As a homeowner, it can feel as though there is a never-ending list of jobs that you have to be doing. Some of those jobs are necessary to maintain the home, and others are cosmetic but still factor into your overall enjoyment of the house. With so many projects on the list, it can be hard to prioritize them and figure out which ones are worth the investment. To take out some of the guesswork, we have created a scaled-down to-do list filled with home renovations and updates that will always be worth the investment.
Installing a New Roof
This home improvement project doesn’t have to be done often, but once your roof starts showing signs of wear and tear, you can’t put it off. In general, homeowners can expect to get around 20 years out of a roof; however, this varies greatly depending on the roofing material used, the weather conditions, if the roof has sustained damage and other factors.
If you’re unsure of whether or not your roof needs replacing it’s best to have the professionals come out and take a look. Contact a company like Rock Solid Exteriors who are one of the well-known roofing companies in Detroit, Michigan. The professionals will be able to go up on the roof, examine it and give you a quote on what’s needed and how much of a priority the work is. In some cases, you may just need a repair or patch job, whereas in other cases a full roof replacement may be necessary.
Give the Bathroom a Makeover
It’s important to stress with this renovation/update that it’s not about stripping the room down to the studs; it is about embracing minor updates and focusing on cosmetic improvements. These alone will make the bathroom feel fresh and new, and of course, more modern. Bathrooms tend to show their age faster than some of the other rooms in the house, so this also means they need attention every few years.
To help you prioritize where to spend your money, here are some great minor renovations you can tackle. You can also choose to make these updates yourself, which will save money.
- Give the bathroom a fresh coat of paint and choose a new color palette. Opt for colors that are light and bright, making the room feel open and clean.
- Switch out the existing hardware such as light switch panels, cupboard and drawer handles/pulls and even the doorknob and hinges.
- Install new faucets – this can be done in the sink, tub and shower. Shower and bathtub faucets are notorious for showing age, even if you keep up with regular cleaning.
- Install a new toilet.
- Rip out the existing flooring and choose something new. This could be an opportunity to upgrade the flooring material.
- Install a new countertop and vanity.
- Install a new bathroom mirror.
- Change out or install new backsplash tiling.
All of these will have a significant impact on the look and feel of the bathroom. Keep in mind that even small changes will be positive changes.
Modernize the Kitchen
Another key room in the house to update is the kitchen. Unlike the bathroom, this room tends to require a bit more work. Homeowners may also choose to change the layout and size of the kitchen, which translates to a pretty massive project.
So, how can you plan the ideal kitchen makeover? Well, there are a few considerations to be aware of. These include:
- Your budget
- Will you be doing the work yourself?
- What’s the timeline for the renovation, and how long are you willing to live through the upheaval?
- Do you want to expand the space?
- Do you need to change the layout?
- Do you need more storage space?
- Do you want a customized look?
- Is it time to replace the cabinets?
- Will you be purchasing new appliances?
- What will be the new color palette?
- How do you plan to use the space – just for cooking meals or as a dining and entertaining space as well?
A kitchen is one of the most essential rooms in the whole house, so the design plan shouldn’t be rushed or thrown together without giving it plenty of thought.
Installing New Windows
Although this isn’t a glamorous or exciting project, the fact is that the windows are essential to the comfort of your home. Windows that are old and no longer provide good insulation will start to look tired, condensation can form on them, and you may notice your home heating and cooling costs start to increase.
Because installing new windows is such a large and expensive job, some homeowners prefer to go about it in sections of the house or rooms at a time rather than all at once. This can make it a bit more affordable. Don’t forget to also consider replacing your glass sliding door (if applicable) and even the front door if they are the same age as the windows.
Boost the Home’s Curb Appeal with Landscaping
All too often the interior jobs and projects get the attention and the outdoors gets forgotten. However, landscaping will significantly boost the curb appeal, increase the value of your home and can transform the way you use the outdoors in the best possible way. In other words, it is well worth the investment. Landscaping is a vast category in that you can go big or you can stick to simple projects. It’s likely going to come down to your expectations and your budget.
One of the best landscaping tips is to look for ways to make the outdoors more functional for you and your needs. How can you create an outdoor living space that you will make excellent use of? That could mean building a deck or patio, maybe it means adding a water feature to create a calming environment or perhaps you want to focus on creating a sense of privacy and add more natural greenery to the space.
Each of these renovations can help you to improve the overall look and functionality of your home and they tend to be well worth the investment.
