Remodelling Tips For Increasing The Value Of Your Home

No matter how big or small a home is, giving it a look that says "buy me" works perfectly for the property market. Home renovation is an investment that may turn out good or bad. It depends on what you choose to do and how. 

When it's time to sell that house, will it look functional and modern? What can you do to improve the value of a home sale? These questions will be answered here. We'll also provide home remodelling tips that work.

What to know before renovating a home

You need to be prepared for a house renovation mentally and financially. This is because it's not a simple task. Find out the current needs of home buyers as the trends change periodically.

With this, plan a budget and follow it meticulously; not every area of the house needs an upgrade. Places like the kitchen and bathroom are two of the most important selling points you should focus on. Pick a renovation style you can achieve within your means; reduce the cost of materials for the job as much as possible but don't compromise on quality.

If you need to stage your home for sale, do so for areas like the living room, kitchen, and master's bedroom.

How much do renovations increase home value?

Diamonds are not cheap! Homes with top fixtures, fittings, functional lightings, appliances, paintwork, beautiful surrounding, and style won't cost less!

As much as you would want to get a high price sale, your home remodelling ideas should include minimalist designs, simple yet unique color schemes, great indoor and outdoor decor that will increase convenience and comfort.

Remember, you don't have to spend much to achieve these. Creating a space that's breathable, lively, modern, and aesthetically pleasing will increase the bids for your home.

How to start a home renovation

Having gotten a remodelling plan, first ensure that the local council approves it by following the building regulations.

• Modern homes have sufficient space and light: If necessary, bring down a few  walls to open up the rooms. 

Wall joining may also create more space. Bring in more lighting via roof lights or electrical lights. 

• Flooring is welcoming when done right: Great choice of flooring range from stone to laminate to wood and lots more. 

Go for what you can afford but make sure it is well laid, comfortable to the feet, impressionable, and stylish.

• Retouch the exterior: Buyers see the outside before the inside of a home. A great-looking surrounding is a good starting point.

o   Prune the trees, mow the lawn, water the flowers, and spruce up the pathways.

o   Replace old windows and front doors with energy-efficient double-glazing or triple-glazing. 

o   Match door and window colors with outside walls color.

o   Closing off terraces can increase the size of the outside area. Use quality and protective material against harsh environmental conditions.

Bathroom renovation

Spotlessly clean, smartly designed, exuding magnificence, comfortable and happy looking are just some of the descriptions of a great bathroom renovation. A buyer will envisage how they can relax from a stressful day by looking at the fixtures and fittings your bathroom has.

Let the showers be spacious, increase the lighting, install new modern fixtures and simply mesmerise any potential buyer with bathroom flooring that handles water and heat effectively. An extra touch to the ceiling, windows and doors can accentuate the inside of the bathroom. Also check all pipes and ensure there is no blockage. 

Remodelling the Kitchen

Just like for bathroom renovations, the kitchen needs to be upgraded for a higher sale value. This great space needs more lighting and a walk around area. Increase kitchen lighting by installing, for instance, a chandelier over the cooking and meal preparation area. Splashbacks are also great.

Use quality kitchen benchtops with anti-staining and anti-heat features, easy to clean, and low maintenance cost. For small kitchens, foldable multi-purpose benchtops are suitable, as it creates more space for movement.

Fix drawers, door handles, and leaky faucets. Get energy-saving appliances and modern furniture. Install good flooring.

Match wall colors with that of the furniture, countertops, and floors.

Add Energy-Efficient Windows and Insulation

Let the windows provide full ventilation. Natural air should flow in when the windows are open. Large windows that save energy should replace old broken or less energy efficient ones. This will keep the room warm when it's cold and airy when hot. Check that all the locks are working.

Use quality materials for windows to keep burglars away. Single-glazed or double-glazed windows are a great option. Spruce up the windows to shake out dust and dirt. Choose window colors wisely. They should match that of the doors and walls.

Landscaping

The kerbs along the driveway should be carefully selected. Keep the lawns clean, arrange beautiful flower pots leading up to the front door. Rebuild broken fences, gather up dry leaves from trees, and keep the trees themselves pruned.

Ensure that wastewater runs into drains immediately after rainfall with a great landscape design. 

Got a garden? Keep it beautiful and neat. As the buyer approaches your home, surprise them with a great-looking landscape.

