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9 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Property’s Interior Structure

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Are you planning on upgrading your home’s interior, but are you still looking for ideas to try out? Then, read on; this article will cover some easy upgrade ideas for your interiors.

1. Create an open floor plan design

An open floor design is when you remove the nonstructural walls of your property to create a vast and more spacious interior. This floor plan design has become more popular with many interiors, not only in one’s home interior but also in many office designs. That’s because it creates a more welcoming and open environment for people in it.

If you plan on creating an open floor plan design, it’s crucial to be mindful of your home’s structural integrity.

You can hire professionals to create and draft the structural design of your floor plans for you so that it’s more accurate and structurally sound than if you made it yourself. You can collaborate with them so that your design fits what you imagine your interiors while ensuring that your interiors are safe and follow regulations.

Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

2. Install new doors

Doors aren’t the most obvious thing you would change if you plan on changing your interiors in any way. However, changing them can have a massive impact on the look and feel of your interiors.

You can play around with doors in many ways to change how your interiors form. It’s a great way to open up a space.

A great example would be sliding doors leading to your gardens or backyard, which can give your home a more open vibe. On the other hand, doors that don’t have glass windows invoke a sense of privacy that is best for bedrooms or any other place in your home that you want to be more closed off from the rest of the house.

You can add a door to connected rooms that you want to combine without wrecking down a wall that you need to be there for structural reasons.

3. Install high-quality hardwood flooring

Hardwood flooring can increase your home’s value and adapt to several interior design styles. It can fit any design theme in your home, whether modern, minimalist, boho, etc.

If you have carpeting in your home, replacing it with high-quality hardwood flooring can be a better choice. It will be easier to clean and is quite durable.

One thing to note with hardwood flooring is that you should consult with professionals to ensure the hardwood won’t warp because of humidity levels in your home. If you live in a place where humidity levels fluctuate frequently, it can affect your hardwood flooring. However, getting high-quality hardwood flooring should help avoid that altogether.

What’s excellent about hardwood flooring is that it comes in different grain patterns to find styles that best fit your design preference.

4. Transform your space with a fresh coat of paint

Photo by Roselyn Tirado on Unsplash

An affordable way to feel like you’ve upgraded your interiors would be to get a fresh coat of paint.

If you choose the right paint, you can even change the atmosphere of a room. For example, if you get or use brighter colors for your walls, your interiors will feel a lot more spacious and grand. On the other hand, if you get darker colors, they can evoke a sense of elegance and privacy in your interiors.

Some people opt to add an accent wall when they want the rest of the walls to have an otherwise neutral color. This accent wall can serve as the room’s centerpiece and pull focus into a room.

Your accent wall can be a great way to go wild with more exciting patterns and colors you wouldn’t want the rest of your interior walls to look like.

5. Enhance your lighting

When enhancing your interior lighting, consider your natural light sources and the light fixtures around your interiors.

With strategic placements of natural lighting, you can light up your home and make it more inviting while saving on energy in your interiors. On the other hand, your light fixtures can help light up parts of your interior that you would want to either emphasize or create a specific atmosphere around.

Your living room can benefit significantly from a lot of natural light since it seems warmer and more welcoming.

On the other hand, your nooks and bedroom can use some more atmospheric lighting that is dimmer so that you can feel relaxed while you’re there.

6. Transform your kitchen space

Photo by Bailey Alexander on Unsplash

If you constantly use the kitchen, remodeling it can be a great way to improve your property’s interiors.

You can update your kitchen appliances with a more transformed kitchen space whenever possible. It’s also a great chance to reorganize your kitchen so that the placements of kitchen appliances, tools, and the like make the most sense for you.

When upgrading your kitchen, ensure you’re mindful of whether or not you plan to resell your home. Otherwise, modifying your plan to suit your tastes might make reselling harder.

Renovating your kitchen is also a great way to give yourself more counter space or convert it into a space where people can hang out if you often entertain them.

7. Update your windows

Just as changing your doors will change the look of your home, so does changing your windows.

When your windows are outdated or broken, they can be unappealing elements of not only the inside of your home but also its exterior. That’s why updating your windows should be something you consider when updating the look of your home.

