Rich in history and charm, The Hamptons consists of distinct, vibrant communities that attract homeowners seeking tranquility among luxury homes and estates. With idyllic streets, pristine beaches, and magnificent architecture, there are always picturesque views to discover. As well, The Hamptons has a robust food and drink scene, unique cultural opportunities, and is full of family-friendly activities for the young and the young at heart to enjoy.

When it comes to finding your dream home in The Hamptons, it may be a simple task for some. It may also be that your near-perfect house only needs a few renovations or upgrades to become the home you envision or to compete with other luxurious homes in the area. In this case, it’s essential to consider changes that will increase your return on investment. Whether you want to build equity and enjoy the upgrades with your family or attract potential buyers, these nine upgrades will transform your home and increase your ROI.

The kitchen is generally considered to be the focal point of a home⁠—where meals are cooked, friends and family gather, and memories are made—so it makes sense to start here. The kitchen should be an enjoyable place for homeowners, which is why it’s such a significant consideration for buyers. According to Remodeling Magazine's 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, the average homeowner recouped approximately 72.2% of their investment from a minor kitchen remodel. A minor remodel might include:

However, if you really want to make a statement, consider a major upscale kitchen remodel and install a gourmet kitchen. This will really make your kitchen stand out and is practically a necessity for the homeowner who loves to host. A gourmet kitchen will often have top-of-the-line appliances, multiple sinks for prep work, a more sizeable pantry, more cabinets, and plenty of working counter space. A major kitchen remodel can be a big undertaking, but if it improves the aesthetics of your home, it will likely make you happier and is sure to become a true crowd-pleaser if you put your home on the market.

Looking a little more at Remodeling Magazine, the 2021 report also shows that replacing exterior doors is a simple home improvement project that has a good ROI. Replacing an entry door recouped approximately 65% of the cost while replacing a garage door topped the cost vs. value report with a 93.8% recovery. Not only are these relatively easy upgrades that don’t disrupt your living space, they have other benefits as well. For example, when you replace doors, you increase energy efficiency. This not only saves on energy expenses but is often an important factor for eco-conscious buyers.

While you’re focusing on exterior changes, curb appeal is vital. The exterior of the home is the first thing your guests will see. Whether you realize it or not, it sets the tone and speaks volumes about the family inside. Ensure that your friends and guests feel welcome by creating a warm and appealing aesthetic. You can make a quick and modest transformation by upgrading simple exterior features, such as outdoor lighting, changing out your house numbers, or replacing a wall-mounted mailbox. Your landscaping is essential, too. A landscape architect can help you create an outdoor space that is visually pleasing and also eco-friendly by capitalizing on existing features and introducing components that will enhance your space. If your house needs a new coat of paint, this is a relatively simple investment that will instantly improve the exterior of your home. Improving the curb appeal and keeping a well-maintained exterior will make your home more pleasing to you and more attractive to potential buyers.

Your outdoor space is an extension of your home, so it should feel comfortable to you, inviting to guests, and if your home is on the market, it should make potential buyers want to settle right in and call it their home. There are a variety of ways you can customize your outdoor living space to make it more personal.

Extending and upgrading a deck that is off of your kitchen or dining area with built-in seating and quality ceiling fans can create an excellent space for al fresco dining. You could also add character with a custom pergola. An in-ground fire pit is an easy way to create a cozy or romantic atmosphere.

An outdoor kitchen is another premium option for the homeowner who enjoys hosting and values spending time outdoors with family and friends in an intimate environment. Outdoor kitchens should have multiple cooking options: a brick fireplace, a high-end grill, a built-in refrigerator, and spacious countertops are excellent features. A bar is also another great investment, especially for those who delight in hosting events.

An outdated bathroom can disrupt a home's otherwise gorgeous interior design. If your bathroom hasn’t seen a facelift in a while, a remodel is a solid investment that will also transform the overall feeling of your home. New fixtures are a simple change that requires minimal effort. Upgrade your sink and tub fixtures, or install a new steam shower for a luxurious spa-like experience. You can regrout the tile for a fresh and clean look and replace the vanity if you plan to sell so buyers can feel like they’re in a completely new bathroom. Finally, upgrade the light fixtures and place mirrors strategically to brighten the room and make it feel more open.

For rooms that don’t need substantial remodeling, there are still small touches you can make throughout the home that will make a significant impact in the eyes of guests or buyers. Upgrading doorknobs and faucets and switching to bright LED bulbs can make a room feel more polished and presentable. Changing your light fixtures is another easy way to transform a space with minimal effort. Choose bold yet luxurious light fixtures that complement the architecture and style of your home while also elevating the ambient lighting in the room. In addition, you can install dimmer switches and recessed lighting for added convenience.

Innovative technology and safety-enhancing devices are often very appealing. Thermostats, security systems, smart lights, and other devices can be connected and controlled through apps or by voice commands. Up-to-date technology makes a home feel more modern without compromising any historic or architectural features. Your return on investment comes with the convenience and peace of mind provided with state-of-the-art security and smart devices.

Investing in eco-friendly upgrades is vital for living a more green lifestyle for yourself and for future homeowners. Easy energy-efficient upgrades can be made in any room, even if you’re not doing a complete remodel. For instance, you can install low-flow showerheads and faucets in bathrooms to conserve water. Motion sensor lights are a wise addition for closets, hallways, or bathrooms where children have a habit of leaving lights on. In addition to energy-efficient appliances in the laundry room, you can add custom, built-in drying racks, which reduce dryer usage and are ideal for delicate clothing items. Finally, new windows will increase curb appeal, increase energy savings, and provide a solid return on investment.

If you’re looking at making changes to your home because you intend to put it on the market, professional services are important. First, staging is crucial. A house in The Hamptons already has so much to offer, but sometimes, your personal touches can overshadow these incredible features. Let a professional stager do their magic—they understand how to appeal to your target buyer. They will help you minimize your personal belongings so that potential buyers can more easily envision themselves in the space. They also know how to rearrange or remove furniture or bring in decor that helps showcase a room’s different possibilities. Now is also the time to consider what cleaning services are available. If you have routine cleaning, it will need to be modified and expanded to include a thorough deep cleaning before the house can be put on the market. Regular cleanings may need to be increased to make sure the home is always ready for showings. Investing in professional services to ensure the job is done correctly is always a wise move—it saves you time and effort, and makes an already outstanding home stand out even more from the crowd.

If you’re interested in buying or selling in The Hamptons contact The Breitenbach Advisory Team today. With extensive experience working with elite clientele and luxury real estate, Matthew Breitenbach and his team have the local expertise to help you buy or sell with confidence. From Southampton houses for sale to East Hampton luxury homes, The Breitenbach Advisory Team is prepared to make your next real estate transaction straightforward and successful.

_{*Header photo courtesy of Matthew Breitenbach Team}