10 GOALS THAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE THROUGH A HOME RENOVATION
You just bought a home or you have been owning your home for sometime now and you are thinking that you should do some Upgrading to your Home. You look around your house and are trying to justify in your mind why you need a Remodel or a Renovation. You are living fine, but the thought of a Home Upgrade keeps creeping up in your mind.
If that is the case & if your home fits any one or more of these needs, preferences or objectives then you may find yourself in the market of a Home Renovation!
Here are 10 Goals that you can achieve through a Home Renovation:
1. Enhanced Functionality: Improving the layout and functionality of the space to better suit the needs of the occupants. This could involve reconfiguring rooms, adding storage solutions, or creating multi-functional spaces.
Improving the Layout does prove beneficial as there is more ease in moving around the space and also using the space becomes more efficient.
Making the space more Functional can involve creating areas for certain activities like cooking, conversation, daily chores. It also involves grouping certain tasks together, like eating and cooking or laundry and folding clothes. Grouping tasks makes the home more livable and generates positive feeling.
Reconfiguring the rooms and activity areas can lead to better traffic and mobility inside the home. Many homes have floor plans that sometimes does not suit the family living in it. Homes are built on a more general use plans. But when families start living they might find that certain rooms or activity spaces need to be next to each other, or access to the kitchen would be better suited if you don’t have to walk in front of the TV, for example.
It not only disrupts daily life but also become a mode of annoyance or time waste when easy access is not happening.
Adding Storage can greatly improve a space and create means of clearing clutter and gaining more functionality via organization. And organized home is a happy home. And organized homes need ample storage for all kinds of things.
Creating spaces with Multiple uses is probably one of the best use of space. This method of using space is also beneficial in homes that are smaller in size or in big cities where space is premium. Using the same room for one activity during the day and another by night is very popular in highly dense cities with smaller condos or apartments or in small studio homes.
Salt Design Company - Woven Pendant Lighting. more here, here and here
2. Increased Comfort: Making the home more comfortable by upgrading insulation, installing better heating and cooling systems, or improving natural lighting and ventilation.
Upgrading the Insulation in a home is not always looked at or is the last thing on Homeowner’s minds. But this very criteria can save a homeowner big money. Heating and cooling a home for comfort is all good but when that hot or cold air can easily escape out the sides of doors or windows because the insulation is old and have weathered over the years, it can cost the homeowner more money due to higher electricity costs.
A better heating and cooling system can involve sums of money invested towards comfort of home living. But it has its benefits in the savings that it will bring in the long run by effectively heating and cooling the home. Newer systems will be efficient and has auto settings and can be controlled remotely once set up on the Google Home system.
Natural Light can add to the comfort of living in the space and make life more joyful. We all know how light and brightness can lift spirits and improve our mood. Creating skylights, larger windows, new windows on walls that had none can all be ways that natural light can be added into a room or space.
In rooms that are underutilized and can be planned to transform into a bedroom, by simply adding a window that can be achieved!
Proper Ventilation is necessary for creating a healthy home. Every home has a lot of smells and odors that emanate out of Kitchens, Bathrooms, Laundry and even Bedrooms. We can encourage exchange of air and smells by proper ventilation with the help of Exhaust Fans in Bathrooms, Kitchens and also Intake Fresh Air Ventilation ducts.
Attics also need proper ventilation to get rid of fumes as well as prevent being a fire hazard by too much heat generation among the insulation in it.
Brandon Architects - Counter Stools, more here, here & here
3. Aesthetic Improvement: Enhancing the appearance of the home to create a more attractive and visually appealing living environment. This may include updating finishes, adding decorative elements, or changing the overall style of the interior and exterior.
Improvement in Interior & Exterior aesthetics can lead to making an attractive home that is pleasing to look at as well as functions well. From being the best looking home on the street to having a great front yard that turns the neighbor’s head to that attractive front door and keeping them wondering how beautiful is the inside, all are important traits to have in a home. It is good for resale value as well as quick turn around on that listing for sale.