You want windows to be in places in your home where you want more ventilation and natural light. At the same time, you want the ability to make parts of your interior private whenever you need to.

Don’t forget the window treatments that go with it, such as curtains and blinds, as those can also affect the home’s appeal.

8. Renew your bathroom space

Since your bathroom is something you are in every day, you should pay more attention to it and renew it when you can.

Changing the water fixtures, lighting, and even the tiles can make an otherwise practical space into one you enjoy being in.

Don’t forget to consider your bathroom’s storage space on top of your bathroom counter and cabinets.

9. Craft custom built-ins for your space

Nothing can make your home feel more luxurious regardless of whether your expenditures for them or not match custom built-ins for your space.

For example, you may have pets running around your house. Creating custom storage spaces for their items can ensure they adapt to the home rather than just placing them here and there.

If you’re not planning on reselling your home, then customizing your home for your specific lifestyle can make you feel more at home.

Conclusion

With these interior ideas, you should find at least one thing that resonates with your lifestyle. Whether upgrading your home for better resell value or making it as comfortable as possible, these design ideas inspire you to try at least one.

Next time you can upgrade something in your home’s interiors, consider these ideas for your property.

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REAL ESTATE

Best Strategies to Modernize Your Home for the Best ROI

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Updating your home is excellent for personal comfort, but it’s also a smart financial move if you want to sell in the future. 

Strategic and modern updates can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal and value. Ensure a lucrative return on investment with these ideas for modernizing your home!

Focus on Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, which is why you want to prioritize curb appeal. Try to look at your home from the outside through the eyes of passersby. What can you modernize to make it more attractive? Could you repaint the front door an elegant color like black? Add modern outdoor lighting fixtures? Put some plants in sleek, black pots on your front porch?

The exterior sets the tone for what potential buyers can expect. If the outside of your home isn’t well-kept, it’s unlikely potential buyers will want to venture inside. 

Upgrade the Kitchen

People often consider the kitchen the heart of the home, and it’s a focal point for many buyers. You can modernize your kitchen with updated appliances, new countertops and sleek cabinets. When renovating, opt for lighter colors that make your kitchen look bigger and more modern than traditional dark wood. Consider open shelving for a more contemporary look, and remember to add energy-efficient appliances that appeal to eco-conscious buyers. 

Renovate the Bathroom

Bathrooms play a significant role in the decision-making process for potential buyers. Upgrading fixtures, replacing old tiles, adding a fresh coat of paint and incorporating modern touches like a rain showerhead or smart mirror can elevate the overall feel of your bathroom. 

Redesign Your Roof

Beyond its functional role, the roof is a crucial aesthetic component that influences curb appeal. Opting for modern roofing materials, colors and designs can instantly elevate the look of your property, leaving a positive and lasting impression on potential buyers. If you want a cleaner, minimalistic look, an international-style roof is the way to go. However, if you want to add a contemporary touch to a more traditional roof, a prairie roof will do just that. 

Make Energy-Efficient Improvements

Energy-efficient upgrades appeal to environmentally conscious buyers and can lead to long-term cost savings, and 90% of buyers prefer homes with energy-efficient features.

Modern upgrades like energy-efficient windows, smart thermostats, LED lighting and a solar-powered geyser make your home more attractive to potential buyers and demonstrate a commitment to reduced energy consumption. 

Add Smart Home Technology

Embrace the future by incorporating smart home technology into your living spaces. From programmable thermostats to smart lighting and security systems, these modern amenities can significantly increase your home’s appeal. Potential buyers often appreciate the convenience and efficiency that comes with a technologically advanced home.

Enhance Outdoor Living Spaces

Modern living extends beyond the four walls of a house. Creating inviting and relaxing outdoor spaces can drastically increase the perceived value of your home. Invest in modern-style patio furniture like long couches with taupe cushions, incorporate elegant lighting fixtures and let your backyard turn into an oasis. 

Add Fresh Paint and New Flooring

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a home’s appearance. Most modern homes use neutral shades like white, gray and tan while adding pops of bold colors like black. 

