Home improvement projects can be intimidating, but understanding the types of projects every homeowner can tackle will not only help keep your home in top condition but also boost its value. Here are a few pointers to help get you started.
1. Establish a Maintenance Schedule: Regular upkeep and maintenance is the key to preserving your home so establishing a maintenance schedule can provide structure and peace of mind. Create a list of tasks that need to be completed like checking for damaged roof shingles or blocked gutter, adding a fresh coat of paint or patching up any cracks in the foundation and assign each task a timeline.
2. Get to Know Your Home: Before getting into any big home improvement projects, it’s important to familiarize yourself with how your home works and how all the components fit together. Figure out which systems and areas are tricky or can do with a bit of TLC. Learning a few DIY hacks can come in handy for quick fixes or for patching up your home in between major renovations.
3. Tackle Small Projects: If you feel uneasy tackling larger projects, start off with small and manageable ones like painting a wall, changing a light switch or shifting furniture around the room. Take a day or two to make improvements, build up your confidence steadily and establish a pattern.
4. Find Solutions to Common Issues: Many homeowners face common issues like leaky pipes, drafts, drips and the maintenance cycle can start to feel like an endless loop. Cooling and heating systems tend to be a major source of energy loss, which can prove expensive. Caulking and weather-stripping can prove to be an effective solution but if the issue persists, it’s best to call in an expert.
5. Invest in Durable Upgrades: Enduring the seasons requires an investment in weather-resistant materials. Vinyl siding is a popular choice as it requires minimal maintenance while offering increased insulation. Replace old windows and doors to keep a tight seal against chilly winds and consider installing ceiling fans for better air circulation.
Without further ado, here are the four topics to be expanded:
1. Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Nowadays, energy efficiency has become a priority and with the increased cost of utilities, it’s best to invest in upgrades that can ultimately help reduce energy costs. Adding an insulation layer to your floors, walls and ceilings can help maintain the temperature of your home while installing solar panels for efficient energy production and energy-star-rated lightbulbs and appliances are great investments.
2. Creative Re-Purposing
Creative re-purposing of used items helps save time, money and adds a unique, personalized element to your home. Turn a dresser into a bathroom vanity, create a spice rack out of a pallet board or collect bottles and jars for a decorative vase. Search for items headed to the landfill that can be easily transformed for practical or decorative use instead.
3. Landscape Design
Landscaping can prove to be an invaluable addition to your home. Interior and exterior plants not only beautify the surroundings but also help reduce noise pollution, increase privacy and add a decorative element to your living space. Natural elements like pebbles and stones or modern features like a wall water fountain can add style and charm to the exterior while great, energy-efficient options like outdoor lighting helps you make use of your space even after sundown.
4. Home Automation
Home automation systems are changing the way people manage their homes. Being able to control your home’s lights and climate with the touch of a button can help save time and energy. Home automation hubs like Google Home or Alexa allow for voice-controlled commands and can provide helpful advice when you need it most. These systems can even be tailored to fit your own individual needs and preferences.
Investing in the right upgrades for your home comes with long term benefits. So it’s important to plan ahead and stay informed on the latest home improvement projects to ensure your investment is worth your while. With the end of summer fast approaching, now might be the time to kickstart your home improvement projects before the weather turns.