If there is one inevitable thing in this world, that maybe is, change. The house that you are living in now may not be the same place people could find in five or ten years. Sooner or later, you will be thinking of putting your property up in the market for sale. Hence the reason why you have to take care of your home just like any asset you own.
That being said, home improvement can sometimes take its toll on you, especially on your savings. Good thing, some changes don’t have to be massive in one go.
Unsure where to start? Take these nine home improvement tips we’ve rounded up to give you a good jump start.
Additional Bathroom
Bathrooms are the first space to be remodeled by homeowners. Even before the bedrooms or the kitchen. The thought of improving a smaller space somehow gives an idea of spending fewer funds and lesser completion days. Therefore, the momentum gets you going.
They say that a one bathroom one bedroom ratio is ideal because it maximizes the home’s functionality. If you live in a 2-story property, make sure that you make room for an additional bathroom downstairs. Or at least just a toilet and shower for your guests. If you have limited space, on the other hand, and the suggested ratio is not possible. Make sure to at least separate one bathroom for your family’s use and another one for the guests – that will also do the trick.
Remodel the Kitchen
Now we go to a more complicated area in the house, the kitchen.
In improving this area, remember that you do not have to go overboard. Make it more functional and organized instead. By practical, we mean, if the range has to be changed, go on and do so. Opt for built-in kitchen appliances, like the oven or the exhaust. Less stuff found on top of your kitchen counter; the more organized the whole area will look. And then once the significant changes are done, that’s the time you get to work on your aesthetics
Reinvent a Room
Maximize your floor area by transforming those awkward corners into a study nook, for example. You may also create a storage room underneath the staircase. Or reinvent a game room from an old garage.
You do not always need a massive renovation when you come up with a new room in the house. Sometimes, a simple repainting job can do the trick.
Window tints can also be used as a way to decorate your home. For example, you may have a bathroom window that you would prefer to avoid using blinds on. Or a small office that you would like to look more formal or office-like. In such cases, frosted window tint works great because it can act as a decorative barrier on your window while keeping out any prying eyes.
Upgrade Exterior Doors
It is not enough to just mow the lawn properly on a regular basis. Nor leave the garden free from wild grass. Ultimately, make sure that your house is always postcard-ready by replacing your old exterior doors with new and sturdy ones because it gives a massive boost for prospective buyers when the right time comes.
Make it Energy Efficient
One of the best home improvements any homeowner could be doing is to make the house energy efficient. At the same time, it is the most costly too.
Start from the windows and small spots where leakage could come from. Install a programmable thermostat, so you do not need to worry anymore about utility cost surge whenever you leave the house. Change all your incandescent lights with LED lights. Replace your home appliances with energy-efficient ones. The list could just go on and on. And it all depends on what your home needs.
It is better to survey the whole house first. And see which ones should be prioritized and then work on your list one at a time. There is no reason to sugarcoat it; this home improvement will be costly. Yet, in the long run, expect a much better result.
Use Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring gives this classic finishing touch to a home.
Apart from added aesthetics, hardwood flooring provides a bit of warmth, which can be perfect in countries with cold weather most year. It also requires low maintenance and very easy to clean. And to top it all, it is the most affordable type of flooring compared to others, which means your bank account does not have to be zeroed out when upgrading your flooring.
Improve Curb Appeal
As you replace your exterior doors, consider improving your house’s curb appeal too.
Invest in repainting the outside wall of the property. Always make sure your garden looks neat and clean out your gutters from the trash. Invest in a nice rubbish bin, so even if they need to be placed outside, it still does not ruin the view. If the curb has to be repainted as well, do so.
You may talk to your neighbors about doing the same. Or maybe, if time and budget allow it – you could offer your services in repainting their outside walls as well. It will be a plus factor if the whole neighborhood does the same.
Clean and Declutter
Too much of spending on the last home improvement tips? Well, this one is definitely for free!
Keeping an organized and clutter-free home can be quite a challenge these days. With parents working full-time and kids spending extra hours after school, by the time everyone gets home, all they want to do is to relax. That is why maintenance is the key here.
To start, pick an area from the house that needs to be clutter-free all the time, the living room, for example. Since it is one of the spots at home that is seen right away soon as everyone gets in, it requires everyone’s commitment to keeping it neat and clean all the time. Make sure that bags are not placed on the floor, nor the couch. Used clothes should also not be found there at all times. And then work on your way to the kitchen, perhaps.
Start a rule that everyone, even the kids, should make their beds every morning. Offer a reward if done, and maybe a punishment if otherwise. It will be hard at first, but once you get used to it, keeping your home clean will only be an understatement.
Add Usable Square Footage
If you have extra floor space, then add some more usable space to your existing home. Make way for an outside dirty kitchen, perhaps for your barbecue afternoon with friends. Or an additional guest room may be for families or relatives who come for a visit.
Or maybe if you are looking for some extra cash on the side, you can have that spare room rented out or maybe put it out as an Airbnb property. With this strategy, you get a return of investment for whatever you have cashed out while making the home improvement.
Last Say
If doing some home renovations does not benefit you at the moment, time will come; it definitely will. Trust us on this.
And when that time comes, make sure to always transact with the best mortgage brokers in Auckland to ensure a stress-free process.