera feeds while away.

Replace Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
A simple project to make your home safer, it’s essential to check your smoke detectors regularly and replace the batteries every six months. If you discover the date of manufacture on the back of your smoke detectors is more than 10 years ago, replacement is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association. While checking your smoke detectors, test or install carbon monoxide alarms to ensure you have a way to detect the invisible, odorless gas that can cause serious health problems if left unchecked.

Visit Masonite.com/mprotect to learn more about the latest innovations in home security.

SOURCE:
Masonite