Flooring can also contribute to a modern home’s appearance. Opt for durable materials like hardwood for a timeless look that boosts the sale price of your home. Quality flooring and a clean, neutral palate create a blank canvas for potential buyers to envision their own style. 

Consider Open-Plan Living

Modern home buyers are usually drawn to open, spacious floor plans. If your home allows, consider removing non-load-bearing walls to create a more open and flexible layout. This plan improves the overall flow of the space and provides a modern feel that resonates with today’s home buyers. 

Increase Your Home’s Value

By strategically modernizing your home, you increase its market value and make it more appealing to buyers. These thoughtful upgrades will enhance your living experience and position your property as a desirable investment in the eyes of buyers. 

Evelyn Long is a home living writer with specialties in real estate and home design. She is the

editor-in-chief of Renovated and has written for many different sites like National Association of

Realtors, Eppraisal, and Build.

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home renovation

5 Affordable Home Improvements to Add Major Value

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Wondering what affordable home renovation ideas to do around your property?

There is a whole range of improvements you can make to your home that will not only raise its value but give you more value for your money. So what are the most affordable home improvements with a high-profit return wise?

Well, if you’ve got the money to invest in your property, this is the article for you. So read on and find out more, and you might be surprised at how much you can increase your property value.

1. Fresh Paint

You need to consider fresh paint for a home makeover. It is a great way to add color, vibrancy, character, and a modern touch to a room without spending a fortune on furniture, appliances, and other items. By adding a fresh coat of paint to the rooms, you will instantly create a classic look and refresh the feel of your home.

2. Landscaping

An inviting entryway, well-manicured lawns and gardens, attractive trees and bushes, and efficient irrigation systems can all give buyers the assurance they’re looking for in a home. Simple modifications like adding a few shrubs, trees, flowers, and conifers to your yard can make a major difference in how desirable the home appears.

Additionally, an efficient water and irrigation system can save money and resources over time as well. A carefully designed landscaping plan can be an economical way to add much-needed value to your home.

3. Insulation

Cellulose insulation is a great choice for adding insulation to your home. It is highly energy efficient which can save you money on energy bills. It can not only prolong the life of your home and preserve its value, but it can also increase its comfort for you and your family.

Cellulose is also more environmentally friendly than many other types of insulation as it is made from recycled paper and other natural materials making it an eco-friendly choice. It is also easier to install than most other insulation types. To learn more about the benefits of cellulose insulation, start your research today.

4. Redo the Lighting Fixtures

With only a modest investment, you can completely change the look and feel of a room or area. Quite often, old or outdated lighting fixtures can date home and be a real eyesore. But taking the time to upgrade them can give the room a much-needed lift like nothing else can.

Many great lighting fixtures are available online for great prices and are easy to install. This improvement could make kitchens, bathrooms, and other living areas look newer and have a more modern appeal.

5. Replacing the Front Door

Replacing the front door is an affordable home improvement that can add major value to your home. A new door can bring in more natural light and create a more inviting entryway.

A new door could also increase your home’s curb appeal,  which is important for selling your home and attracting potential renters. You can replace the front door on a tight budget. It is an investment that will pay off in the long run and will provide an excellent return on your investment.

Level Up With These Affordable Home Improvements

Affordable home improvements can be a great way to level up your home. Simply look around, identify where some affordable improvements can be made, and plan for your project.

So why not start today? With a little research and effort, you can easily make your home more livable, comfortable, and valuable. 

For more articles like this, check out our other posts.

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How to Give Your New Home a Facelift: A Guide

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Moving into a new home is exciting, and most people can’t wait to take an empty house and make it their own. In a way, decorating your new house is kind of like starting with a blank canvas and then turning it into a work of art.

Even if your new home needs no serious work, you may still want to give it a bit of a facelift so that it can feel not only feel new but also reflect your style. That’s why this post will be walking you through a few ways to do just that. 

Redo your kitchen 

If there’s one room in any house that people feel strongly about, it’s the kitchen. The kitchen is often described as the heart of the home, so it makes sense that people want it to feel welcoming and cozy. After all, this is where you and your loved ones will spend a lot of time together. You may not have the budget to renovate your entire home, but if you have some extra money, it can be a good idea to invest it in a kitchen renovation. 

