If you’re considering renovating a home or a property you’ve bought in order to increase its value there are some basic ideas to keep in your mind. You probably have a budget you’re willing to invest in this project and you are hoping to see a return on that investment. For arguments sake we’re only discussing renovations with intent to sell. So where are the places to invest that money and get the most return?

The big two are the bathroom and the kitchen. These are the two rooms that influence buyers the most when they come into a new property for the first time. That means they are also a renovators best chance to make a great first impression. Taking the time and money to properly redo the kitchen and bathrooms of a dated home will give it a modern and saleable feel.

Putting your money into energy efficiency is also a good idea. New energy efficient furnaces and properly installed windows will be great investments and selling points. They will save the buyer prospective long term money, which they love, but they are also greener which is becoming a more important point all the time in our society.

If you only have a certain amount of money to invest in renovations, concentrate it in the areas above to maximize the returns on your investment.