Hello World! Welcome Friends! We’ve spent a lot more time indoors over the past two years than most of us have in recent memory, thanks to COVID-19. Even if we weren’t living in the midst of a global pandemic, the average American spends 90% of their time indoors, according to data collected by the EPA. That doesn’t mean that we have to spend our days staring at the same four walls. If moving to a new home or renovating your existing home isn’t in the budget, here are some fun ways to upgrade your home.
1. Add Smart Tools
Did you ever watch that made-for-TV Disney movie “Smart House?” While we don’t have robotic nannies quite yet, and I’m still bitter that The Jetsons lied to us, it’s easier than ever to create our dream smart home. A smart thermostat makes it easier than ever to save energy by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature remotely. Smart light bulbs make it easy to set the mood or shut off the lights when you’re not home. Smart appliances are also making an appearance in many homes, giving you the tools to control or monitor your kitchen from the comfort of your phone.
2. Pick a Room and Paint
Paint is one of the most inexpensive ways to give any room in your home a facelift. All you need is some paint, some brushes, some painter’s masking tape, and some tarps to protect your floor and furniture. Then take down your wall hangings, move anything that’s right up next to the wall, and start painting. It can be a fun way to spend a weekend, as long as you keep the windows open and don’t mind spending your time watching paint dry, and it’s guaranteed to breathe new life into any room.
3. Opt for Hardwood Floors
If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your home that will also help increase the property’s value, you can’t go wrong by installing hardwood floors. According to CNN, having hardwood floors installed can increase the value of your home by 3-5%, in addition to making the interior of your space look homey and sophisticated.
Hardwood floors are not only a durable choice but also add an element of timeless elegance to any space. Whether you want a classic oak look, a modern bamboo vibe, or anything in between, wood floors offer a versatile foundation that can set the design tone for your entire home. Just be sure to pick a stain and finish that will complement your furniture and décor.
4. Pressure Wash Your Exterior
No matter how well you maintain your home, over time dirt and grime on the exterior can build up and make your house start to look dingy. While you can paint or even replace exterior siding, the easiest way to give your home a facelift without having to make any major changes is to pressure wash the exterior of your house. If you haven’t pressure washed your home since you moved in, you might be surprised what color it actually is beneath all that surface grime.
5. Build a Deck
Do you have somewhere outside that you enjoy hanging out, but would prefer to be a bit higher off the ground because of issues with ants or other insects? Adding a deck to your home is the perfect solution. A professionally installed deck can recoup up to 100% of its cost and add value to your home as well if you plan to sell in the future.
6. Replace Your Windows
If your home wasn’t built in the last 10 years or so, the chances are high that it still has the single-pane windows that were the industry standard for so long. While they looked nice, they aren’t as energy-efficient as modern homes demand. Now might be the perfect time to replace your existing windows with something that will help keep your energy costs down and shrink your home’s existing carbon footprint.
7. Refresh Your Landscape
When was the last time you did something with your yard other than cutting the grass to keep your HOA or Code Enforcement office off your back? This might not be a good wintertime project, but once the spring weather starts warming up, it’s a good opportunity to plant some native flora and give your home’s exterior a refresh. Stick to native species whenever you can so you don’t have to worry about wasting tons of extra water.
8. Organize Your Garage
Do you park your car in the garage or has it become a catch-all for all those things that won’t fit in your house but you can’t bear to get rid of just yet? It might be time to start sorting through your junk and turn your garage into a room that you’ll actually use. You don’t even necessarily need to store your car in there. Set it up as a rec room for the kids, a shop for your hobbies, or whatever you need at the moment.
Change Things Up
We may be stuck indoors for a while longer as the global pandemic plays itself out, but that doesn’t mean things need to be boring. It is the perfect time to start figuring out what your next project is going to be.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Give Your Kitchen an Instant Makeover
Features to Look For When Buying A Dishwasher
How to Start a Small Garden in Your Apartment
Spruce up your Home with Artificial Grass
How to Choose a Snowblower for Your Home
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Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
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