Your home isn’t just a place you live in; it’s also an extension of yourself. Through architecture and interior design, you mold your home into a reflection of your personality. Even if you don’t say it out loud, everything about your home says who you are and what you want. It’s also our refuge from the chaos of the outside world, a place where we can be ourselves and relax. That’s why we must work to keep it clean and in good condition.
And once in a while, you might work on a renovation or improvement project for your home. Some people might say that remodeling projects are a frivolous expense, but it’s more common than you think. According to Harvard University, Americans spend around 340 billion dollars a year on home improvements. More often than not, these quality-of-life improvements raise the value of the property, which can come in handy if the owner decides to sell one day.
Since we already spend most of our days indoors, it makes sense to invest money into projects that make our home more comfortable and functional. Here are a few upgrades to your home you might want to consider.
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Renovate around a theme
Maybe you don’t have a specific project in mind but want to give your home a new visual identity. If you’re planning on renovating several rooms, make sure to choose a theme to ensure that everything is visually cohesive. The last thing you need is a wall paint that clashes with your furniture, or carpets that don’t go with anything. Also, an interior revamp is often expensive, so you better make sure that the results are worth the expense.
You can either browse your favorite magazines and websites for ideas or ask your family what they want. Since you and your family are the primary occupants, you want everyone to get on board with your plans. It also helps to ask for help from a professional interior designer. Depending on their level of involvement, a designer’s touch can give your home a professional look. Don’t forget to set a budget.
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Convert your basement
Next to the garage and attic, the basement is one of the most neglected parts of the home. If you’re short on square footage and need to convert unused space into something functional, the best is your best option. If you decide to put your home on the market, a converted basement can add up to $50,000 to the asking price.
You might be thinking, how can one upgrade add that much value to your home? The answer is simple: buyers want a basement that’s useful and comfortable. We can always find ways to create new storage spaces, but a new room requires new construction. If you already have the room, why not just convert it? Just make sure to hire an electrician and put in the necessary HVAC and insulation to keep the place dry.
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Remove partition walls
Partition walls have their uses, but they also make a home look more dated. If you want your home to look more fresh and modern, you can knock down a few partition walls and create an open floor plan. One of the most popular interior design trends today is one giant space that combines the kitchen, living room, and dining room.
For starters, there are no walls to block light and air, which makes your home airier and inviting. And seeing everything in one place gives you the illusion of more space to work with. Just make sure that you’re knocking down decorative walls and not load-bearing ones, or you risk compromising your home’s structural integrity. After all, nobody wants to live in a home that’s in danger of collapse.
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Replace kitchen and bathroom fixtures
If you want to give your kitchen or bathroom a new look, but can’t afford a complete renovation, swapping out a few fixtures can go a long way. New cabinet pulls, doorknobs, and wall hooks can give your room a fresh new look. Best of all, you won’t break the bank when you buy new fixtures. Just make sure to match the design with your overall theme.
You have to think smart when it comes to planning a remodeling project for your home. You want to choose an upgrade that improves your quality of life and improves your home’s value. Don’t rush into too many projects at one time. Pace yourself and finish one project before moving on to the next.