Updating Finishes such as flooring, giving a fresh coat of paint with a new color palette, refreshing the cabinet by repainting them, changing cabinet pulls to a new design, changing stairs carpet & even changing the kitchen and bathroom counters can be beneficial to improve the overall look of the home. These and many other updates can really enhance the look of the interiors and improve the lifestyle of the homeowners.
Decorative elements can add charm and excitement to any home improvement. They are what makes the home beautiful from the surface after the hard updates are completed. Decor also introduces colors and textures that can be of immense visual appeal as well as physical comfort in that soft duvet or the warm bedspread or that interesting centerpiece that exudes elegance.
Brandon Architects - Spindle Foyer Bench, more here & here
4. Improved Energy Efficiency: Upgrading appliances, windows, doors, and insulation to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. This could also involve incorporating renewable energy sources such as solar panels or geothermal heating.
New appliances can be a big investment but it will add value to the home and add to the enjoyment of using the appliances by the homeowners. Current appliances draw less energy, use less water and have many smart options like auto timers, smart start etc that can hugely impact the daily living in a positive way.
New doors and windows have many features that increases the energy efficiency of a home. Many older homes have single pane windows that is highly inefficient and lets out a lot of heat from the inside of the home during winter as well as does not cool the interiors during summer. Upgrading to double pane windows with good sealing ensures your home is energy efficient as well as the many beautiful features of current window styles can make a decorative or design aesthetic statement as well.
Doors both Interior as well as Exterior function for safety and noise barriers. Strong metal exterior doors with a variety of styles and different core structure can add safety as well as peace of mind, let alone the aesthetic appeal. Interior doors come in a variety of styles and sizes and if you need to resize any doors a renovation would be the ideal chance to do that. Solid core doors for bedrooms and bathrooms are a great choice to act as a sound barrier. If that is your priority then upgrading to one is the best choice.
Renewable Energy sources can have a big impact on the function and value of a home and bring the home up to current standards. Solar panels can be expensive to install with a big investment upfront. But in the long run it makes energy consumption cost next to nothing.
Tapping the energy of the sun that is available at no cost and using that for daily energy needs at home is the best source that is earth friendly and zero pollution.
Pure Salt Interiors - Piato Pendant, more here, Parabolic Pendant
5. Enhanced Safety and Security: Upgrading safety features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and security systems to protect the occupants and their belongings.
Smoke Detector installation in your home can literally save lives. Accidental fires can happen in a home at any time for any reason. Not every fire is visible and even if it is you may not be there or awake to see it. Installing smoke detectors outside bedrooms, in the kitchen and living rooms can prove to be lifesaving. Many older homes do not have them but current Building Code and Laws require every home to have Smoke Detectors.
What do Carbon Monoxide Detectors do? They measure the level of Carbon Monoxide, which is a life threatening poisonous gas, and sound an alarm if there are traces of the gas before it becomes dangerous for humans. This device is highly necessary in every home to help families stay safe, healthy and prevent from getting sick from inhalation of this poisonous gas.
Is it really necessary to have a Carbon Monoxide Detector in a home? YES. Appliances and apparatus like your Furnace, Dryer vents in a clothes drying machine, Fireplaces and Chimneys are all sources of Carbon Monoxide gas. So to keep your and your family’s life safe, not only do you need to install a Carbon Monoxide Detector, you also need to service these appliances regularly to prevent the production of this silent killer gas.
Upgrading your Security System to have peace of mind is absolutely essential and a home renovation is an excellent opportunity to do that. Safety first is a motto to be followed diligently and a Home Security System not only saves property but also saves lives and there is nothing greater than protecting your home from prowlers and break-ins. The market is however filled with many different brands and before you install a Security System that costs and arm and a leg or has so many advance features that may not work for you, do some research and find out a device that works for you and your home.
