8 Home Improvements Worth The Investment

Linda Brincat • July 30, 2019

With home prices continuing to rise, your home is a great investment. Whether you plan to stay in your house for a long time or plan to sell in the near future, there are a number of upgrades that you and your family can truly enjoy and will net you a decent rate of return.

Basements – People who love to entertain at home are opting for upscale luxury basement renovations. From wet bars to big screen tv’s or in-home theaters with movie-style seating, homeowners are going all out converting basements to recreation areas. A well-planned basement renovation will net you as much as a 70% rate of return on your investment.

Decks – An outdoor entertainment area is one of the most desirable features home buyers are looking for. Especially multi-level decks that include built-in cooking stations. Whether you choose wood like cedar or redwood or choose a composite, deck additions can help your home sell faster and allow you to recoup anywhere between 65 to 75% of your initial investment.

Attic Insulation – More and more people are becoming energy conscience making attic insulation an amazing investment, Houses lose the greatest amount of heat through their roofs. Insulating an attic with fiberglass insulation runs approximately $1,300 but can increase your home value by as much as $1,400 giving you a net gain of 5%. Save money, save the planet and make a great investment in your home!

Kitchens – A kitchen can be expensive to remodel but offers a good ROI. Even minor kitchen renovations can make your home a more enjoyable place to live. Depending on the scale of your kitchen project, you can expect your ROI to be somewhere between 65% and 85%

Masonry Siding – Refresh your homes’ exterior and improve your curb appeal by choosing masonry veneer. With over a 90% ROI, it’s one of the smartest decisions a homeowner can make. You’ll find there are dozens of brink and stone veneers to choose from. For the best results, make sure you have it professionally installed by an expert.

Roofing – A new roof on your house will translate into a 70% return on the cost of the new installation. Old and worn roofs not only turn away potential buyers, but some mortgage companies won’t even offer a loan on a home if the roof requires repair or replacement.

Bathrooms – If your bathroom is old or out of date, consider an upgrade. Minor upgrades can potentially net you a full 100 percent of your investment back.

Extra Bedrooms – You can turn a 3-bedroom house into a 5-bedroom house by converting an attic into bedrooms and potentially a new bathroom. Extra bedrooms and bathrooms are more desirable to new home buyers than dens or recreation rooms and can net you back as much as 95% of your investment.

Your home is probably the biggest investment you have. Improving that investment with upgrades you’ll enjoy, and that will pay off, in the long run, is a smart move. OLSON CEMENT WORK & CONSTRUCTION

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Olson Cement Work & Construction 20135 Ecorse Rd. Taylor MI, 48180

August 6, 2025
8 Warning Signs of Foundation Problems Every Homeowner Should Know! Your home’s foundation is quite literally what everything else is built on. When foundation issues arise, they can compromise the safety, value, and stability of your entire property. Knowing the signs of foundation problems early can help you avoid costly repairs down the road. At Olson Cement Work and Construction, we specialize in foundation repair and concrete services for residential and commercial properties across Southeast Michigan. In this post, we’re breaking down the top warning signs to look for and what to do if you spot them. 1. Cracks in Walls, Floors, or Ceilings Hairline cracks are often normal in older homes, but wide, jagged, or expanding cracks, especially around doors and windows, can be a red flag. Pay attention to: Stair-step cracks in brick or block walls Vertical cracks in basement walls Cracks wider than 1/4 inch 2. Doors and Windows That Stick or Won’t Close Properly If your interior doors or windows suddenly start sticking, misaligning, or leaving gaps, it could mean your foundation is shifting and causing structural warping. 3. Uneven or Sloping Floors A noticeable slope in your floors, especially if it wasn’t always there—can indicate a sinking or settling foundation. Use a marble or level to check areas of concern. 4. Gaps Around Window Frames or Exterior Doors Gaps forming between your walls and window or door frames can let in moisture, pests, and drafts—plus, it could point to movement in your foundation. 5. Bowing Basement Walls If your basement walls are starting to bow, bulge, or lean inward, that’s a clear sign of hydrostatic pressure, usually from water buildup, pushing against a weakened foundation. 6. Water in the Basement or Crawl Space Excess moisture, standing water, or musty smells in your basement may indicate cracks in the foundation or poor drainage around the property. 7. Separation Between Walls and the Ceiling or Floor When the foundation moves, the rest of the home follows. Gaps where walls meet ceilings or floors can indicate shifting or settling. 8. A Leaning or Tilting Chimney Chimneys are often built on their own foundation, and if you notice it's leaning away from your home, it may be a sign that one or both foundations are failing. What Causes Foundation Problems? Foundation damage can result from several common issues: Poor drainage or soil erosion Expansive clay soil Improper construction Tree roots growing too close to the home Extreme seasonal weather changes (freeze-thaw cycles) Why Early Detection Matters Ignoring the signs of foundation trouble won’t make them go away, in fact, it can make them worse and far more expensive to repair. Catching issues early can help preserve your home’s value and ensure your family's safety. ✅ Call Olson Cement Work and Construction Today If you’ve noticed any of these signs around your home or business, it’s time to schedule a FREE professional foundation inspection. 📞 Call us at 313-563-3777 📧 Or request your free estimate at www.olsoncement.com We’re proud to offer honest recommendations, quality workmanship, and local service you can trust.
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By Linda Brincat May 31, 2019
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By olsoncement May 3, 2019
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By Allen May 3, 2019
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