Home improvement projects are on the rise. In LightStream's 2017 Home Improvement Survey, the online lender discovered 59 percent of homeowners hope to invest money in improvement projects this year. Of these individuals, 42 percent plan to spend $5,000 or more, while 23 percent will spend $10,000 or more. 

According to the survey, 64 percent of homeowners in the west plan to conduct renovations this year, while 61 percent of southerners and 56 percent of midwesterners and northeasterners said they intend to do the same.  But what kind of home improvement projects are these people pursuing?

The survey found 41 percent plan to improve their outdoors, such as landscape, decks or patios changes. Meanwhile, 32 percent plan to handle home repairs or install new technology, 28 percent will remodel their bathrooms and 24 percent want to spice up their kitchen. Other less prevalent renovations include garage updates and installation repairs. Keeping these ideas in mind, here are a few other improvement projects you might consider:

1. Necessary home maintenance work
If you plan to sell your home, you should consider handling any needed repair work. While you can draw in potential buyers with a new bathroom addition or upgraded kitchen, the vast majority of people looking to move have a strict budget during their house hunting journey. Conduct various home maintenance projects, such as HVAC system repair, a new roof, siding replacement or water damage clean up. Not only will these be smart investments for the integrity of your home if you end up not selling, but most buyers would prefer to purchase homes that have little to no maintenance issues. 

2. Plumbing system update
Older homes and those in areas with hard water have a higher risk of developing plumbing problems. You don't want to wait until your basement is flooded or your bathroom sink pipe busts to update your home's plumbing system. Regularly inspect your home's pipes for signs of leaks and bring in a licensed professional if you are thinking about making any changes.

3. Replacement windows 
You should seriously consider replacing your house's windows, especially if your home is at least 15 to 30 years old. The National Association of Home Builders found that aluminum windows last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, while wooden models last around 30. If you bought a historic house or have been living at your current residence for decades, it may be time to upgrade your windows. Other reasons you should replace your outdated windows include poor energy efficiency, leaks or broken frame seals.

Come to NewSouth Window Solutions to learn more about our energy efficient, factory-direct windows that will keep your residence comfortable year round. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about how our windows may be the right fit for you.