Are you planning on upgrading your home this year? The longer you own a home, the more likely it is that, at some point, it will require upgrades. Styles change, surfaces get worn and we simply get tired of the same design features year after year. When upgrading your home is in the plan for the immediate future, there are several things you should think about before taking the plunge.

Expensive upgrades should be planned carefully so that they last for years to come. Here are a few examples:

-Replacing the exterior of the home can be a costly upgrade. If you are choosing siding, make sure to pick a color that you will be comfortable with for years to come. Refinishing the exterior with stucco is an alternative in many parts of the country and can be painted as styles change.

-Replacing counter tops can be an expensive adventure. There are so many different types of surfaces available today but they all come with a cost. This is one project that you do not want to have to keep doing. When replacing counter tops, think maintenance and long term. We can easily forget to polish or seal a counter top every six months only to find that somewhere along the line is has stained. Opting for a maintenance free counter top might be a better alternative. In addition, chose a color that will last forever through different trends. Stay away from bold colors such as green which may be outdated in a few years. Choosing neutral colors or black are the best options for this project.

-If the flooring is in need of upgrading, it is best to stay away from wall to wall carpeting. Investing in tile, laminate or wood is a better option. These can be then be covered with area rugs which are much cheaper and can be replaced when the decor changes. Think long term when replacing flooring.

-Never completely change a bedroom over to an office. This will devalue your home by reducing the number of bedrooms. If an office is needed, it is better to add it to an unused bedroom by reducing the size of the bedroom furniture and then adding the office components. Using a twin bed or futon or even a murphy bed is better than getting rid of the bedroom.

Upgrading a home can be expensive depending on what you are planning to do. No matter what type of budget you are working with, it is always best to go with the long lasting alternatives that will add more value to your home.