With all the advancements in home improvement, it can be hard to know which projects are worth your time and money.
Here are five ideas for upgrading your house that will make a big difference!
Install a New Bathroom Sink
Installing a new bathroom sink is the perfect project for do-it-yourselfers and handy people. It will give your home a fresh start that will make it look much more updated.
The installation process is straightforward and usually only takes about two hours to complete, depending on which type of sink and faucets you are installing.
It’s important to note that when shopping for a new sink, the measurements should be taken into account before purchasing your new basin. When taking measurements, keep in mind where the drain pipes will go and the p-trap if there is one. The last thing you want to do is buy something that won’t fit!
Also, make sure that you have a c-clamp or some other type of clamp capable of exerting a lot of pressure because it will be needed to keep the basin from sliding around. You can also use putty to provide a better grip for your hands and not leave any marks on your sink during installation.
Install New Floors
When considering which projects are worth doing, updating floors should always be near the top of your list!
There are a few different ways to update your floors! First, if the base is in good condition, you can install the new floor tile.
This is a relatively easy DIY project that will make your old floor look like new again. It is also reasonably inexpensive and easy to find supplies to do the work!
Another option to update your floors is to refinish them. For this project, you’ll need a little more money and expertise, but the finished product will be excellent! You’d have professionals strip and sand down the surfaces, apply a sealant or varnish, then apply a new finish with stain or paint.
For another option on how to change up your floors, you could consider porcelain tile. Porcelain tile is a little more expensive than other options, but it will last for decades and never wear out. Not only that, but porcelain tiles typically come in tons of different styles and patterns!
Lastly, you could consider wood flooring. Wood flooring can be gorgeous to look at with its natural colors and textures–not to mention the environmental benefits they have over the carpet! You’ll need professionals on hand for this installation project because it’s tough to work that requires expert know-how and skill set. That said, if you’re ready to make a long-term investment into your home, then you should seriously think about upgrading those floors!
Install Window Treatments
Window treatment installation can make your home look more updated and beautiful with just a little effort.
There are many options for how this project can go from curtains to shades, but whatever choice you decide on, they will give your space an instant refresh!
Hang Wall Art
Wall art can be a great way to upgrade your home.
Art comes in all shapes and sizes, including framed or unframed, and they are a great way to add color and personality to any room.
Hang framed art low on the wall. This will create a feeling of height and depth in your small space and prevent you from bumping into artwork when passing through tight areas like hallways or doorways.
A great way to add unique pieces is by hanging them right above eye level–this would be about five feet up for most people.
Like a poster or print, smaller pieces can be hung on your fridge for an extra pop of color.
If you want to hang more than one piece together, try using string and nails–this will create the illusion of three-dimensional artwork without cluttering up any surface area.
Wall art is also great because it’s easy to change out when you’re tired of them! You could pick new colors each season or add in different styles all year long with ease.
Try finding some fun patterns that match your decorating style (or personality), so they look cohesive next to other design elements in the space.
Paint Ceilings White
Paint your ceilings white to achieve a light, airy feel to any room. It provides more of an opportunity for the natural light to come in and illuminate your space and make it feel larger.
Painting ceilings white is a quick way to give any room a fresh new look without painting all the walls, which can be expensive.
Paint Walls with an Accent Color
Accent colors are those richer, deeper shades that tend to be bolder or brighter than the other colors around them.
For example, if you have blue and green in your room: try painting one wall red!
Keep it subtle to not overwhelm the room but enough for people to think, ‘hey, this is different.
Or go even more dramatic by painting an entire wall black for contrast against floorings like white marble, tile, or wood laminate planks. This trick works well in any living space, whether it’s large open spaces like kitchens and family rooms. There’s plenty of light bouncing off all surfaces or smaller bedrooms where sometimes power can feel limited due to lack of natural light.
Install New Doorbells or Knockers
This one may seem minor, but it can actually make a huge difference in how you feel about coming home at the end of a long day!
It’s easy to replace the doorbell or knocker on your front door – and it doesn’t take more than a few minutes.
It’s worth the time and money to replace them with something that feels more welcoming than what you have now.
The nice thing about this step is it can be done at any point of your renovation journey–you don’t need to do everything all at once!
Replace Outdated Lighting Fixtures
If all else fails, consider spending some cash by way of replacing old lights with something more modern. It’s never too late to make a change!
Even if you don’t have the cash to upgrade all fixtures in your home, it might be worth doing some key pieces that would really illuminate and revitalize a space, such as lamps on either side of your sofa or above a kitchen island countertop.
Replace Old Doors
Old doors are often neglected because they’re not easy to replace (most times).
We recommend replacing just one door at first by removing everything but hinges, then using those two hinges together with hardware from Home Depot for installation purposes. Then you can buy an unfinished door, so you can paint/stain/finish however you like when it arrives.
This way, you’re only spending a little money and time, but it makes the most impact when you’re done.
Replacing Windows
Replacing windows is another major project to upgrade your house. However, it’s usually more affordable than replacing doors.
Double-pane windows are especially worth considering as they’re a smart way to save money on your energy bill in the long run and can make you feel safer too!
If you have old single-pane windows, it might be time to let them go.
It will cost less if you replace all of them at once with new double panes versus doing just six or eight over a few years.
Plus, there’s nothing like waking up every morning feeling refreshed without any outside noise whatsoever – it’s priceless!
Take Advantage of Solar Panels
Solar panels aren’t solely reserved for homes in sunny climates; they work just about anywhere (even cloudy Seattle). Moreover, the installation is pretty simple:
Solar power is a growing industry, and you can take advantage of installing solar panels on your roof. However, there are a few things to consider before you get started:
- What is your roof like? Flat, sloped, and what type of material?
- How many panels will you need?
- Do you have the money to invest in solar power?
Solar-powered homes consume less energy and save on monthly costs, plus they produce clean electricity from the sun! We’ll guide you through how this all works to install a solar-powered home is easy as pie.
It takes time and money, but over time it pays off significantly if done correctly! So go green today by taking advantage of our tips! You won’t regret it.
Add a Decorative Fence
A decorative fence is an excellent addition to the exterior of your home. Not only do they look great, but they also serve as a deterrent to potential intruders.
A fence also gives you privacy and helps improve curb appeal, which adds value to your property.
Installing a new fence isn’t too expensive and certainly doesn’t require a lot of effort either, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t make room for one in your budget!
Wrapping Up
Your options when considering house upgrades are limitless.
From adding a garage to installing casement windows on the front porch, there is no shortage of projects that homeowners can take on to beautify their home and make it more functional.
Now that you’ve read this article, which of these projects are on your list? Share in the comments below and let us know what’s coming next for the blog. We love hearing from our readers, so don’t be shy to share any ideas or thoughts with us as well.