Buying a home is exciting—so much to decorate and customize! But with mortgage rates on the rise, lots of people are choosing to invest in their current place instead. One way to do this is with reclaimed wood. Today we’re going to share how to increase home value with vintage wood upgrades rather than moving.

Relocate or Renovate?

It’s an age-old question, and so many factors go into your decision. When debating whether to relocate or renovate, it depends on your future goals. If you want a change but are not ready to leave your house just yet, then renovating may be your best option. Here are some questions to help you decide.

  • Which is a cost-effective choice?
  • Is the real estate market in your favor if you choose to sell?
  • Is the time right?
  • Will you miss your current place?
  • Which is a faster solution?

There’s no one right answer to these questions. But if you’re wondering how to increase home value and are considering renovating, here are some reasons it may be a good option for you.

First is the cost. Typically, renovating is a more cost-effective option than buying a new house. There is also peace of mind. Unlike moving, home upgrades don’t rely on an ever-changing real estate market.

If you feel emotionally attached to your house, you’re not alone. You may not be ready to say goodbye to the place where you have made so many memories. Renovating means you don’t have to, and you can skip the stress of moving and completely starting over in a new neighborhood.

Renovating also helps you enjoy your home more while you still live in it. Customizing the space to make it perfect for you will be worth it in the long run.

However, renovating typically takes longer than moving. But if you have the flexibility to spend a little extra time investing in your property, we think it’s worthwhile. And when you do go to sell your home, the extra time and money you spent on home upgrades will give you a better return on your investment.

How to Increase Home Value With Reclaimed Wood

What adds value to a home? The best home remodels help modernize and add more space to your property. Our tips? Prioritize quality materials and focus on high-impact areas like your kitchen and bathrooms. You can also enhance curb appeal, add new flooring, and improve energy efficiency with smart technology.

You can do all these home upgrades with reclaimed wood for a modern, yet vintage touch. Adding used wood helps personalize your space to make it truly one of a kind and perfect for you.

Wood Flooring

Reclaimed wood homes with wooden flooring and ceiling

Do wood floors increase home value? Hardwood flooring is known to have a great return on investment—the National Association of REALTORS® estimates an 118% ROI when you sell your home. There’s extremely high demand for it. Oak and other mixed hardwoods are popular options that provide a classic design to help your home stand out.

These benefits only multiply if you go the reclaimed wood route. Vintage wood planks are super versatile. You can stain them light, dark, or clear to achieve whatever look you want. Each one is unique, bringing so much personality to your space. And they are a sustainable option, which buyers care about.

You can use a common wood species like red oak for a cheaper, durable flooring choice. Or if you’d rather, you can pick a rare wood species like American chestnut. Overall, reclaimed wood flooring tends to be more expensive because the wood has to go through more processes to get it home-ready. But the final look is worth it.

Kitchen Upgrades

Reclaimed wood kitchen cabinets and flooring

As the heart of your home, a good kitchen is so important. If you’re wondering how to increase home value, kitchens are the perfect place to start. They can reap an ROI anywhere from 30-100%, depending on what home upgrades you make. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, consider adding reclaimed wood into your design!

Ditch the outdated kitchens for a unique, reclaimed spin. You can upgrade kitchen cabinets with hand-forged iron handles for a vintage element. Or you can install reclaimed wood kitchen countertops and tables. We also love adding more storage with live-edge shelving. Pair that with upgraded appliances and modern light fixtures for a brand-new space using classic materials.

Statement Walls and Ceilings

Reclaimed wood wall and floor with a Christmas tree in the corner

Upgrading your walls and ceilings may not have the highest ROI, but it definitely makes your home stand out. It’s extremely unique and adds visual interest and style to your space. You can use accent walls as a focal point in a room to make it feel more modern. Plus, removing outdated features like popcorn ceilings can go a long way.

Why does modernizing a home matter? It’s more appealing to potential buyers in the long run. But in the short term, it improves your home’s aesthetic and helps you enjoy spending time in the space.

You can use reclaimed barn wood planking to add an accent wall or wainscoting to your rooms. You can also install reclaimed wood ceiling panels, bathroom and kitchen back splashes, or a decorative wrap for a home bar.

Outdoor Enhancements

Outdoor reclaimed wood wall planking

If you’re wondering what adds value to a home, don’t sleep on the importance of curb appeal. First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home can be a huge turn-off for buyers when it’s time to sell. On the other hand, a home that feels well cared for inside and out can sell for up to 7% more. If you want the exterior of your house to match the interior, here’s how.

Start simple with a fresh coat of paint. As siding gets old, the color fades and your home looks less appealing. While you’re at it, clean up your landscaping by trimming bushes or planting new flowers. Next, upgrade your doors. You can use reclaimed planks to add a unique look to the front of your home. You can also upgrade your garage door with a more modern option.

Lastly, try adding a deck to your backyard with a hand-forged iron railing. These can have almost a 75% ROI and can help expand the usable space of your home. You can even create an outdoor kitchen featuring a reclaimed wood outdoor dining table that guests are sure to love.

Have a custom structure in mind that you want? See how we made one client’s vision a reality.

Getting Started With VWFI

Now that we’ve covered how to increase home value with reclaimed wood, it’s time to get started. Our experts at Vintage Wood & Forged Iron are here to help bring your dream to life. If you’ve decided to stay in your current home and are looking for some unique upgrades, we have what you need.

We offer reclaimed wood, forged iron, hand-hewn beams, live-edge wood, mantels, and more. When you shop reclaimed, you’re making the eco-friendly choice and in doing so, you’re getting one-of-a-kind pieces with a vintage, weathered look you can’t find anywhere else.

Reclaimed wood is versatile and perfect for increasing the value of your home.