The cost of housing in the United States has been surging to unexpected heights in the past few years.
Whether you are looking into opportunities to put your home back into the market or simply want to improve its design and looks, there are lots of practical and affordable options.
The improvements may improve the overall appearance of your home. They may improve their energy efficiency and value.
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Upgrade the Exterior Doors
Your exterior doors should not only promote safety but also help make a good impression. They should be both functional and decorative.
Replacing old and outdated doors will work wonders even if you don’t do anything else. While your plain wood door may be functional enough, replacing it with a lead glass door will give your home more character and appeal.
Do not forget about garage doors when making upgrades.
They take up a lot of space and have a huge impact on the general look of your property.
Whether you choose a rustic solid mahogany door or one with modern glass panels, ensure that it matches the general aesthetics of your property.
Focus On the Windows
Invest in beautiful, energy-efficient windows to improve the design of your home.
Even though good looks are important, they shouldn’t come at the expense of functionality or efficiency. Energy efficiency is important regardless of how old your home may be.
Research suggests that windows account for up to 30 percent of heat loss and heat gain in most homes.
They play a major role in the cooling and heating of residential homes.
Consider investing in double-glazing windows to conserve energy. The uPVC glass is energy-efficient and it may help you save cut down on energy bills. Being double-glazed, it makes it possible to keep the cold out and the heat in your home, which you can learn more here. When picking windows to upgrade your home pay attention to your climate. Determine if your goal is to keep heat in or the cold out. After choosing the most appropriate windows for your home, consider the warranties, design, ease of maintenance, and installation.
Most new windows have the ENERGY STAR label.
Increase the Usable Square Footage
Consider adding usable space to your home especially if you have limited space.
Having more space makes financial sense and may improve the value of your home. Homes are typically priced based on their livable square feet. The more space there is, the better.
Consider adding an extra bathroom, lounge area, or another important space that will improve the value and function of your home.
Pay attention to the rooms that your home already has, and make relevant decisions.
When trying to upgrade your house for resale, think of features that other homes in your area may lack.
Upgrade the Flooring and Paint
A fresh coat of paint can give your home an entirely new look. It can liven up old exteriors and change the vibe of the interiors.
Painting your home does not need to be expensive. DIY projects can look good too.
Choose neutral colors as they will go well with the rest of your décor.
If your flooring is outdated, consider upgrading it as well. Laminate flooring is one of the top options when you want to achieve the impression of natural wood without spending too much.
Modern laminates have high definition. They offer more layers and a truly realistic look. Stained concrete is a great option as well. It is a fun and unexpected way to add some color to your space. If the rest of your home is basic, a stained concrete floor will transform it. A professional installer will help you introduce interesting textures, colors, and finishes. Carpets are great for your floors as well. They come in different styles, colors, and patterns, to suit various décor needs.
Carpets make your home warmer and are a classic. They are easy to upgrade if you change your mind.
Focus On Efficiency
Put in an effort to improve the efficiency of your home through design. It will help cut down your carbon footprint and lower your energy bills. Luckily, there are many ways to make your home more efficient without necessarily spending a lot of money.
Advanced house framing is great for a start. It is known as the optimum engineering value. The framing conserves energy in wood-framed houses. Passive solar systems may be helpful as well. They use site and climatic conditions to deliver cooling in summer and heating in the winter.
Consider using cool roofs to keep your home temperatures low in the summer. They are made with reflective material that can absorb minimal heat from the sun.
Cool roofs reflect light instead of absorbing it.
Other simple tips to improve the efficiency of your home include installing energy-efficient HVAC systems, buying efficient appliances, and replacing your leaky windows.
Work From the Ground Up
Designing a home is complicated and it is easy to be overwhelmed. If you don’t know where to begin, start from the ground and work upwards.
Think about ways to update your floor before moving to other parts of the home. Whether you choose area rugs, stone, or tile floors, they will determine other changes that you make.
If, for example, you choose to tile your home, the tile colors may determine your color scheme and choice of furniture.
Working from the ground up promotes better flow. It gives you perspective and makes it easy to achieve cohesion. Improving the design of your home is not rocket science. Determine what you want to achieve, and the amount you are willing to spend on it.
Do you wish to make your home more efficient, change its appearance, improve its value, or incorporate certain features into your overall style?
Some of your best options include: changing your exterior doors, upgrading your windows, and increasing the usable square footage.
If you need help, a professional may help you get design inspiration. They may determine the most appropriate ways to achieve your goals.