Home improvement can be daunting, but it’s an important part of maintaining a healthy home. Whether you’re renovating for resale or simply making your existing home look better, here are 10 essential projects for every homeowner.
1. Spruce Up Curb Appeal – The first thing every homeowner should consider is sprucing up the front of their home. This can be done with a fresh coat of paint or a new landscaping design. Some simple decluttering and tidying up works wonders. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to welcome guests and neighbours.
2. Upgrade Your Lighting – Great lighting can make and break any room. Upgrade your fixtures, or look into adding dimmers. Dimmers can be used to create a unique atmosphere in each room.
3. Invest in New Windows – Not only are energy-efficient windows good for the environment, they also help reduce your monthly energy bills. New windows also add style and elegance to your home.
4. Increase Storage – Storage can be added either internally or externally. Look at adding shelving units, cabinets, built-in closets, or hiring a professional to assemble custom solutions. Adding extra storage is also great for selling a house.
5. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint – An easy and inexpensive way to spruce up any room in the house. Consider painting one wall, an accent wall or tackling the entire house. When picking a colour, consider what the room will be used for and what atmosphere it will invoke.
6. Replace Floors – Tired of cold, outdated or damaged floors? Whether it’s ceramic tile, hardwood, laminate, vinyl or carpeting, changing out the floors is an instant transformation.
7. Catch Up on Maintenance – Every homeowner should do an annual audit of their home. Check for insulation problems, check the roof for wear and tear, repair or replace fixtures, tweak door handles, tighten screws, and take care of any unexpected surprises.
8. Upgrade Plumbing and Electrical – Is it time for an upgrade? Plumbing and electrical systems can be the lifeblood of your home. Make sure you’re using the services of a licensed contractor to do the work.
9. Improve the Gutters – Clean and repair your gutters and downspouts. Neglected gutters can lead to expensive repairs down the road. Make sure they are clear of debris and in proper working condition before the next rain or snowfall.
10. Make a Statement with a Fence – Invest in fencing to secure your property and to create an inviting atmosphere. There are a lot of options out there to choose from – chainlink, wood, split rail, vinyl and metal. Choose the look, material and style that best suits your home.
These are the 10 essential projects for every homeowner. Invest wisely, do it right and have fun!
For those bold enough to take on more than just the essentials or to move further into home improvement, here are four more ideas for some extra budget-friendly projects.
Repurpose and Redecorate – One great way to stay within a budget is to repurpose your old furniture. Give your furniture some extra personality with a new stain or paint job. If you’re feeling creative, then adding trim or hardware could be another fun game to try.
Update Bathrooms – Bathrooms may seem intimidating, but there are lots of budget-friendly options. Paint existing fixtures, install a tile backsplash, convert your bath to a shower, replace towel racks or even look into swapping out your countertops.
Install App-Friendly Systems – Nowadays there are numerous systems that can be integrated into the home for a modern feel. Look into alarm and video monitoring systems, energy management devices and automated thermostats.
Be Your Own Landscaper – Spruce up the landscaping with a little tender love and care. Plant flower and vegetable gardens, triangle or line the grass, and don’t forget to water enough. Bonus – you might even save on groceries!
Moving onto other projects, expand the entire space of the home with additions. You could add a porch, a patio, an outdoor living area, a new bedroom, an office or even a workshop.
Design a Home Office – Everyone deserves a comfortable workspace to conduct their business. Design an office that allows for productivity and a space to store bills and paperwork.
Revive Old Outdoor Spaces – You don’t need to tear down structures already in place. Revive an old deck with a good scrub and a coat of paint, or add some finishing touches to your existing porch design.
Change Out Flooring – Think it’s time to replace the carpets? Take the opportunity to research more options that could give each room an entirely fresh new look. Laminate, bamboo, ceramic, tile and vinyl are all excellent candidates.
Build Your Own Workshop – Projects come and go, and there’s no better place to take on DIY work than in the safety of your own workshop. Install peg boards, storage cubes or bins and get to work.
Go Green – Improve your home’s environmental friendliness with energy-efficient lighting and appliances. An air-source heat pump or a solar hot water system are great options to look into.
Build a Home Gym – Working out can be cheaper and more convenient if done in the comfort of your own home. Invest in some free weights and yoga mats, and create a spot in the house for personal workouts.
Update Kitchen Cabinets – Upgrade your kitchen cabinets by sanding and applying a fresh coat of paint or stain. Select stylish hardware and consider refinishing existing countertops. You’ll be surprised with the outcome!
By tackling a few improvement projects, homeowners can make maintaining their home easier and improve its value. Even small changes can make a big difference. So, what are you waiting for? Get started and turn your house into a home.