Of course, this is a big project, so it can be helpful to hire professionals to do it for you. Have a look at Mode Built’s Edmonton home renovations to see what they can offer you

Give your house a fresh coat of paint

If you want a more affordable way to give your home a new touch, paint is the way to go. Compared to other renovation options, painting is much cheaper, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t completely transform how your house looks. 

You can opt for bold and bright colors if that’s your style, or stick to neutral tones if you enjoy a more natural look. And if you aren’t ready to go all out, you can always dip your toes into the water by painting just one room in each wall a different color so that there are accent walls everywhere. 

Consider switching up your flooring 

Our floors often undergo a lot of wear and tear, so you may find that your new home’s floors look a bit worse for wear. 

This is why you should consider having new flooring installed. You can do this right across the house, or only in certain rooms – it’s up to you. Of course, you need to consider all of your options. Carpets and tiles used to be the most popular, so you can check out the price difference between those options here. Nowadays, however, laminate and hardwood floors seem to be trending. 

Add your own décor 

It’s not enough to simply decorate your house and give it a new style – you should also add your own touch. Remember that it’s not just a house, but also a home. 

Your home should be your safe place, so it makes sense to decorate it in a way that speaks to you, instead of just doing what is trendy right now. To truly give your new house a facelift, add some décor that means something personal to you – whether it’s postcards from places you’ve traveled or photos of you and your loved ones, you should see this as an opportunity to make the place your own.  

Do some work in the garden

People often forget that their homes don’t just refer to the house, but also the garden. The truth is that many people don’t utilize their gardens to their full potential, and this is a missed opportunity. 

If you have some extra time on your hands, go out and buy your favorite plants to place in the garden, or get a table and some chairs so that you can create an outdoor entertainment area. You can also click here if you need some inspiration for sprucing up your garden during spring.  

In conclusion 

Few things are as exciting and rewarding as moving into a new house and adding your own personal touch to it. that is what takes it from being a house to being a home. 

Most people want their homes to be a reflection of them, which means that they want their homes to look beautiful and showcase what they find pleasing. That’s why this post shared some ideas for how you can give your new house a facelift. Hopefully, this inspired you, and there is something in here for everyone, regardless of their style or budget. 

Also, don’t be afraid to try new things when decorating your house! If you don’t like how it turns out, you can always change it again.

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home renovation, HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE

Important Repairs to Complete Before You Sell Your Home

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When you’re busy, it’s easy for time to slip away. Before you realize it, it’s been months since you’ve done any repairs in your home. Whether it’s antique clock repair you need, or the tiles on your roof need replacing, it seems that there is always something that needs to be sorted out. It can be difficult trying to stay on top of it everything you have to do in your home!

You might be happy living with a few broken items in your home until you find time to replace them or call a professional in to fix them. However, if you’re looking to put your property on the market in the near future, it’s a good idea to get any major issues fixed before you sell.

Research shows that around a quarter of all house sales fall through due to problems found during a home inspection or environmental issues. To avoid your property sale being one of the quarter that falls through, you want to get as many things fixed as possible!

To make the selling process a little less overwhelming, here is a list of the important repairs you need to complete within your home before you sell.

Fixing the Faulty Wiring

You will not be able to sell your home if there are problems with any electrical wiring. Usually, electrical problems can be fixed quickly and easily by a qualified electrician. If your home requires a circuit breaker, you may need a replacement to comply with the local rules and regulations. Most homes are advised a maximum of 100 amps, but some larger homes may require a 200 amp circuit breaker.

Sorting Out the Walls

If there are any holes in your walls from previously hung photo frames or mirrors, fill them in using some filler. Once this has dried, don’t forget to apply a layer of paint to the wall to ensure it’s all the same color. Even if your walls are hole-free, giving them a fresh coat of paint can immediately make your home look more modern and inviting to potential buyers. If possible, stick to a more neutral palette for your walls as opposed to bright and bold colors, as this will appeal to a wider range of buyers and will increase your chances of selling.