In Summary

Want to have a great deal on a house sale? Go for a home renovation. We've shared fantastic ideas that work. With the tips outlined above, you can be sure to get the best out of your renovation project.

Home Improvement Projects to Add to Your Home To-Do List

There are plenty of projects you can do to improve your home. Some projects are large, and others can be completed in an afternoon. Here are some of the best ways to get your house just the way you want it.

Create more space.

Finding ways to creatively use your space is an investment in your sanity. Whether that’s by partnering with a local contractor to completely overhaul an unused basement or just clearing out a spare bedroom to create a home office, making the most of the square feet available to you can increase your enjoyment in your home and add value if you choose to sell.

Similarly, you can focus on your outdoor space so that you’ll have more room to roam when the weather is right. Pay attention to your landscaping and the overall outdoor ambience of your exterior. You might, for example, bring someone in to paint the shutters, facia, soffit, porch, and doors, or simply plant a garden to enjoy through the end of summer. 

Another fun project is to build the kids a treehouse in the backyard so that they will have a dedicated place to go and have fun. With this project, you may already have the lumber laying around in your garage, or you can always order parts or a kit to put it together.

Accentuate your space.

Putting up a new coat of paint inside your home has many benefits, not the least of which is creating a sense of “newness” to your home’s living environment. Aside from protecting and preventing damage to your walls in the long run, the right colors can make a room seem bigger and more inviting. Wallpaper is another great idea, one that allows you to add flair thanks to a wide array of choices in fabric, colors, designs and patterns. Some companies even allow you to “create your own” retro removable wallpaper by offering made-to-order options. 

Prioritize safety.

Your home can never be too safe, and upgrades big and small can keep your family out of harm's way. One of the most cost-effective ways to prioritize safety is to ensure your home is properly pest controlled. Preventative Pest Control notes that this averages around $180 per year, but if you have a serious problem, like bed bugs, spiders, or termites, you may wind up spending closer to $3,500 to rectify the situation.

If you live in a storm-prone area, adding features like a safe room and generator will give you and your family a secure place to shelter in case of a severe weather event. Your safe room can simply be a well-stocked area in the lowest floor of your home or in an interior closet. A whole-home generator can be costly, so if budget is a concern, stick with a portable option, which you can often find online or at a local store for only a few hundred dollars.

Clear and declutter. 

There’s no denying that clutter and stress are intricately linked together, particularly for women who often feel pressured to keep a clean house. And with everyone home, keeping a clean house has become exponentially more difficult. Your Modern Family points to a UCLA study that beautifully illustrates how the more stuff we have, the more stressed we feel.

Take this time to get everyone on board with clothing and other personal items they no longer need, want, or can wear. Tackle the closets first, which will serve the added benefit of reminding you what clothing you actually have and what you haven’t worn in two seasons or more. Anything in good working order can be sold or donated to ensure it goes to a good cause.

All these tips can help you declutter your home, but if you really want to create a clutter-free sanctuary at home, your best option is to hire the home organization specialists from House to Home Organizing. 

Getting a jump on these home projects that you’ve put off or dreamed about is a great way to pass the time. When you’re done, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Inexpensive and Natural Cleaning Products for Your Home

2021 is a great time to become more conscious about the cleaning products we use in our homes and around our families. Choosing to go more natural and eco-friendly has many benefits and doing so doesn’t have to break the bank.

Cleaning products that are purchased at the store are usually made with many chemicals that can be unhealthy to not only the environment but also your family — not to mention can also be expensive. 

There are many plus sides to using all-natural cleaning products. For starters, a lot of these commercial cleaning products sold in stores contain chemicals such as bleach and ammonia that can irritate the skin, eyes, and throat and can even cause more serious health problems like cancer. 

We curated these inexpensive natural cleaning products to ensure you’ll be more sustainable and at the same time keep your space sparkling. Additionally, most of these products are ideal for shopping on a budget!

Remove harsh products out of your cleaning routine and explore these simple, yet effective natural cleaning products for the home.

1. All-Purpose Cleaner for Everyday

When it comes to eco-friendly natural cleaning products, citrus is your friend. Its strong acid components work well to get rid of pesky stains and odors in the home. Be sure to not use this recipe on natural stone tile or countertops.

