A home is a serious investment – one that also requires a series of investments. This month, we asked four experts their opinions on the best ways in which homeowners can invest in their nest – and protect it. They offer valuable advice to those seeking to make home improvements of all kinds.
Investment-Worthy Home Improvements
Allison Pickell, Executive Broker/Realtor at Coldwell Banker RPM Group
When considering investing in one’s “nest,” large renovation projects often spring to mind – like a dream kitchen or a spa-like primary bathroom … While Coldwell Banker RPM Group’s Allison Pickell says some projects do add value to a home, she advises that homeowners not be swayed by fleeting trends.
“Bathroom and kitchen improvements tend to have the best return on investment,” Allison says. “The more neutral the bathroom the better. Ten years down the road, if trends have changed, and you picked a trendy look, your bathroom or kitchen will appear dated.”
Allison says homeowners also should be mindful of general maintenance projects, like painting, flooring and new roofing.
“If the house hasn’t been painted in the last five years, I recommend a fresh coat of paint. It is amazing to see the transformation, even if it’s the same color. Again, the more neutral the tone the more buyers it will attract.
“Also, if carpet is old or in disrepair, a seller that has the resources should absolutely replace that flooring. So many buyers in the market today will move onto the next house if they don’t believe the house is move-in ready.”
Invest in Your Home Network
John Paul David, Owner of Grounded Electric Etc.
Grounded Electric Etc. helps Central Arkansas homeowners enhance their home networks, ensuring reliable internet performance for remote work, homeschooling and everyday life.
The company offers free consultations to assess where dedicated cables can be added, working with homeowners to schedule installations at their convenience.
“A strong home network can improve productivity for work and home-schooling by increasing the speed and bandwidth of your network,” says John Paul David, master electrician, lead estimator and owner. “Adding dedicated cabling to certain things in the house like your TV or office computer can take a lot of strain off your Wi-Fi.”
A common mistake homeowners make is relying solely on their Wi-Fi provider’s modem.
“We had a homeowner with two work-from-home parents and two homeschool students all working off one standard Wi-Fi modem,” John says. “Any time someone needed to do a Zoom call, the others had to pretty much stop what they were doing. We ran dedicated Cat6 cables to each computer in the house and connected them to the back of the same Wi-Fi modem, but now that they were hard-wired, multiple computers could be on Zoom calls at the same time, and the others could continue with their work as well.”
With reliable wiring and enhanced coverage, homeowners can stay connected without interruptions.
Investing in Art
Kyle Boswell, Owner of Boswell Mourot Fine Art
Art not only brings beauty to one’s home, it also can be a wise investment.
“Art is one of the few investments that can stand the test of time,” says Boswell Mourot Fine Art Owner Kyle Boswell. “Historically, the art market has shown resilience, even during economic downturns. People collect original art because it is a reflection of life experiences, values and interests, but art can also be a significant asset.”
For those interested in starting a collection, Kyle advises first learning about art styles, movements and the art market. As a gallerist, he helps clients who seek unknown or emerging artists with promising talent.
“Many renowned artists’ works were once affordable, but their value soared over time, benefiting early investors significantly. By investing in lesser-known artists, you might unearth the next artistic sensation, thus enriching your art collection.”
Beyond monetary returns, Kyle says owning original art is an investment in one’s surroundings.
“The joy of seeing a beautiful sculpture or a detailed oil painting in your own space is immeasurable. These pieces of art carry a unique aura that enriches your life and provides an emotional connection that goes beyond monetary value.”
Insure Your Investments
Dennia Beard, Owner of Dennia Beard Insurance Agency
Preparing for the unexpected is key to protecting your home, and that starts with comprehensive insurance coverage.
“A home is one of the biggest investments a person will make, and having complete insurance coverage ensures financial protection against unexpected events like fire, theft, storms or liability claims,” says Dennia Beard, a State Farm insurance agent and owner of Dennia Beard Insurance Agency. “If you are a renter, it’s just as important because a landlord’s policy doesn’t cover personal belongings or liability for accidents inside the home. Having the right coverage will provide the peace of mind and stability when the unexpected happens.”
Dennia says homeowners often overlook inflation protection, ensuring coverage adjusts with rising construction costs. Additionally, loss of use coverage, which covers temporary living expenses if a home becomes uninhabitable, is frequently underestimated.
She says flood insurance is essential, as standard homeowners' policies don’t cover flood damage.
“Many people assume they are safe if they are not in a high-risk zone, but floods can result from heavy rain, poor drainage or burst pipes,” Dennia says. “One inch of water can cause thousands of dollars in damage, making flood insurance a wise investment.”
Dennia says, "Home insurance isn’t about protection. It’s about planning for the unexpected and ensuring financial security. Customize your coverage to fit your needs to prevent future hardship."