You Want to Expand: Things to Consider When Upgrading

You’re getting that all-too familiar itch to make things new again. Homeowners all know this feeling, especially if they’ve been living in the same place for a while. You don’t have to pack up shop and move to a new place just to enjoy a fresh, updated look. And unless you’re independently wealthy or the recipient of a juicy trust fund, your renovation money is likely somewhat limited. All this means is that you have to prioritize. If you want to expand but you’re not sure where to start, we can help. Read on for things to consider when upgrading your home.

Craft the Kitchen to Your Liking

If just the thought of remodeling your kitchen makes your skin crawl, we get it. It’s no small undertaking, as you often have to relocate during the process. As any home expert will tell you, though, the kitchen is the best area to renovate when it comes to resale value. So, if you think you’re going to sell sooner rather than later, potential buyers will look very positively on this. Stainless steel appliances and granite counters will garner rave reviews during open houses. However, if your appliances are in good working order and you feel like you can get away with not replacing these, you can consider coating them with a metallic or enamel-type finish. If you’re want to upgrade the kitchen without going for the full remodel, refacing or painting the cabinets, giving the room a fresh coat of paint, redoing the floor, and replacing the fixtures will go a long way in impressing guests.

Perfect the Powder Room

Like the kitchen, the bathroom is where to put your money if the idea of selling is even remotely on the horizon. People love if you do the “dirty work” for them in these two areas. But also, just like with the kitchen remodel, you don’t have to go for the full shebang to wow potential buyers. Fixing floors, updating countertops, and replacing fixtures is all you need to give the impression of an overall remodel. And if you don’t have the money for replacing all of these things, there are ceramic and porcelain coatings that can be put on to freshen up the look of countertops, etc. When it comes to doing either a full or partial bathroom remodel, don’t sweat the shower. As Interior Designer Steven D. Bullock said via this Real Simple article, “A tub is a tub. A Jacuzzi will never make or break a sale.”

Painting for Perfection and Ease

There are very few things you can do that are as (relatively!) easy and inexpensive than giving rooms in your home a fresh coat of paint. If you love nothing more than putting on your painter’s pants, blaring some tunes, and getting it done, go for it. If you are hoping to tackle most rooms in your home, however, you’ll likely need a painting service for help. Either way, there’s nothing that gives your home a quick and more effective refresher than new paint. Going with white or light colors can really open your house up, but there is a psychology to certain vibrant colors that are known to attract certain emotions. As this HGTV.com article points out:

“You can make a den feel cozy by painting the walls with a warm color, or make a narrow space feel wider by using different colors on opposing walls. The paint colors you choose, as well as the color of the furniture and accessories, all create a mood.”

Elevate That Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is something that often gets discussed when people are selling, as it’s the first impression potential buyers get as they pull up to your home. But why not tweak this for yourself and your family? There’s no denying that everyone has a sense of pride in their home, so if the exterior maintenance of yours has gone by the wayside, you might even feel like a bad neighbor. Whether it’s cleaning up your landscaping, adding an exterior coat of paint, trimming trees or bushes, or all of these things, these curb appeal fixes will elevate your pride and home value. If you live in a state that’s prone to droughts (hello, California), you might even consider switching from grass to succulents and other drought-resistant plants. It will be easier to maintain and look fantastic to boot.

Don’t let upgrading your home overwhelm you. Tackle the things we’ve mentioned at your pace and watch as your humble abode becomes your dream oasis.