Fixing the Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Therefore, before you sell, get your kitchen in tip-top shape to impress any potential buyers. Replace or repair any chipped cabinet doors, make sure all of your handles are matching, and fix any issues with the plumbing system to the room.

Organizing the Bathroom

There are a number of repairs that your bathroom might need. Firstly, you need to check that none of your equipment is broken or damaged. Make sure the tiles aren’t chipped, the bathtub isn’t dented, and the cabinets aren’t scratched. Remember to take a look at the handles too, and check for any built-up dirt or rust.

From here, you’re going to want to make sure the sinks and faucets aren’t leaking and that all drains are clear. Turn on your taps and ensure there is hot and cold water flow. If you identify a major issue, it’s probably best to call in a plumber to take a look and fix any plumbing problems.

Next, take a look in the shower. Due to the moisture-prone environment of the bathroom, mold can start to build up in the corners of your shower before you even notice. If this is the case, grab some bleach and give your shower a good scrub. In the worst-case scenario, you may have to reseal the shower edges.

Fixing Heating Issues

Sorting out your heating system might seem like a non-essential task when you’re selling your home. However, if it’s the middle of winter and your home reaches extremely cold temperatures due to a lack of sufficient heating, nobody is going to want to buy it! If your current system is not working correctly, you may not need a full replacement. It may just need a few repairs by a qualified technician, and this shouldn’t cost you too much money.

Fixing the Lawn

If you’ve decided to sell your property, don’t forget about the outside as well as the inside! If you’ve managed to maintain your garden all year round, you might have very few things to do outside. Spend some time removing any weeds, trimming the bushes, and repairing any damaged fencing. You may also wish to apply a quick coat of paint to your fencing to give it a new lease of life.

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HOME DECOR, home renovation

5 ways to rejuvenate your home

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Whether you have just purchased a new property or if you are just looking to shake things up in your home, there are many ways that you can breathe new life into your property. These don’t even require a huge budget. You can target certain areas in your home and tackle them one by one. It can truly bring a new essence into your living space. This article will give you some ideas to give a more stylish modern feel. 

Outdoor polished floors

Honed outdoor polished concrete floors are a versatile material that can be used to create s simple, contemporary minimalist aesthetic. They can also stand up to the strength of harsh weather conditions. They can be used in driveways, alfresco areas, pathways, staircases, and water features. Outdoor polished floors offer the ultimate strength and durability for your outdoor areas whilst offering thermal properties that are slip-resistant. Once they are installed, the upkeep of the floor is actually relatively low costing to upkeep. They are even pet and family-friendly. All in all, investing your money in outdoor polished floors can not only improve your house aesthetic but increase the value of your home. 

Modernizing old furniture

Providing the piece of furniture is not a priceless antique, you should check how sound the furniture is. Make sure you cannot see any signs of rot or damp otherwise it might not be worth attempting to upcycle. Light scratches and wobbly legs can be easily resolved. Deeper set problems cannot. For those feeling nervous about attempting to modernize your furniture, you can always start small by using chalk paint on solid surfaces. Painting an unfashionable piece of brown furniture with a contemporary color can transform your home’s look. 

Customizing kitchen cabinets 

One of the first things you can do is covering up the spaces you don’t like but cannot afford to replace is a good start. Veneer kitchen cupboards can be painted if you use the right stuff such as correct primer and paint. Sanding down the doors can also make sure that the paint has a rougher surface to cling to. If you can, you can also buy replacement doors for your standard-sized kitchen units. One way to save money, though it is more labor intensive, is to head to builders’ merchants and get fresh wood to attach to your cabinets. This will provide a rustic and traditional look to your kitchen. 

Cheap Aesthetics

Money can always be an issue for those who are redecorating. However, you can always get yourself some fantastic piece of decoration for cheap prices if you can be creative. You can forage for treasures in nature. Dried poppy seed heads and thistles or feathers and driftwood can work as display pieces in your home. Using local charity shops can also open lots of options for you. 

Rejuvenating your home

There is a lot you can do in your home that will not break the bank. All of these improvements will no doubt increase the value of your home but also make you enjoy your living space even more. 