Kate Marker - Gina Pendant, Elliot Pendant, Leanna Pendant
6. Increased Property Value: Renovating with the aim of increasing the resale value of the home. This may involve making strategic upgrades that appeal to potential buyers and enhance the overall marketability of the property.
If your aim is to increase the resale value of your home then there is a strategy to follow. You need to decide where and how much you will need to renovate to be profitable in the sale of your home.
Investing Money at Prime locations in the home can lead to profitable returns while selling the house. Most homes need a good kitchen, improved bathrooms and powder room, better laundry and a multi use Garage. If you are to renovate to sell, these are the areas where you can spend the money and that will make that money worth investing. Potential buyers are always attracted to a new kitchen, new appliances,
Creating the Neutral Affect in a home and making it fit for selling is the best option for attracting Buyers. With my past Real Estate experience I can confidently vouch for a home with a neutral color palette, removing all personal photos, choosing materials & finishes to create a neutral affect. These have proved to be some of the best options for having a home listed for a fewer number of day before a sale and also attract more foot traffic so you can have more number of people look at the home.
Selecting the Budget that is resale effective is another trait you may want to have up your sleeve. Learning to do this effectively can add more money in your pocket at the end of that sale. Some ways to do this is to:
opt for mid market appliances that do not break your bank, but also appeals to your buyers and provides the features they may look for
choose finishes and materials that are universally appealing and can be easily available. This way you can keep your costs low and buyers can easily add on or replace.
choose a color palette that is on the white & neutral side with paint that is from your local Home & Hardware store, aka, easily purchased by the next owners
keeping patterns smaller and nothing that is jarring. This simplicity can be less costly for you as there are more material availability options
Spending cash on items that give value to Buyers like adding special features that is not costly for you but makes a Buyer happy is something most people miss. Items like a new exhaust hood, changing a light pendant, adding new baseboards, changing the pulls and knobs of your kitchen and bathroom doors and drawers are some of the ways you can spend that money.
Jenni Kayne - Pedestal Base Tub, Mirror, Vanity Mirror
SHOP THE LOOK
7. Personalization: Tailoring the home to reflect the preferences and lifestyle of the occupants. This could involve incorporating specific design elements, materials, or amenities that align with their tastes and interests.
Wine cellars are a popular addition that is gaining momentum, specially for Homeowners who collect wine, passionate about drinking wine and want to showcase their collection in addition to entertain guests in style.
Upgrading Appliances to enhance living, is a popular item for many Homeowners doing a renovation. They have been owning a home for many years and would like to give a luxury look to their home.
Entertainers Haven happens when Homeowners want to create an environment where their guests can come relax, have conversation, eat, drink and participate in activities specially planned for them. Luxurious seating in sectionals or large multi-seater sofas, creating a conversation area, Entertainment units with surround speakers, fireplaces with seating and as focal point surrounded by shelving, décor, outdoor seating areas with entertainment facilities can be few ways a home can be upgraded to entertain guests and never have them leave!
Chef’s Kitchen are a growing trend in all kinds of homes be they condos, townhomes, family homes or large sprawling mansions. Custom Kitchens with high efficiency and high end appliances that can be a signature of Chef’s Style cooking and entertaining with custom storage for every utensil and pots & pans giving the kitchen a luxurious, top notch look with carefully chosen finishes and surfaces are where people do not stop to splurge a little. Homeowners realize the value of Family and Friends and that food, laughter and stories happen around the Kitchen and if the owner is an avid cook then there are high chances that their Kitchen has to have Chef’s Kitchen elements!
Spa Bathroom can easily be created in any bathroom by proper planning and choice of Finishes as tiles, plumbing fixtures, lighting, as well as soft furnishing & décor to give the bathroom a special look and feel.
