A new Wells Fargo poll revealed that the American dream of owning a home is alive and well.
The results suggest that a majority of Americans are willing to do whatever it takes to become homeowners.
From cutting down expenses to taking on a second job and relocating to a more affordable location, many are willing to make sacrifices and save every penny just to make their homeownership goal a reality.
If you are on the verge of fulfilling this remarkable dream, it is crucial to stay level-head amidst all the excitement.
Keep in mind that buying a house is just the first step. You still need to plan and carry out several improvement projects to make your new home what you have always envisioned it to be—a place of refuge, comfort, and security.
If you are thinking of ways to transform your future abode to make it more livable, consider the following suggestions:
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Home Insulation
One of the first things you need to work on as soon as you start building a new house is home insulation.
With proper insulation, your home will remain warm during winter as it keeps heat inside.
It will also stay cool and comfortable in the hot summer months as the home insulation keeps heat out.
A well-insulated house is also more energy-efficient. Did you know that you can save upwards of 15 percent on heating and cooling costs just by insulating attics, crawl spaces, and basements?
Imagine how much you can save in the long run.
When looking for the right insulation products, make sure to check the R-value, which is the measure of resistance to heat transfer and thus also a measure of how effectively it can insulate a space.
Note that the right R-value for your home will depend mainly on the climate where you live and the area of the house you are insulating.
For instance, R13 insulation, like these products, with relatively low thermal resistance are enough to insulate floors and crawl spaces if you live in climate zones 1 and 2, or areas with warm climates like Hawaii and Florida.
You can visit the website of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program for recommended home insulation R-values according to your location’s climate.
Soundproofing
The sound of traffic, busy streets, ongoing construction, and other types of outdoor noise do more than merely annoy you.
Environmental noise can disrupt restful sleep, trigger stress and anxiety, and intensify feelings of frustration and anger.
Your children may also have a challenging time concentrating and learning if there is unwanted noise at home.
Because of all these harmful effects of noise pollution, you should make soundproofing a priority.
There are plenty of ways to soundproof a room, such as weatherstripping all sides of doors and windows, sealing holes and cracks, and adding insulation to the attic and walls.
Choose a soundproofing measure that suits the type and level of noise in your area.
Air Conditioning
Even if you buy a house in an area with a cold climate, you still need to install an air conditioner to keep you comfortable during the hot summer months.
Keep in mind that if the temperature inside the house becomes too high, you can suffer from exhaustion, loss of concentration, and heat-related illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), air-conditioning is the number one way to protect yourself from heat stroke and other ill effects of hot weather conditions.
Using electric fans will not do the trick, especially if the indoor air is higher than 95oF.
Indoor Greeneries
Make sure to fill your new abode with lovely greeneries as soon as you move in since they can do more than merely enhance the aesthetic value of your living space.
An extensive study by NASA found that indoor plants can eliminate close to 90 percent of harmful toxins in the air.
Isn’t that an incredible way to create a livable home?
In addition to its air-purifying effects, houseplants are also known for their mental health benefits.
They can help improve your concentration and productivity, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost your mood.
When you are surrounded by houseplants, staying at home, doing chores, and working from home will all become a pleasurable experience.
Lighting
Another vital element in making any living space better is good lighting.
Besides making the home more welcoming and attractive, lighting can improve the mood and create a positive ambiance.
Make sure to install accent lights in areas that you want to emphasize, and task lighting in spaces that require better illumination, like the kitchen and reading room.
Try installing large windows to let in sunlight as much as possible.
Natural lighting can make you calmer, healthier, and more productive.
You can also get a boost of energy, vitamins B and D, and happy hormones when your living space is exposed to the sun’s rays.
Working to own a home is more than just fulfilling the American dream. Having a house is a symbol of stability, security, and financial success.
That is why you need to be prudent and when you reach your dream of becoming a homeowner.
Take the time to plan and find ways to ensure that your future house will become a warm and inviting refuge for you and your family.