Every home will eventually need updates. Whether you bought an older house or built it yourself, things will eventually wear out or need replaced with something more efficient. Houses have so many different parts, it can be hard to keep up with it all. Whether you are looking to give your house some regular, much-needed updates or spruce up your home to sell, there are ideas that meet every need.
Interior Walls
One of the easiest home upgrades you can do it to repaint your walls. Repainting walls can give them a fresh look, change the whole feel of the room, and incorporate more modern design style into your home. Taking the time to buy high-quality paint and look up proper painting techniques can not only make the job easier, but it will ensure that your walls stay amazing for much longer.
Crown Molding
Another easy upgrade that adds a lot of new life to any room is crown molding. It not only adds an extra layer of charm to your home, but it also adds value. Some people shy away from undertaking this project because fitting the corners together can be a hassle, but with a little research and possibly using a trimroc molding that can be cut with a handsaw, this project doesn’t have to take a long time or be frustrating.
Home Drainage
Every home has a drainage system, but it is important to have it inspected and update it regularly. Drainage systems help keep water out of your home and redirect it to where it needs to go. Without a proper drainage system, water will get into your garage, basement, and other areas. Swiftdrain home drainage and other websites can help guide you in the right direction when it comes to choosing the right drainage system for your needs.
Stair Makeover
There are many different ways to give your staircase makeover. If your staircase has a banister, then redoing the banister or painting or staining it will add some extra detail. Wooden staircases are especially versatile. Painting or staining your staircase is an easy way to give it a much needed update. You can also use stencils or add a runner to add even more personality.
Update Appliances
One important update you can make to your home is updating your appliances. Appliances account for a large amount of your utility bills and can add value to your home. Updating appliances with energy efficient models will help you to save money and increase the value of your home. You can also choose models that add more aesthetic value to your home as well and give your kitchen a sleeker appearance. While you are replacing appliances, you should also investigate the plumbing in your home to make sure it is not leaking or breaking down anywhere and causing unseen problems.
Entryway
One way to dramatically change the appearance of your home is to update the entryway. It is the first thing people see when they come to your house and can set the tone for the entire home. Adding some decor, updating lamps, and greenery and flowers can all add an extra layer of comfort and welcoming. Painting the front door will also add a pop of color and personalization that will add even more appeal to your home.
Flooring
Updating flooring can add a lot of value to your home and make every room seem fresh and new again. It can also be expensive to rip up old flooring and put down new carpet, hardwood, or tile. One way you can update your flooring without the huge price tag is to paint it. Using floor paint and a sealant will help your new look to last even longer.
Shutters
Shutters add charm to any house. Outdoor shutters can make the home look more finished and can give the home a little more color. Adding window boxes can also give your home a little something extra. You can also add indoor shutters to your home if you don’t like the look of outdoor shutters. Indoor shutters can keep out the sun and give you an added measure of privacy while looking more upscale than regular blinds.
Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets can make or break the look of your kitchen. If your cabinets are old and outdated, they may make your kitchen seem gloomy or unpleasant. Cabinets are also a huge hassle to replace and it is also an expensive endeavor. One way to spruce up your kitchen without completely renovating and replacing the cabinets is to paint the cabinets.
Kitchen cabinets usually accumulate a lot of grease and dirt, so be sure to clean them really well and sand them down so the paint adheres to the cabinet. Even though this will take a little time and determination, it will only cost a fraction of the cost to replace the cabinets and will transform your entire kitchen.
Landscaping
Redoing or updating your landscaping is another way to increase the curb appeal of your home. One great way to keep your landscaping under control and looking amazing is to divide perennials every three or six years. Doing this will help you keep plant size where it is supposed to be, help to promote healthy new growth, and fill out your landscaping area.
Kitchen Sink Water Filter
A lot of people only drink bottled water because they think it tastes better and gives them peace of mind when it comes to contaminants and purity levels. Bottled water costs can also add up over time and contribute to environmental problems. One solution is to install a water filter on your kitchen sink. This helps to keep you and your family healthy, but also protects the environment and is more cost effective.
Insulation
Another way to add value to your home while cutting down on your overall costs long-term is to update the insulation in your home. Adding extra layers of insulation and making sure it is all set up nice and tight makes your home more eco-friendly and cuts down on your utility costs drastically. You may be surprised at what a difference it really makes. You can also give your floors some extra insulation by using a natural cork floor. It is easier to install than traditional wood flooring and gives your bare feet something more comfortable and warm on a cold winter morning.
Bathroom Caulk
We have all seen the caulk in our bathroom turn brown around the edges and then start to crack. It not only looks awful, but it also allows for mold and mildew to take hold. Replacing old caulk in your bathroom will help you prevent major problems that will cost much more later and it will also make your bathroom look like new again.
Decks
If you have a deck at your home, it needs regular care and upkeep in order to stay nice. Without this upkeep, the boards will turn a grungy grey color and start to warp. Taking the time to regularly add a protective coat will keep your porch looking amazing against the elements. If it has started to look weather-beaten, you can power-wash and sand the deck to bring it back to life.
Backsplash
Kitchens seem to be one of the most used and worn looking places in the house. The backsplash area can start to look dirty and old even with regular cleaning. Replacing the backsplash in your kitchen with an easy to clean, fresh look will brighten up your space. You can install a tile backsplash, but if that seems out of your capabilities, you can also get solid surface material to use instead that is easier to install.
Bathroom Vent Fan
Having a vent fan in your bathroom will get rid of windows and mirrors that get foggy during showers. It can also keep your bathroom from smelling stale, but it does much more than that. Vent fans also help to prevent common problems in the bathroom like mold and mildew. Once these catch hold in your bathroom, they can be an expensive and time-consuming problem to fix. Installing a vent fan yourself is not hard and can be done at a relatively inexpensive price.
Ceiling Fans
You may be surprised to learn that ceiling fans can greatly increase your energy savings all year long. In the summer it helps to create a cool breeze to take some pressure off your air conditioner and in winter it will help to circulate the heat produced by your heating system to keep your house warm. Ceiling fans are also very easy to install to an existing light fixture, so it is an update that will not take much time.
Programmable Thermostat
Another great way to add value to your home and cut down on energy costs is to install a programmable thermostat. Setting your utilities to go up and down to align with your schedule will help to keep your house comfortable all day long while cutting down on your utility costs. It also takes the pressure off you to remember to adjust the thermostat when you leave the house.
Leave a Reply