There’s a lot to think about and do on any given day as a homeowner. Your property is a significant investment of your time and money so it’s in your best interest to make sure you properly upkeep it.
You want to make sure that you feel at ease and comfortable being at home. This will require that you work on maintaining it and investing in enhancements that add value and make it more beautiful and functional. Here you can review six improvements that will help you enjoy living in your home more.
1) Tidy Up and Declutter
You’ll be much happier as a homeowner living in a tidy and clean property. Keep the cleaning supplies handy and get on a regular cleaning schedule so you can keep up with this important task. It’s a good idea to get in the habit of tackling daily cleaning tasks such as sweeping and wiping down countertops. You can quickly transform your home and spaces by keeping them clutter-free and well-organized. Go through your belongings and boxes and get rid of or donate items you no longer need or use. Invest in proper storage solutions and make sure everything has a place to reside that’s out of the way. You may want to purchase furniture pieces that also offer storage space in them.
2) Make It Safer & More Secure
Another improvement that will help you enjoy living in your home is to make it safe and more secure. Now is a good time to switch out and change your locks to something more durable and secure. Keep in mind there may be times when you get locked out or forget your keys. In this case, it’s good to have a big practice pick set handy that you can use to gain access to your property. You can also make your home safer and more secure by installing security cameras and motion-sensor outdoor lighting. Be sure to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly and replace old batteries if necessary. You should also go around and tackle any repairs that need your attention such as fixing loose floorboards and leaky plumbing.
3) Update the Kitchen
An essential and important room in any home is the kitchen space. It’s where you spend time daily preparing meals and visiting with family members or guests. You want it to not only be attractive but well laid out as well. Consider putting a large island in the center of the room and hanging some pendant lights above it. An island will give you more countertop space and storage room. You may also want to install some lights underneath the cabinets which can better illuminate the space and make it more beautiful. Invest in energy-efficient appliances and refresh the kitchen cabinets with new hardware and a fresh coat of paint. If you want to add color and texture then think about putting in a backsplash behind the sink area.
4) Refresh the Walls with New Paint
A cost-effective and simple way to modernize your home is to refresh the walls with new paint. It’s a job you can tackle if you’re feeling motivated and want to save some money. Ideally, you should stick to a neutral palette that will look elegant and brighten up your spaces. If you enjoy bold colors then consider using them in areas such as a small bathroom or the dining room. Bring home paint samples and put them on the walls to see what shades look like in different lighting. New paint can breathe new life into your home and offers better protection of interior surfaces.
5) Create an Inviting Outdoor Living Space
When the weather cooperates you’ll want to be spending time outside at your property. Therefore, it’s a good idea to create an inviting outdoor living space to enjoy. Set up a grilling area with comfortable furniture and hang some string lights. Lay down a few outdoor rugs and place some plants and flowers on the border of your deck or patio. If your deck or patio is in good shape but could use a refresh then consider power washing it. You may also want to plant a garden that you can work in and include a bench and some water features.
6) Finish the Basement
It can be frustrating to live in a smaller home without a lot of square footage. You will enjoy living in your home more when you have additional space to use and maneuver around. In this case, you may want to consider finishing your basement. There are many ways to transform this area such as turning it into a playroom for the kids, a guest bedroom, or setting up an entertainment room where you can watch movies and sports. It will be especially nice to have this extra room to use when it’s cold outside and you’re stuck in the house.
