You’ve decided to renovate your home. Congratulations! You’ll soon have a sparkling new place that reflects your personality and style, not to mention all the benefits of an upgrade – better insulation, more storage space, fewer maintenance headaches. But before you start shopping for cabinets or picking out paint colors, there are some things you need to know about home renovations. Here are our top eight pointers on what you should keep in mind while renovating your home.
Don’t Forget Your HVAC Unit
When you’re planning a renovation, it’s easy to forget about your home’s HVAC unit-after all, it’s not something you see every day. But if your renovation involves tearing down walls or changing the layout of your home, you may need to upgrade or replace your HVAC system to make sure it can handle the new load. Your air conditioning and heating contractor can help you determine if your unit needs to be replaced or simply upgraded, and they can also help you choose the right system for your new home layout. Keep in mind that upgrading your HVAC unit can add significantly to the overall cost of your renovation, so be sure to budget for it. You should also have your HVAC contractor do a load calculation to determine the size of the unit you will need in your renovation.
Consider Changing Your Floors
Home renovations don’t always mean tearing down walls or adding new amenities-sometimes, they can be much simpler. If you currently have wood floors but are looking to update your home with a more modern look, consider changing your flooring. Laminate and vinyl flooring are both affordable options that look great and are easy to keep clean. If you have carpet, consider replacing it with a more durable option like laminate or tile. For your kitchen and bathroom floors, consider stone or ceramic tile. These tiles are durable and easy to clean, and they come in a variety of colors and styles to fit any taste.
Choose the Right Paint Colors
Paint is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to update your home, but it’s important to choose the right colors. Be sure to pick colors that will complement your furniture and other decors, and that will also work well with the natural light in your home. Many paint stores offer color-matching services, so you can find the perfect color for your home without having to guess.
You can also add some wallpapers to give your home a more unique look. Wallpapers come in a variety of designs and styles, and they’re easy to install, you don’t even need to hire a professional.
Plan Your Storage Spaces
One of the best things about renovating your home is that you can create custom storage spaces to meet your specific needs. If you have a lot of stuff that needs to be stored, consider adding a closet or shelving unit where you can keep everything neatly organized. You can also consider building a custom bookshelf in your home office, and installing built-in shelves for additional storage space. You can repurpose unused spaces like alcoves and windowsills for storage as well. For example, an old window can become a built-in bookshelf or display case, while an alcove could be sealed off from the rest of the room to create a closet.
Your Garage Should Be A Part Of Renovation Process As Well
When renovating your home, don’t forget about your garage. If you’re not using your garage for parking, consider converting it into a home office, recreation room, or even an extra bedroom. When you decide on the right remodeling option for your garage, be sure to get it professionally measured, so you can choose the right size of windows and doors. You will need to install new flooring, insulation, and drywall to make your garage livable, and you can also add cabinets and shelves to create extra storage space. You can use your new garage for hosting parties, or you can even rent it out as an extra source of income.
Choose Energy Efficient Appliances
You don’t have to renovate the entire interior of your home to make it look fresh and updated-sometimes, all you need are a few small changes. One way to give your home a stylish update is by replacing your old, energy-inefficient appliances with newer models. Newer appliances are more efficient, which means you’ll save money on your energy bills, while also protecting the environment. You can also find appliances that come in a variety of colors and styles to match your home’s décor.
Change Your Lighting Fixtures
Another simple and affordable way to give your home a new look is by changing the lighting in each room. You can update your lights with fixtures that come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. If you have old chandeliers or hanging light fixtures, consider replacing them with modern ceiling lights to create a cleaner look. Modern lighting fixtures also come in a variety of energy-efficient options, so you can save money on your electric bill.
Don’t Forget About Your Yard
The first thing visitors see when they approach your home is the yard, so it’s important to make sure it’s well-maintained. Add some new plants and flowers, install a new fence or gate, or build a deck or patio to give your yard a fresh look. You can also add a playset for the kids or a hammock for relaxing in the sun. Don’t forget to add some furniture on the patio, lighting, an outdoor bar, or even a fire pit for hosting gatherings with family and friends. If you have the budget, you can also consider hiring a professional landscaper to create a beautiful and functional yard for you and your family.
Renovating your home is a big decision, but it’s also a very exciting one. By keeping these eight things in mind, you can make sure that your renovation goes as smoothly as possible. Hopefully, this article has provided you with some helpful tips and advice on the renovation process. Have fun with it and enjoy your new home! Happy renovating!