When you are tired of your current living situation, you have two options as a homeowner. You can either choose to move or take on some home improvement projects. Generally, both activities can be stressful, but you have to weigh your options and ask yourself the right questions before deciding. Most people admit they would rather upgrade their homes than move to a new place. Maybe that property has some sentimental value, and they would rather hold on to it. If you choose to renovate, here are some worthy projects you should consider for a complete renovation.
Add or Upgrade the Kitchen Island
One of the best innovations in kitchen design is the counter island. An island offers more counter space, extra sitting options, and an additional storage area. Before you start upgrading your kitchen counters, ensure that the work you are about to do gives you the biggest value for your money. A complete renovation is costly, and the last thing you want is to end with something you do not like. To prevent that, work with a licensed contractor who will evaluate what your kitchen looks like and give you suggestions on making a kitchen island a valuable asset in your home. Start by thinking about the materials you will use. Among the best materials that homeowners choose for countertops is granite countertops. They are durable, easy to clean, and appealing. In addition, you can find them in different colors, allowing you to find something for your kitchen.
The next thing to consider is the cabinet. To create a cohesive look, ensure that the cabinets you have used on the wall are similar to those on the kitchen island. The advantage of having extra storage space is that you reduce clutter in the kitchen, making it look bigger. You’ll have room for storage containers, cutlery, extra towels, and other kitchen items that you did not have space for.
Upgrade Your Appliances
One of the most significant improvements you can make when doing a complete renovation is upgrading your appliances. Appliances have become more energy-efficient over the last couple of years, so buying new ones will help you save on electricity bills. When buying new appliances, a major tip to consider is sticking to the same brand. Unless a certain dishwasher has caught your eye and you need it, it is not a bad idea to stick to one brand for all your appliances. It will help you enjoy a seamless user experience. And if you are buying multiple appliances at once, you can get a discount easily. Another thing to look at is the features. Modern appliances have impressive features like WI-FI connectivity, bells and whistles, and various cooking codes. However, all these come with a high price tag. Before choosing an appliance, factor in how you use it. If you have a big family where the fridge is constantly being opened to get food, go for the door-in-door model
Turn Unused Spaces into Functional Rooms
Unused spaces in a home can be awkward, especially when you are confused about what to do with them. But, do not let that space sit there when there is so much you can do with it. An interesting project you should consider when doing a complete renovation is a basement makeover. For most people, the basement is where you put all the things you do not need, including old clothes, appliances, books, magazines, etc. But you can incorporate so many ideas to make it more functional. Do you like hosting guests often? Then turn your basement into an entertainment room with a minibar and a pool table. Do you work from home but do not have a home office? The basement can be turned into an office. It is all about working with a good contractor to help you get a livable space.
Another way to make use of unused space is by renovating the attic. You can customize this room into anything from an extra bedroom, home office, playroom, or another living area when doing a complete renovation. Due to an attic’s structural and insulation needs.
Upgrade the Living Room
Your living room is where you welcome guests and spend a lot of time relaxing. The chances are that it is one of the areas you will consider when doing a complete renovation. However, there are so many elements in the living room from paint, furniture, decor, fabrics, etc. The fastest and easiest way to refresh your living room is through paint. If you are looking for a change, opt for a different color than your home’s already painted. Another trick to upgrading your living room is through customized furniture. After several years, your furniture will get old or even boring. During a home upgrade, consider replacing it. If you have visited several furniture stores and cannot find the exact design you want, reach out to several furniture manufacturing companies and see who can get you the design you want. Add some throw pillows as well to modernize your living room. Throw pillows are an excellent solution for trying out bold colors and patterns without a major commitment. You can even change the pillowcases depending on the season or holiday.
Do not forget about lighting as well. It can make small spaces appear bigger, set a certain mood, and illuminate a particular color scheme. Swap the existing bulbs with LEDs to brighten a dark room. For an ambient mood, use a floor lamp with a drum shade as it helps to distribute soft light in the room.