Seamless Glass partitions have been another popular feature in bathrooms as well as stairs and hallways. They have also found popularity in wine rooms, entertainment units and room partitions. They feel and look high end and when one renovates a home a bit of glass in selected locations can make the home look upscale.
Stylized Plumbing Fixtures are available in many online and Showroom sources with a wide variety of styles and finishes. Homeowners realize that a stylized plumbing fixture alone can add pizzazz to a kitchen and bathroom and make it look luxurious without breaking the bank.
Gardener’s Backyard having fancy plants, vegetable plots, trellis, hot tubs and decks for relaxing can make a world of difference to a home as well as living at home. If you as a Homeowners is an avid gardener you would want a beautiful backyard that ticks off all items on your Wishlist.
Talk of the town front entry or prize of the lane front entry can speak volumes about your home. Today’s proud homeowner does not leave any part of the home without a signature look. And Front entries are a popular spot to do upgrades during a Renovation.
SHOP THE LOOK
SHOP THE LOOK
8. Accessibility: Making the home more accessible for individuals with mobility challenges or disabilities. This could include installing ramps, widening doorways, or adding accessible features in bathrooms and kitchens. Below are some of the ways a home can be made accessible for all generations living in one house.
Accessible Kitchen for Wheelchairs
Trip prevention flooring
Curbless showers
Slip Resistant bathrooms
Stair Lifts
Extra wide doorways
Low transition entries
Home Entry Ramps
Easy roll flooring for wheelchairs
SHOP SIMILAR ITEMS
Mirror, Sink, Faucet, Drawer Pull, Vanity Light, Towel, Shower Curtain, Towel Warmer, Potted Plant,
SHOP THE LOOK
9. Health and Well-being: Creating a healthier living environment by addressing issues such as air quality, moisture control, and the use of non-toxic materials. This may involve installing air purifiers, improving ventilation, or using low-VOC paints and finishes.
Improving the air quality of the home may involve investing in products and finishes that cost money and made well with high end raw materials.
A Humidifier for Dry areas and a De-Humidifier for wet climates improves health and allergies.
Use of low VOC paints and carpets with less fumes help keep indoor air quality better and as a result minimizing ailments
Use of wood floors instead of laminates are a wiser choice as wood being a natural product is healthy for the body. Wood is also soft underfoot than laminate.
Air Purifiers installation can greatly improve health and wellness by eradicating dust and allengens inside the home.
SHOP THE LOOK - LIGHTING
SHOP THE LOOK - COUNTER STOOLS
SHOP THE LOOK - RUGS
10. Preservation of Historic Features: Renovating a historic home to preserve its original character and architectural features while updating it to meet modern standards of comfort and functionality.
Here are some of the ways a Heritage or Historic home can be upgraded and updated.
Restoring the Heritage of the home with Architectural Features that match the time period when it was built
Preserving the true nature of existing features but juxtaposing current style so the house look original as well as relate to modern times
Refurbishing Family Heirlooms and reupholstering prized sofas and antique seating can be a really unique way to preserve memories, prized items belonging to the family and have a story to tell down the generations.
Refinishing antique furniture items to preserve the look and features can help in keeping teh style and structure original but adding a modern twist to the piece. It becomes a unique item - a style of its own!
Incorporating a unique item left behind or used by the previous owners and having a unique story connected to the house can be a unique way to have the item in the house and yet not feel out of place. Example a unique piece of forged iron, a patterned tile, a fireplace
CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR FAVORITE RETAILERS
HERE
SHOP THIS AUTUMN/FALL PAINT COLOR PACKAGE
You may like some of these posts for more ideas of how to refresh and give your home a new look:
5 TIPS FOR SELECTING YOUR KITCHEN FINISHES
HOW TO HAVE AN EXCELLENT HOUSE EXTERIOR REFRESH USING PAINT COLORS
THIS PAGE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS, WHICH MEANS WE MAY EARN A SMALL COMMISSION WHEN YOU MAKE A PURCHASE AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ OUR FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.