When you think about it, your home may well be the biggest ever investment you ever make. It provides a place for you and your family to grow, have fun, and live in safety. Over time it's natural that things will begin to look a bit tired and worn and it may be that you need more space than before.
You may be considering anything from redecorating to bathroom remodeling. If you're planning on redoing your home, there are several things you should consider before you start. This article discusses your key considerations that will ensure you get the best possible outcome.
- Make The Outside Hospitable
- Stay Within Budget
Even if you can't afford to extend your house to include extra bedrooms or bathrooms, you still have ways you can enlarge your living area. The more welcoming your garden or backyard is, the more people will use it. If you create the ideal environment for guests to come and enjoy themselves outside, they won't be dependent on your limited indoor space. If you add plenty of nature this will make the area look great too, so consider adding flowers and shrubs.
You could have a patio installed together with lighting, seating, and barbecue equipment. If you create a designated play area for children this will keep them happy and occupied outdoors too. During outdoor celebrations the kids will be happy to entertain themselves, freeing you up for some adult conversation. You may also like to think about increasing the privacy of your garden; perhaps some walls, fences, trees, hedges, or a garden shed will help.
An awning is a great way to keep the sun or rain off your outdoor guests. They can be easy to use, and you can even get motorized retractable awnings that only come out when you need them. Your garden furniture can be protected, and valuable shade can be enjoyed.
Before you spend a dime on your new house project, it's important to do the math. If you don't you could end up in debt or having to stop the work halfway. Find out how much money you have available, then get everything priced up before you begin. It's always worth getting at least three different quotes from builders and contractors. You should also put aside some extra funds in case you are unexpectedly overrun.
It may be that you need to make some compromises, for instance on how much you pay for furniture. A budget can be stretched by doing a little more work yourself. You could spend the money you save on one area in another part of your home that needs it more. Perhaps there should be a phased game plan where you only start the next job once you've saved up.
- Declutter
- Maximize The Space Available
Almost everyone collects too much junk at one point or another. The decluttering process can provide a sense of empowerment, and you may find the home feels less messy and more spacious afterward. It can be oppressive when things keep tumbling out of cupboards or when people keep tripping over things. When decluttering, store items you know will have sentimental value for future generations (e.g., family photos). Most other things can be replaced, so if you haven't used something in the last couple of years, make sure you really need it. Always ensure this is disposed of responsibly, and consider giving it away or selling it if it's still in good condition.
Don't forget your backyard, too. There may be things like broken childrens' toys or old garden furniture to dispose of. Should you intend to put your house up for sale, the less you have to pack and transport it, the easier it will be. If you can't fit the rubbish in your car, get a professional company to haul it away. If you employ contractors to do major work on your house, speak to them beforehand about their rubbish removal policy. If they keep a skip on site there will be less rubbish lying around, and less chance of accidents for the contractors or your family.
If you have empty corner areas indoors, consider adding corner units. For large areas of empty wall space add pictures, mirrors or shelving for storage. If you have a large recess in the living room, why not add a reading nook with a comfortable chair? The best way to maximize space in your kitchen or bathroom is to gut them and then add customized furniture. If there is empty space under a sink, why not install a sink with a fitted cabinet?
Storage space is key to making any room feel larger, as well as making it easy to clean up afterward. If you are not keen on installing new shelving units, why not use boxes instead? You could stack them under beds or bedside tables and even keep clothes inside them. Don't forget about using hooks, too. They can be great for getting coats and hats out of the way. We mentioned designated play areas and patios earlier. When it comes to your backyard you should welcome the advice of a landscaper to get the best results. They may suggest some helpful changes that will make the area feel more spacious. Landscapers often advise people to remove hedges, trees and shrubs to maximize the view.
You can now see how important it is to spend your money wisely and to research before you begin. If you're free of clutter indoors and out, everywhere will look much better. Be sure to maximize the space that you have, and make the garden somewhere people will enjoy being. The end result will be that the home receives a new lease of life and you are even happier where you live.