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home renovation, REAL ESTATE

8 Simple Home Renovations To Boost Your Property Value

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Are you looking to boost your property value or just have the coolest house on the block?

There are plenty of ways to renovate your home that can really amp up your interior style and design whether you’re looking to sell your home or stay in it forever.

Home renovations don’t have to be difficult and overwhelming. There are great small-scale tweaks that you can make to take your home to the next level. What are you going to choose?

Keep reading to learn about a few simple home upgrades and design changes that you can make to boost the value of your home. 

1. Replace Kitchen Appliances

Is your kitchen outdated? How new are your appliances?

Fresh and new appliances can do wonders for a home’s value. After all, when you’re getting ready to move into a new house, wouldn’t you rather have appliances that you know you won’t have to replace in a few years? 

This is a simple task that you can do at home, at least for the stove and refrigerator. If you’re installing or upgrading a dishwasher it’s best to enlist the help of a professional. 

If you choose not to sell, you still have a shiny new set of kitchen appliances that you can cook with!

2. Fix Your Tiling

We don’t pay enough attention to our floors. We grow blind to the things that might be “not quite right” and ignore how dingy tile floors can get over time. 

There are several ways to re-tile a floor and some are easier than others. Tearing up tile is going to be the hardest part.

If you’re going about this the hard way (yet also the best long-term way), remove the tiles that you already have. Then, you’re going to replace them with your new tiles and grout, being careful to cover all blank space. Everything has to be sealed to protect from moisture.

For a simpler route, there are plenty of options for stick-on tiles. They’re beginner-friendly and they aren’t permanent, but they hold up well and they look great. 

They’re also a great choice for a fancy kitchen backsplash! Fresh and clean tiling makes such a huge difference to the aesthetic appeal of your home. 

3. Consider Replacing Carpets

Carpets aren’t as popular as they used to be. They get dirty, they’re hard to clean, they don’t stay fluffy, and they can trap mold. 

More and more people are opting for hardwood all over. That means that if you want more potential buyers, you might want to do the same. 

Replacing the carpet isn’t easy. If you’re lucky, you’ll discover beautiful hardwood underneath your carpet, but don’t count on it. If you haven’t done this before, hire a professional. 

It’s a quick fix that makes a big difference. 

4. Add Some Fans

Have you ever moved into a new home and been disappointed that there are no fans in the rooms? We’ve been there. There’s something calming about the slow rotation of a nice fan.

You can install fans if you don’t already have them. You do need a bit of know-how but it’s still considered a DIY project for anyone who’s handy. 

Whether you want the smooth look of a classic fan or the beachy look of Gulf Coast fans, there’s something for you. Find something that matches the overall “vibe” of your home so your potential buyers get a cohesive and trendy space!

5. Basic Hardware Upgrades

Have you ever sat down and really looked at your handles and doorknobs? 

Probably not, right? You’re used to them. They’re utilitarian in nature and they aren’t meant to be aesthetic. But should they be? 

Having a cohesive style of cabinet handles, door locks, doorknobs, and all of the other metal bits and bobs around your home can make a big difference. They’re also fun to shop for as a bonus. 

This is a time-consuming but easy process once you have your new hardware pieces picked out. Why not give it a try? 

6. Paint Your Cabinets

What good is the new hardware if your cabinets are ugly or scuffed? 

Painting the cabinets is a great way to make your kitchen (with its new appliances) pop. Cabinets often get overlooked, but pay attention! Painting them is way easier than getting new ones installed and you can customize them.

We love the look of clean white cabinets with shiny gold handles, but the coloring is up to you. What do you love?

7. Re-Color Those Walls!

If your walls are looking scuffed and dingy it’s time for a new paint job or wallpaper. You can do this in a few ways.

First, basic painting. This is a DIY project that anyone can do, but it can be time-consuming. It’s best to go for somewhat neutral and agreeable colors to make sure you appeal to the widest audience, but we love a good statement wall in an otherwise neutral room.

You can also try wallpaper. This is extra good on a statement wall. Removable wallpaper allows you to make the statement that you want while also allowing your buyers the ability to remove it if they choose. 

8. Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Going green is in style right now. How green is your home? 

There are eco-friendly options for all over your home and some are easier to install than others. You can opt for a few green electrical items like a greener dishwasher or a green garage door opener. There are solar hot water heaters and large, energy-efficient windows that can keep the house’s carbon footprint low!

You don’t need to install full solar panels (though you can) to have a greener home. 

Which Home Renovations Are You Going to Do?

There are so many fun and easy home renovations that can take your home from drab to fab. Which ones are your favorites? 

Whether you’re new to renovation or you’ve done this all before, there’s something for every homeowner. 

For more posts on renovations, real estate, and more, check out the rest of our site!

 

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4 Signs Your Home Needs an Insulation Upgrade

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Your home is your castle, so it’s understandable when you want to invest in the best heating and cooling equipment. However, you still need to contend with uncomfortable interiors if you do not have the best insulation.

Multiple insulation alternatives exist, and you should choose one that suits your home, the materials, and the climate in your area. Most people to assume that they are well-equipped to pick and install their property’s insulation. This is a costly mistake that could raise energy expenses and create uncomfortable interiors.

Unfortunately, most people opt to remove their non-functioning wall and roof insulation without expert help. Often they spread the insulation material indoors, and then they may need additional cleaning procedures to get rid of the material. Sometimes the best way to save money is to get expert help, but would you recognize the signs that your home needs new insulation materials?

The following are indications that it is time for the removal and replacement of your insulation. 

Lingering Unpleasant Odors

At times even the most thorough indoor cleaning does not get rid of an unpleasant odor. Some insulation material could become moldy with heat and moisture. Other than spray foam insulation, most insulation materials are not waterproof and will absorb some amount of water.

Ground moisture and extreme humidity contribute to the formation of mold and mildew on your home’s walls and attic. Checking your insulated spaces without damaging the insulation may not be doable, and you may need someone who has the proper safety equipment to do so.

Worsening Allergies

Even doctors will be baffled by the persistent flare-ups of allergic conditions among the occupants of your home. This can be attributed to the mold spores that will spread in your interiors when neglected. It also arises from the tendency of some insulation materials to accumulate dust over time. The removal of your insulation, its replacement, and the air sealing are the ideal steps for keeping allergies at bay.

Water Damage

Wet floors, dark or brown splotches across your ceiling, and peeling paint on any surface are common signs of water leaks. Ineffective insulation will indirectly contribute to significant water damage. If for instance, your water pipes are not well insulated, freezing water may cause them to burst or spring leaks that contribute to your property’s water damage. And with sufficient damage, it may be time to get a new roof, too.

Household Pests

Pests will feed on old insulation materials. Though fiberglass is effective, inexpensive and popular, rodents love tearing it apart. The holes created in your insulation by the rodents

form the perfect entry spot for other insects and dangerous animals like snakes. Air sealing your property can avert the invasion of your home by pests to some degree, but it is not completely secure.

These are not the only signs of damaged or ineffective insulation. They could also be signs of something else, and most homeowners could waste their money on unnecessary services and high medical bills before realizing their insulation is the primary cause of their issues. Your best choice is to have your insulation installed and maintained by professionals so you know when to remove and replace insulation.

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HOME DECOR

Top 3 Tips to Modernize your Home

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Modernize your home with some change – and as the proverbial saying goes:” change is as good as a holiday”. While there is great beauty in antiquity, we live in a perpetual, technological evolving world. Just as our cell phones, cars and computer systems continue to modernize, so too can our homes. For those contemporary, modern thinkers amongst us, here are some ideas to turn any rustic home into a modern marvel. 

Create a Smart Home

Just like your smartphone, you can create a smart home. Home automation is the perfect project for the technically inclined. It allows you to remotely control your homes lighting, electronic devices and heating via your smartphone or computer. The benefits of this are numerous, providing security, energy efficiency, comfort and convenience. 

In today’s modern, fast-paced world, the less you must worry about, the better. A smart home setup allows you to achieve this convenience. You can manage all your home devices from one central place.