• Ingredients:

  • Recycled citrus peels 

  • 1 teaspoon castile soap

  • 1 cup white vinegar

  • 2 cups water

  • 20 drops lemon essential oil (optional)

• Directions: 

1. Fill an empty jar with slices of citrus peels, fill with white vinegar, and set out for about two weeks so it has time to infuse.  

2. Next, strain vinegar from the jar and place the peels in compost. Mix the vinegar with castile soap and water. 

3. Add 20 drops of lemon-scented essential oil (optional).

4. Pour mixture into a spray bottle.

2. Natural Glass Cleaner 

Did you know cornstarch can also be used to clean glass surfaces? Cornstarch is an ingredient that is low cost and chemical-free — not to mention most people have lying around in their cupboards. Cornstarch is the perfect natural substitute since it breaks down the water bonds that cause spots and streaks.

• Ingredients:

  • 2 cups water

  • 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch 

  • ¼ cup white vinegar

• Directions: 

1. Mix together all ingredients.

2. Shake up this mixture until well combined and pour into a bottle with a spray nozzle. 

3. Eco-Friendly Air Freshener

Another ingredient that is low cost and great at getting rid of odors is baking soda. This recipe is simple to create and you can relax knowing that you’re avoiding the harsh products found in a store-bought air freshener. 

• Ingredients:

  • Baking soda 

  • Natural scents, such as cinnamon sticks, rosemary, dried lavender flowers, dried orange peels, or essential oils

• Directions: 

1. Fill a jar of your choice halfway with baking soda. 

2. Add your natural scents to the jar. 

3. Mix the ingredients to make sure the scent is well dispersed.

4. Open the lid of your jar wherever you need to get rid of odors.

Check out the infographic below for more natural cleaning recipes. 

Guest Post - Top Mistakes to Avoid When Building Your Own Home

Finding the right residence can be tricky. Often houses on the market don’t have everything you’re looking for, which is why building your dream home can be so appealing. However, you want the project to be done right. Here are some common mistakes people make when building their own homes. 

1. Choosing the Wrong Homebuilder

You want to find the right person for the job. Remember, they are responsible for all aspects of the project. You want to find someone who is communicative and responsive. You also want to make sure they understand your vision clearly. That’s why it’s vital to check reviews online before choosing a builder and compare multiple contractors to ensure you’re getting the best deal. 

Once you narrow down your choices, you should interview them to get answers to all your important questions.

Here are some questions to get you started:

• Can you give me references from your recent buyers and occupants?

• Do you have a financing plan established?

• Are there any options in the floor plan?

• Can appliances be up- or downgraded? 

2. Picking the Wrong Location

Before you start construction, familiarize yourself with the surrounding area. Walk around the town and take pictures to get a better sense of the community, and be sure to visit at different times of the day to get a broader perspective. Also, consider other aspects of the site, such as the slope of the land, sun exposure and views. 

3. Choosing the Wrong Material 

When considering interior features for your home, it may be tempting to go for higher-end material, like granite countertops or wood floors. However, these can be more expensive. Before making any purchases, consider how often you will use it, how durable it is and how easy it is to clean.

Also, keep in mind the importance of your home’s exterior foundation when deciding which materials to use. Consider using precast concrete for its durability and weather resistance. 

4. Not Doing Your Research

When building a home, you want to know what your vision is. Browse magazines, visit home improvement stores and attend open houses to get inspiration. Create a list of features you want in your dream home. 

You can get tips from your designer, but you have the final say. Doing some research can help you make more confident decisions. 

Figuring out what interior design ideas you like can be tricky. Here are some features to consider adding to your new home:

• Steam shower

• Impact-rated windows 

• Outdoor theater

• Stair shelves

5.  Not Being Realistic

You want your space to be comfortable for you. However, be practical about the costs and time expectations. Before starting the project, create a budget and try to stick to it, and be realistic about how long the process will take. It can take about six months to build your home with no delays. Also, be aware of any building restrictions or zoning laws that may limit what features you can add to your property. 

Things to Consider When Building Your Dream Home

You want your dream home to have all your desired features. Building your own house allows you to get more of what you want. However, you need to do some research before diving into the project. Keep these common mistakes in mind when creating your ideal abode.

Author bio: Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated, where she offers advice on home renovation, maintenance, and organization.