If you’ve been thinking about remodeling your home, you’ve probably realized that it’s both an emotional and financial decision. For example, if you love to cook, a new kitchen with a chef-grade stove may bring you countless hours of joy and entertainment. But if you might be selling your home within the next few years, you also want to know the kitchen will pay for itself when the “For Sale” sign goes up in your front yard. Here are some tips to help you get the biggest bang for your renovation buck.

Do Your Homework

As a first step, look at the current market value of your house and the other homes in your neighborhood, as well as the health of the real estate market in your area. This will give you an idea of how much you can invest in your house without going above the price ceiling in your area. As part of your research, talk to a local realtor. He or she can help you decide how much you can wisely spend and provide insights into the most in-demand features, finishes, and materials. And be sure to let your insurance agent know about your plans as some renovation projects, such as a new roof or upgraded electrical and plumbing systems, may reduce your insurance premiums by 10 to 20 percent!

Start at the Top

If you’re planning to sell your home within a few years, make sure the structure of your home is in tip-top shape. Hire a home inspector to come out to your house and look for cracks in the foundation, missing roof shingles, and other potential issues. If your roof is more than 20 years old, it may be time to replace it. While a new roof may not be quite as exciting as a new master suite, it’s a wise investment. According to the Remodeling 2015 Cost vs. Value Report (costvsvalue.com), a new roof returns nearly 71 percent of its cost at resale, while a new master suite addition delivers 55 percent.

Give Your Kitchen a Minor Facelift

When it comes to kitchens, minor facelifts deliver a return of 70 percent at resale, making them a better investment than major cosmetic surgery, which only delivers 60 percent. To maximize your budget and minimize household disruption, work within the room’s existing footprint and leave the plumbing and electrical systems in place. Use a timeless, modern palette of white, ivory, or pale gray and give the walls and cabinetry a fresh coat of paint. Switch out your countertops for the unmatched beauty and performance of Cambria® and spring for a new sink and faucet. If your cabinets are outdated, use the existing boxes, replace the doors, and add new hardware. Depending on the age of your appliances, consider donating them to a local non-profit and replacing with new, energy-efficient models. For designer-style impact, splurge on a fabulous new light fixture that you can take with you if you decide to sell the house.

Create Curb Appeal

According to the 2015 Cost vs. Value report, remodeling projects that enhance a home’s curb appeal consistently deliver a strong return on investment. Drive by your house as though you’re seeing it for the first time and make a list of areas that deserve some TLC. Clean siding, freshly painted shutters, window boxes planted with colorful flowers, and other details, create a positive first impression, showing prospective homebuyers that your property is well cared for. Take a good look at your front door, and if the style is dated, invest in a new one. In addition to providing greater energy efficiency and enhanced safety, a new front door returns approximately 86 percent of its cost at resale.

There’s a lot to consider when renovating your home—and the process can be intimidating. You don’t have to do it alone.

Call Cambria Mortgage

Cambria Mortgage offers a variety of loan options to help you fund large remodeling projects, including cash-out refinance loans, which allow you to refinance your mortgage and access the equity as cash. Even if your original mortgage is with another lender, you can work with Cambria Mortgage and receive expert advice and personal hometown service with impeccable attention to detail at every step of the process.