Create a Master Suite
Shifting from a master bedroom to a master suite has become among the major home renovation projects over the years. Some of the main features of a master suite include a master closet, a double door entry, a seating area, and an ensuite with a double vanity. Newer homes already have a master suite, but you might need extra space to expand it if you bought an older home. That means knocking down the walls of adjacent rooms to merge the space and make it bigger. You can improve the master suite through lighting. Go with mood lighting to help set the right tone for a bedroom. A bedroom cannot be considered a suite without a fancy closet. Designate some space for a walk-in closet. To ensure you stay within the theme of your bedroom, opt for custom closet systems tailored for your needs. You can choose the cabinet color, the design of the closet door, and the number of shelves you want.
You will also need a seating area apart from the bed. Ideally, you should place two love seats at the foot of the bed or next to the window. And if you are lucky to have a fireplace in the bedroom, put a pair of seats in front of the fireplace.
Update Your Roof
A roof plays a big role in how a home looks and functions. It is the first thing they will see when anyone is visiting you. So, if it is getting older, consider a complete renovation instead of replacing the worn-out parts with new shingles. Get newer architectural shingles instead of the traditional asphalt shingles. The former has more dimensions and is now designed to reflect UV rays, thus helping keep the house cool. Another idea for upgrading your roof is installing a standing seam metal roof if you are going for a contemporary look. To enjoy the latest in roofing trends, go with a metal roof in a cool or light color. If your home is older, then consider a tile roof. Modern roof tiles are appealing and durable, making them a great alternative instead of older clay tiles.
While updating your roof, do not forget the gutters as well. Gutters play a big role in draining water away from your property to avoid compromising the structural integrity of your home. But with time, leaves, dirt, twigs, and other debris can make their way into your gutter, leading to blockage and immature damage. You are supposed to clean your gutters and schedule gutter repairs now and then. But if you find yourself doing repairs more often than usual, that means it is old and needs to be replaced.
Adjust Your Landscaping
Never overlook the significance of landscaping when it comes to what your home looks like. Some plants and trees here and there can help add some appeal to your home when you are doing a complete renovation. Before choosing trees and plants for your property, think of maintenance as well. Certain types of plants and trees require regular care, and if you do not have the time, they will end up dying and being a mess around your property.
A common water feature that people have around their landscape is a swimming pool. It adds appeal to a home, and during the warm months, it helps you cool down. However, your pool will either need repair or renovation to maintain its performance over time. If your pool was installed in the 90s, then some of its features are probably old and worn out. Consider pool remodeling to upgrade it to more modern features that are enjoyable to use.
Add a Deck
Consider adding a deck if you want to make your home functional while adding its value. Decks have been listed as among the top additions that most people would like to see in their homes. And if your space allows it, why not do it? A deck does not have to be something fancy. Even a small space can be designed to create an alluring outdoor space and a welcoming facade. However, ensure you have enough space for seating and other functional options like fans and fire pits. These additions help increase their versatility and style.
Another thing to consider when building a deck is your lifestyle. Do you enjoy hosting parties, or would you rather have a quiet space to retreat with your book and glass of wine? This will help you design a deck that fits your lifestyle.
Replace Your Carpet with Hardwood Flooring
When doing a complete renovation, consider replacing your carpet with hardwood flooring. While the initial investment will be slightly higher than installing carpets, you can be sure you will be getting value for your money. Hardwood flooring is durable and will last you decades to come. And with proper maintenance, you will only need to refinish it after every 7 to 10 years. Besides that, it has an appealing appearance. Thus, it goes with almost all home designs. So, whenever you are ready to transform your home from a traditional look to a contemporary style, you do not have to worry about replacing hardwood flooring. Another factor that makes most homeowners opt for this kind of flooring is that it adds value to your home when you are selling. Due to its appeal, most homebuyers prefer a home with hardwood flooring over carpeting.
Make Your Home Pet Friendly
In every ten households, four have a pet, with a dog being the most popular pet kept. Therefore, consider some pet-friendly upgrades if you own a pet and are doing a complete renovation. For instance, you can add a washing station for your dog in the mudroom. It resembles a shower stall, but it is half the height. Ensure it is equipped with both warm and cold water plus a station for shampoo and combs. Another way of making your home pet-friendly is through a safe and interesting yard. Pets need a place to roll around and play. Do not forget about adding a comfortable dog house in your yard, where your dog can retreat anytime it is looking for some quiet time. Install a tall fence so that your pet will not be able to jump over it.
Before starting a complete renovation, it may seem like such a long and tedious process. It is therefore important to plan early. Choose your budget, projects, timeline, and contractors from the start to make the process less stressful.