Menards®

Not every home upgrade project will affect your home's sale price. A handful of targeted upgrades, however, can consistently attract buyers and make your home a market frontrunner. Sellers who focus on high-return upgrades in the right rooms, like upgrading double sink vanities , can see a better return on their investment than by trying to renovate everything at once without clear goals. The Rooms Buyers Look at First What are the two rooms that buyers pay most attention to? Kitchens and bathrooms. They drive decisions more than any other rooms. Focusing on fixture upgrades, like sinks, vanities, and replacing a shower curtain with a sliding glass shower door , signals to prospective buyers that you care about these areas and that they are getting high-quality features.  It reads to buyers as modern and move-in ready, rather than items they will have to upgrade themselves. It’s a distinctive selling point, making it vital to address the most-used spaces before tackling oth...

Your property may only have a certain square footage, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your home feel bigger. A handful of strategic upgrades can help your space feel significantly more open, functional, and spacious without moving a single wall. From a large stainless steel farmhouse kitchen sink that makes your counter feel larger to glass shower doors replacing curtains, here are a few ideas to get you started. Light and Glass Open Up a Space Natural light is the single most effective tool in your kit for making a room feel larger. Mirrors, for example, can help. It’s not just feeling larger in reflection, but also the increased sunlight. By the same token, replacing a shower curtain with a glass sliding door means you get clean, light-transmitting glass in your bathroom.  Mirrors, glass fixtures, and reflective surfaces are excellent for amplifying light and making a space feel larger than it actually is. Bathrooms in particular benefit from glass and mirrors as ...

Not every outdoor update has to start with a major renovation. Sometimes, a few thoughtful additions are all it takes to make your patio feel more inviting, more functional, and ready for everything the season has to offer. Here are five simple ways to give your space a fresh feel without spending all summer redecorating. Roll Out a Beverage Cart  Lemonade, iced tea, mocktail, anyone? A simple rolling beverage cart not only keeps everyone hydrated and happy but also adds a fun, interactive element to your backyard. Opt for a weather-resistant serving cart that can be easily stored indoors or outdoors and includes shelving for everything you need on hand.  Add a Fire Pit  A fire pit is a great way to add warmth and a decorative touch to your space come sunset. Depending on your space and preferences, propane fire pits are convenient ways to light up outdoor spaces. For larger layouts, propane fire pit tables double as coffee tables when not in use, while table...

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have become more popular in recent years. For families trying to house a parent or other family members, these small homes become logical extensions of the main house (and by extension, the family). They’re also a great rental option if you want to generate additional income. If you’re considering opening up a backyard cottage or cabin to the ADU market, Menards® is here to help with a wide selection of tools, supplies, and friendly advice. Here are some additions that’ll make it more guest-ready. Find everything you need to upgrade your ADU from Menards® at https://www.menards.com/ Remodel the Kitchen Often, ADUs only have small kitchenettes. Setting up your unit with a full kitchen, including modern appliances, can help guests feel more at home by allowing them to make home-cooked meals. Incorporating natural materials like wood or granite augments those feelings, thanks to their quality and the feelings of warmth they evoke. Menards® of...

If you’re like most people, you probably do last-minute prep in your home before a vacation. Basic things like turning off the lights and locking the front door need no reminders. Other to-dos, like fixing the shower sliding door so that the house sitter can use it, aren’t so top of mind. If you’re concerned about forgetting any of your pre-vacation home-prep items, here are four chores you should have on your list. Do Some Deep Cleaning You may not feel like scrubbing your kitchen trash can in the days leading up to your vacation. However, in your absence, bugs, like ants, may come looking for sugary snacks. Giving everything a good washing helps to keep them at bay. Aside from this, transitioning from vacation to real life is easier when you have a clean house to come back to. The post-vacation version of yourself will thank you for putting in the work. Secure Your Outdoor Items When you’re not home to batten down the hatches, you may find your furniture on the neig...

Bathrooms are among the most-used spaces in a home, yet aren’t always the first to be renovated or refreshed. Homeowners know they need to work on their bathroom, but they don’t know where to start or which upgrades will have the greatest impact. A few key features, like a new coat of paint or installing a soaking walk in tub , can make a big impact while helping you stay on budget. Upgrade the Features You Use Every Day Features you use every day, like faucets, towel racks, and vanity lighting, are great starting points. They’re budget-friendly, approachable DIY projects that can often be completed in a weekend. Outdated fixtures age a bathroom quickly, and the immediate visual payoff of swapping out old or builder-grade hardware and fixtures is worth it. For primary bathrooms, focus first on anchor features, like newer double sink vanities . Because they’re used every day, they’re a strong starting point for a bathroom refresh that feels impactful without blowing the b...

It’s officially summer, and with it comes the season of outdoor gatherings. Whether you’re prepping to host or just looking to create a relaxing outdoor space, your patio furniture is often where special moments start. That begs the question: is your current setup up to par for every event, person, and occasion making it to your backyard? If you’re not sure, here’s a helpful guide to get you started. Take Inventory Start by taking a look at your current outdoor living setup. This includes bistro tables, chairs, dining tables, sectionals, and even fire tables. Conduct a thorough visual inspection for structural damage and instability, signs of wear and weathering, material degradation such as rot, rust, or corrosion, and worn-out upholstery. If a quick cosmetic clean or a maintenance repair can’t address these replacement indicators, it may be time for an upgrade. Look for Quality Pieces Invest in high-quality pieces that not only make your space stand out but also withs...

Some homeowners treat the patio as an afterthought. They may occasionally eat dinner outside, but that’s about it. With the right patio table and chairs , a centerpiece, and some intentional updates, the underestimated patio area can transform into an outdoor living space without a full renovation. Here are a few ways to update your patio so you can enjoy more living space this summer. Start with a Focal Point Every room needs a focal point, and your patio is no different. It could be a couch and table, a fire pit, or a potted plant you’re proud of. The fire pit, for example, is the perfect meeting spot for family and friends. Roast marshmallows or enjoy nights under the stars fireside across all seasons. There are even propane fire pits table options, which combine two pieces and work well if you’re short on space. A focal point makes a patio feel more intentional, rather than feeling thrown together with a few pieces of assorted furniture. It feels purposefully designe...

In many ways, summer’s the ideal time to do some renovations. The weather’s conducive to outdoor home improvements. The longer days also mean there are more hours of sunlight. However, there could still be a downside. From the patio garden table and chairs you have your eye on to that garage door replacement, the need to stay on budget never goes out of season. Here are three tips to keep your summer home improvement projects on track. Make Some Assessments Since you’re in your home so often, your potential renovations are rarely off your radar. Because of this, you may be tempted to start a half-dozen projects at once. However, this approach can work against your budget. Before you replace the bathroom shower sliding door or install a new vanity, you should assess each upgrade based on priority, time, and cost. Is the change cosmetic, like a paint job? If so, can it wait? Can you do it yourself? DIYs usually save you cash. If you can’t do it yourself, have you contacted s...