There are plenty of projects that you can take on around the home that will help to make the space more functional, modern, and pleasing to the eye. Many of these projects require little to no DIY experience and can be done rather quickly and for a very affordable price. The problem is that sometimes these small projects just aren’t enough. What happens if you’ve tackled all the DIY projects and you still aren’t in love with your home?
Other than moving, the next logical step is to consider some of the bigger projects that can have more of an impact on the way the house looks and functions. These are the kinds of projects that you’ll need to hire professionals for, but can totally have you falling in love with your home by completion.
So, let’s take a look at six big ticket home projects that can be well worth the investment.
Renovating Your Kitchen
When you think about the room that is used the most in your home, often the kitchen is top of the list. There is where meal preparation happens, where family and friends naturally gather, and where everyone can sit around the table and converse. With that said, it’s nice to have a kitchen that is not only functional, but gives you the space you need, and fits with your design personality and style. It’s also nice to know that a kitchen renovation offers a very high return on investment, so you know you’ll be spending your money wisely.
A kitchen renovation can be relatively small with just some minor issues, or it can be an entire gut job ripping everything down to the studs. It really comes down to your budget, the vision you have, and the space you’re working with. A great place to focus your renovation plan on is the countertops, cupboards, and flooring. These are the basics that can really pull a design together.
Finishing the Basement
If your house is short on space but you’re partial to the neighborhood and have no plans of moving, then it could be wise to finish your basement. Now, granted this won’t apply to every home, as not all homes have a basement. If you do though, this can be that added living space, bathroom, and bedroom that you need to make your home better suited to your lifestyle and needs.
A couple of tips to keep in mind when designing a finished basement – you want to try to keep things light and bright, especially if the basement is completely below grade. This means choosing light colors for flooring and paint, and making the rooms feel open and spacious. You’ll also want to be sure you don’t have any issues with moisture in your basement before you start to finish it.
Building an Extension on the House
Now, maybe you don’t have a basement, or perhaps it won’t give you the kind of space you are looking for. If that’s the case, an extension to the home could be an option. Keep in mind that there are plenty of considerations with this project, starting with getting the proper permits that allow for an extension, the size that is allowed, and the type. This alone will determine if you can move forward with the project.
An extension also tends to be pretty expensive. This is the type of project that could require a couple extra years’ worth of savings. You’ll also need to bring in a professional contractor that can help create the design with you, and then tackle the project bringing in all the necessary tradespeople.
Installing Solar Panels on the Roof
If you’ve been looking for ways to be more active where energy-savings are concerned, and start to bring down your electric bill, then it may be time to look into the benefits of solar panel installation. Solar panels are panels that are affixed to your roof and harness the power of the sun and use that energy to power items in your home. While it’s not likely you’ll be able to power your whole house using solar panels, it can significantly reduce your energy usage.
Semper Solaris is well-known as a solar company that services California, which is known for its many days of sunshine. It is actually an ideal state for using solar panels that can offset the energy costs and even reducing the footprint that your home is leaving behind. They offer a variety of different types of solar panels from some of the top manufacturers in the industry. You can even take advantage of the solar panel financing plan to make installation more affordable.
For those who decide to go ahead with solar panels, be sure to look into incentives in your home state to see if there are any savings or tax credits that you can take advantage of.
Building a Deck or Patio Outside
Sometimes, in order to get that extra living space, you don’t need to build an addition or finish your basement, rather you need to start looking at your backyard space in a whole new light. Indoor/outdoor living is a concept wherein the indoors just flows into the outdoors, allowing for additional living space that is comfortable and designed with purpose.
This could mean building a four-season sunroom for those who live in climates that experience colder weather, building a covered patio, or a large deck with plenty of room for entertaining and relaxing. One of the most popular ways to use the outdoor space is to install an outdoor kitchen. All this does is encourage you to get outdoors, enjoy nature, and have that sense of openness all around you.
Updating the Bathrooms in the House
Here’s another project that is very popular with homeowners who are looking to make big changes in their home. Bathrooms can look pretty outdated rather quickly, and they don’t always have the best layout. A bathroom renovation can be just as extensive as a kitchen remodel, as you can rip it down to the studs, change the layout and placement of the plumbing, extend it by drawing space from other rooms, and really take it to the next level.
The whole “spa bathroom” has become quite the design trend, creating an oasis like atmosphere that is soothing and relaxing. It typically includes high-end fixtures, intricate tiling, clean modern lines, customized cabinetry, and beautiful flooring.
What can come as a surprise is just how pricey a bathroom renovation can be. Sure, it’s a lot smaller than your kitchen, but it comes down to the materials you use and how big of a project you want to take on. You can really go all out where a bathroom renovation is concerned, especially if you’re tackling more than one bathroom.
It Comes Down to Priorities and How You Use the Space
At the end of the day, it’s easy to find areas to spend money in the home – from small to big ticket projects, homeowners typically have a never-ending list. It all comes down to your own priorities, how you use the space in your home, and whether you’re looking to stick around for the long-haul rather than move.
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