A smart home is also a way to enhance your home’s security significantly, ensuring you and your loved ones are always safe. Smart home security systems to connect to a WIFI network, meaning you can control and monitor your security devices with your smartphone. This ensures your home is safe even when you are not there. There are many fantastic DIY smart home projects out there, making them affordable and easy to set up. 

Use Alternative Energy 

Powering your home via means of an alternative electrical source is a great way to save on electrical bills, as well as contributing to the preservation of the environment. It also enables you to be self-sufficient and to “get off the grid’, not having to rely on the local power stations.

Installing solar panels is one excellent solution. A solar panel harnesses the power of the sun through solar energy to generate electricity and to heat your water. Your geyser is one of the most significant consumers of electricity. Using a solar panel to power your geyser can potentially save you thousands of dollars as a long-term investment. 

Another way to generate clean energy for those living in windy areas is through wind turbines. Small wind turbines can be a cost-effective way to create renewable, clean energy for your home. They are incredibly durable too, with average turbines lasting for 20 years. 

Install new Lighting to modernize

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. By adding modern lighting to your home, you can bring it to life and into the current century. A popular type of modern lighting are LEDs. LED lighting systems provide many advantages. In addition to generating high brightness intensity, they are highly energy-efficient and come in a variety of different colour ranges. Being extremely reliable and having a long life, LEDs also offer cost-effective lighting solutions.

There are countless modern lighting options you could consider. Replacing your old lights with contemporary lamps and chandeliers will liven up any home. Not only do they light up your home more effectively, they are aesthetically pleasing as well. You could turn your home into a masterpiece of artwork through lights. 

SHOP MODERN PIECES FOR THE HOME…

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home renovation

Continuing Home Renovations During the COVID-19

continuing-home-renovations-during-the-covid-19

Most home renovations have been halted due to the global crisis, even the the most organized and best-laid plans are on hold – and this might include your home renovation projects. Perhaps, your home was in mid-renovation when COVID-19 hit and stay-at-home measures were declared by the government.

Now that the government is enabling a few projects to re-start again, it pays to still be safe. If you are planning to resume renovations, real estate development professionals and home renovators recommend keeping the following in mind:

Proper Hygiene and Sanitation

All workers on the site should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. Install handwashing stations at each corner of the renovation site so that running water is available for all the workers. Also, provide them with hand sanitizer and/or alcohol.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Masks, in accordance with the Department of Health’s guidelines, must be work at all times by all workers. Workers can use cloth coverings depending on their job. They must also use eye protection and gloves. The type of gloves used depends on the task being completed. If the task to be finished doesn’t need gloves, workers can use latex or nitrile gloves.

Build a Temporary Plastic Wall

Restricting airflow is one of the best ways to keep dust (aka the real enemy) away from your home. Don’t settle for loose plastic curtains; create airtight barriers made from plastic and seal them with tape. You can also use a heavy plastic with an adhesive-backed zipper for easy exit and entry when the project resumes.

Social Distancing

Workers on the site must maintain at least six feet of distance at all times. If they can’t perform social distancing, they increase the risk of transmission. You might have to reduce the number of workers reporting to the site if this is the case.

Also, a COVID-19 safety supervisor should be present to ensure everyone is practicing social distancing and proper safety precautions.

Close Air Vents and Replace the Filters

Maintain air quality by getting a handle on the workings of your cooling and heating system. If your renovation area has return vents, shut down the system in favor of portable air-conditioning units and heaters to prevent transferring dust and debris in the area. Otherwise, keep your area’s air vents closed and replace your filters regularly to keep the clean air flowing.

Other Things to Consider during Home renovations at this time…

See your contractor’s COVID-19 plan. Make sure that the workers follow the plan and are aware of the protocols. Most professional contractors already have safety protocols even before the pandemic.

If you are planning a new project, clear it with the local government first to ensure that you have the permit to start a new renovation.

Continuing your home renovations during COVID-19 is possible – as long as you maintain and practice safety protocols. Work closely with your contractor to ensure all workers follow safety measures and still keep your project deadlines on time. Maintain regular communication too so that you are always in the know on your project’s development.

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