Remodeling your home is a big project and usually not an easy one. Making the most of your time and budget with the right home upgrades is important. Whether you are updating your home for a new look and more modern conveniences because you wish to stay or you’re investing in the property for a big equity payout, here are some great remodeling ideas that will take your house to another level.
You especially don’t want to ignore any foundation issues. There are some common signs of foundation problems such as cracks in flooring, uneven or bowing floors, stair-step cracks, water intrusion in the basement, etc. that should be at the top of your house remodeling list. Because nearly all of the foundation issues start with a small sign, but eventually day by day they become larger and in a short period of time it can be a potentially risky matter if not taken care of properly.
Refresh Your Accent Walls
Accent walls are one of the most common home upgrades. It’s a fairly easy project requiring only some paint and painting supplies as well as some time to move your items out of the way and back again. If you decide to repair any imperfections in the wall, it could take a little longer as well, but when compared to larger projects this is fairly easy. If you haven’t updated your accent walls with more modern colors, now’s the time.
Bring In More Light
Natural light helps to improve your mood, boost your immune system, and much more. With so many benefits, it’s important to let in as much natural light as possible. If you don’t have very many windows or the ones you have are small, you might consider adding in more or replacing yours with larger ones. Updating your window coverings can go a long way as well.
Include Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades
If your appliances are outdated, it might be time to replace them with new, more energy-efficient ones. Not only are new appliances more efficient but most have features that weren’t available just a few years ago. New appliances can help save on the electric bill but also make it more fun to be in the kitchen. Don’t forget your HVAC system. Even if replacing it isn’t an option, it can oftentimes be updated to be more efficient.
Add Smart Home Conveniences
Smart home devices aren’t as expensive as they used to be. It can take time to replace the electrical outlets, switches, and other things that a smart device can control, but if you’re already doing a home remodel then it’s the perfect time. Most people feel they don’t need the conveniences of a smart home, but once they experience it they wish they’d made these home remodeling updates sooner.
Open Up The Floorplan
Some homes, especially older ones, can have smaller rooms and each one is separate from the others by walls, doors, etc. However, sometimes it’s possible to remove walls, install archways, or include open doorways between rooms so that the floor plan of your home feels more open and inviting, not just to your guests but also to you. Open floor plans can also allow that natural light that’s so important to spread through all connected rooms.
Maximize Storage With Bigger Closets
Making your closets bigger will require taking space away from an adjoining room. However, if the room is already a good size, this shouldn’t be a problem. It doesn’t take a lot of space to make a closet a lot bigger and a more useful storage space. If you have a small closet, make it a walk-in. If you don’t have a closet at all, then putting one in can usually be done fairly easily in most rooms, making it appear that the closet was always there.
Make The Kitchen Island More Useful
The kitchen island can sometimes be the catch-all for everything. Your kids’ backpacks, the daily mail, your to-do list. Usually, this happens because the island doesn’t serve a real purpose within your kitchen. This can be changed with a few upgrades, however. The biggest upgrade but also the most convenient is a sink. It makes it easier to use the kitchen island to prepare food. Extending the countertop over one edge can also make it convenient for seating. Instead of just storing backpacks, perhaps it will be a place to actually get that homework done.
Use Bathroom Space More Efficiently
Most bathrooms don’t use their allotted space in the home in the most efficient way. This is especially true with small bathrooms. While a complete bathroom makeover can be a huge undertaking, it can also make a huge difference. Just like with your closets, if you have space in the rooms adjoining the bathroom, you might also be able to make your bathroom larger. Enjoy a larger tub or install one if you didn’t have one before. Install a separate tub and shower, or even include double sinks.
Give Your Fireplace A New Look
If you have a fireplace in your home, it most likely looks outdated. Larger fireplaces can take up a lot of wall space, making it a focal point. It’s important to make that focal point a warm and inviting one, just like any fireplace should be. There are many modern looks for fireplaces so it’s important to choose one that will work best with the look and feel of your home. If you don’t have a fireplace but would like a similar warmth and a wonderful focal point in any room, you should consider a wood-burning stove. They are practical as they can even be used for warmth, and you wouldn’t need to go through the hassle of installing a real fireplace.
Turn Your Backyard Into A Paradise
Many homeowners don’t consider their backyard when planning a home remodel, but it can be one of the most important. Spending time in your yard should be enjoyable and you should be able to look forward to holiday cookouts, birthday parties, and more. Adding shade with a gazebo or awning can make your time outdoors more comfortable, and so can the right seating. Don’t forget the outdoor grill.
As you can see, every room of your home, and even your outdoor spaces, can benefit from a remodel. These house remodeling ideas are just a few of the many ideas available for turning your home into your personal oasis. Before you swing the first hammer, set a budget for your home upgrades, and then go room by room deciding on the remodel ideas you like best for each. Then, get to work!
