If you are thinking about renovating your home, (because well, it really could use it,) but are too worried about budget to even think about going down that path, there is one thing to consider, and that is that there are a number of worthwhile home renovation projects that are quite small but have great impact! Whether you are looking for value as far as resale value or value as far as your own enjoyment and comfort, you don't have to go big to benefit. Instead start with some small home renovation projects that may just be enough to make your home a wonderful place to be for the time being, so that the major renovation can happen sometime in the future after you've set aside more than enough to cover all the surprises. For now, lets take on some stress free options!
Above: Things don't have to be brand new to have appeal, just make sure plants are lush and green, and maybe give that Yucca a bit of trim, meaning remove some lower browning leaves.
The Front Door And Curb Appeal Are Key
When it comes to home renovation projects that add value the saying "first impressions are everything" truly holds weight, as the first thing a home buyer or visitor will see, of course, when they visit your home is your front door. Focusing on the front door and its immediate surroundings certainly has a big impact on your overall curb appeal, so an upgrade is truly worthwhile. The upgrade may be a new coat of paint, refurbishing the front door and adding new lighting, or maybe just the addition of some attractive planters will do the trick. Been really wanting that new front door, give it some thought, as the impact is huge!
Take a good look at your entry as though it belongs to someone else. Is it welcoming, does it reflect the nature of the property, is the address plate clear, is the lighting sufficient, does it looks shabby? Time to get to work!
Upgrade Your Lighting
Lighting plays a huge role in setting the mood for every space in the house, and a variety of lighting options are a great way to add function as well as beauty to spaces that could use a pick me up! Think about installing better reading light, better lighting over the kitchen counter, some nice lighting to set a relaxed mood, or creating a l"ets get busy mood" with adjustable dimmer lighting. I can't say enough about the impact of new lighting fixtures to update your decor, and there are so many creative and very inexpensive ways to add interesting lighting, especially wall lighting, without having to do any electrical work, assuming you have a wall outlet nearby. I've used Ikea shelf brackets to hang a round bulb on the end of a long cord, and it looks great, so get creative! Tiny spot lights for directional light can make your home feel like a jewelry store, which is also such a great touch!
Energy-efficient and smart lights are value-added features that will increase energy savings, and can be so convenient. You can remotely turn lights on so you don't arrive home to a dark house, or attract burglars, and of course turn lights off to save on bulb replacement.
Small Renovations for Your Kitchen
You don't need a major kitchen renovation to update your kitchen! In many many cases refacing or better yet, painting your cabinet doors, and possibly replacing countertops can make such a huge difference that the kitchen looks like it was totally renovated. Consider changing out solid cabinet doors for doors with glass, or if possible even removing upper cabinets to create a modern airy feel. Replace the upper cabinets with a row or two of open shelving, with some lighting above, and wow, a new look is created altogether. New appliances don't have to be over the top, and that also makes a huge impact, as does new faucets and of course hardware on the cabinets, and some contemporary kitchen art.Small Renovations for Your Bathroom
Could your bathroom use some attention? Very often updating the bathroom can be done by quite simply painting, re-caulking tile and changing out the shower curtain, towel racks and cabinet hardware. A great mirror over the vanity does wonders, and if you are looking at a powder room, go for some bold wall paper! If you are blessed with space, a new storage unit or hooks and attractive baskets can do the trick. Have nice natural light in the bathroom? Consider a lush hanging plant like a Boston fern to add a special touch, or even a large plant in a pot can be wonderful.
Repaint Your Interior
Sometimes the thing that is the most obvious gets overlooked, and that is paint! A new interior paint job is the easiest way to make your home look its best, and a fresh coat of paint can instantly transform your space. Always always buy small samples of paint colors and try them out before committing, and remember that paint generally looks darker on your wall than on the paint chip, so proceed with caution. Light colors are the best way to make spaces seem larger, so if you are thinking about selling that is surely the way to go. There are many different whites, from the whitest white to something a bit pink or a bit yellow, so try them out and see what works for you. Always place drop clothes and make sure to use painter's tape to avoid mess around the edges!
Tankless Water Heaters And Room Specific Cooling/Heating Systems
Thinking about small renovations that cut your energy costs and consumption? Give a tankless water heater some thought, as they heat only the water you need as you need it. They are of course eco-friendly and cost-effective, and an update that is especially great for small families in large homes, or for small homes with just a person or two. Also, do give some thought to individual air conditioning units like Air Conditioning from PSB Air which can be a great way to add comfort to just one room without wasting electricity. Cooling the one room that you are using certainly makes sense for those with home offices or when going to sleep, and since air conditioning units also offer heating, this can be so much more efficient than turning on the home's central heating system, especially in the transitional months.
Embrace Smart Home Technology
Smart home devices like smart locks, security cameras, smart thermostats and water leak detectors are easy and somewhat budget friendly (around $1500) upgrades. Many home buyers are looking for the enhanced security, energy management and convenience of smart home technology, which will not only serve you well and save money as far as heating/cooling, but also make your property feel updated to potential buyers. So do your homework, and become familiar with all the ways to make your life easier and even save some money, with smart home technology. If nothing else it will make your home feel updated even if that big renovation still needs to happen down the road.
Don't Forget Rubbish Removal
During any renovation project, whether big or small, dealing with the waste can be a daunting task. This is where 1300 Rubbish comes in handy. They offer professional rubbish removal services that can help you clear out the debris efficiently, leaving your home clean and ready for the next step in your renovation journey.
Additionally, when undertaking home renovation projects, it's important to consider not only aesthetics and functionality but also air quality during and after the process. Installing an air scrubber can help remove airborne contaminants like dust, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are often released during renovations. This addition ensures that your home remains a healthy environment, especially in enclosed spaces, and can add value by improving indoor air quality for future occupants. Remember that you can always rent this equipment. A quick search for something like "air scrubber hire Australia" on the internet should provide you some options.
I hope these tips have been helpful, all the best of luck in navigating the process of updating your home!
