Renovating Might Be the Key to Securing Your Dream Home, Not Moving

If you could change things about your home to keep from buying a new house, would you? Renovations are more cost-effective than moving, so if you want to save yourself the stress and money of switching homes, you should envision your current one becoming your dream space.

It might not always fit the image in your head, but you can make the place you love into something you love even more. You can still turn your current house into your dream home.

Why You Should Stay in Your Home

You chose your current home for a reason. Whether it was passed down to you or you went through the buying process yourself, you have an attachment to it because you picked it as your main dwelling space. You can recover that love through renovation. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose to renovate instead of buying a new home.

1. You Have Roots

You’ve likely spent a long time in your local community. The roots you’ve placed there can help you feel like you belong to something grander than just your household. Community participation keeps people healthy and protected, creating an irreplaceable defense system. If you move, you can’t pick the community up and bring it with you. The connections you made might be enough to entice you to stay in your current space and work to make it your dream home.

2. No Need to Wait for the Market

When you sell your home, you can’t exactly do it on your own time if you want the best deals. You’ll need to watch and wait for a seller’s market to get the greatest possible value. Then, you’ll need to navigate the buying process carefully and there’s no guarantee you’d be able to get the house you want. When you choose renovations over moving, you know t you can complete them on your own time.

3. Renovation Is Cheaper

When buying a home, you must be aware of everything in the market. You need to watch how mortgage rates trend. With a goal of 2% annual inflation, the country could see rates evening out before long. You would need to act before you’re ready and might get tied up in a mortgage with a rate that makes you pay more over time.

In the long run, renovation might be the cheaper option for you. In the short term, getting your home as you want will cost more money upfront. However, you won’t have to worry about the financially and emotionally taxing process of selling your house and buying a new one. Your funds will only be tangled up in what you want them to be rather than a brand-new mortgage.

Most Common Renovations to Make You Love Your Home

You should go into your renovations with a goal. If you don’t have a specific plan, you may find it challenging to keep up your motivation throughout the upgrades. Here are some of the most common renovations that can significantly transform your home, getting it closer to your idea of a perfect dream home for your family.

1. Structural Changes

Before you step into any other kind of renovation, work with the structure of your home to make it what you want. If issues with older houses are addressed, they could help the foundation and prevent costly fixes if they cause extensive damage over time. Deal with the must-haves before you move on to things you want to change about your house.

You may have little wiggle room to work with as far as the layout of your house, but you could make space for certain things. You might be able to take a closet out of a spare room to create more area for guests, for example. It’ll be easier to make cosmetic changes once you change the structure to how you want it.

2. Landscaping

Sometimes, you just need a change of scenery to help you realize the potential of your home. What might be an average lawn of grass can transform with landscaping to increase your house’s curb appeal and draw the eye.

You may also want to repaint your front door and shutters alongside your landscaping decisions. Changing up some of the colors can help you get that “brand-new home” feel without actually moving. It’ll save you more stress of setting up a new household, but the color change will give your eyes something different to rest on.

3. Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations

By transforming your kitchen and bathrooms, you could give your home the like-new feeling you desire. Since the kitchen is the heart of the home and the bathroom is where you pamper yourself, you should focus on these common renovations if you want to feel an immediate difference in your house.

The average cost of a kitchen remodel is around $21,000, but it doesn’t have a great selling point, so keep that in mind if you plan to sell your home in the future. Still, if you feel happier by being in a renovated space, it’s all the more worth it. You’ll also have the kitchen you want in a home that means a lot to you.

When Should You DIY?

Before you choose to DIY something, ask yourself a few questions. How difficult or time-consuming is the task? Will you give up if you don’t finish in a day or two? You have to know yourself to DIY effectively — it’s the only way to ensure you complete your projects.

If you’re intent on learning, DIY projects are a great way to teach yourself and improve upon your skills, making you more self-reliant. However, it’ll likely take you longer to complete a project than a professional would. Turning to a professional is the best option if you’re in a rush.

DIY projects are almost always more cost-effective than opting for a professional. However, if you don’t have the skill set for a big fix or renovation, bring in a contractor. The easiest thing to DIY would be cosmetic changes, like paint or wainscoting. Start with those projects before moving to something on a larger scale.

Create the House of Your Dreams Without Moving

Whether you DIY or hire out for a project, you’ll find it cheaper overall than taking on a new mortgage. Coupling the financial benefits with saving the stress of moving and finding a new community may just help you realize your house has been your dream home all along.

Things are rarely perfect, but you can likely alter enough to make your home a stellar fit for your household. There’s no deadline to finding your dream home — or creating it yourself. Take your time and enjoy the ride of making your perfect house a reality.

5 Basement Ideas That Add Value to Your Home

a home movie theater in a basement

A basement has a lot of potential to become a useful and beautiful room in a home. These basement ideas that add value to your home are simple and affordable. Most importantly, they will surely help you make a return on your investment.

A home office is one of the best basement ideas that add value

The basement is a perfect, secluded space for your office. With the number of remote workers on the rise, this investment will surely pay off. And best of all, it doesn’t require much construction work. It’s all about adding everything a person needs in order to be able to work from home. A high-quality desk and chair are the best investment you can make when building a home office. You can personalize it and add some character to the room. When you personalize your home office, it’s easier to stay motivated and happy. Creating a home that reflects your personality is one of the best ways to feel comfortable and enjoy your new home. You can adapt it to your liking by adding furniture and décor that reflect your personal style. Details like these are what make a house a home.

Turn it into a home gym

Another easy way to transform the basement in your home is to turn it into a home gym. This feature will attract potential buyers and quickly increase your home’s value. You will need to make cosmetic changes and adapt the flooring. In order to train safely at home without damaging the floor:

1. Install rubber or vinyl flooring. This will help the floor in your basement stay intact as well as protect you during your workouts.
2. Paint the walls bright and add a mirror to make your home gym feel larger.
3. Think about the equipment you’ll use the most and purchase it.

Besides exercise machines, you can add yoga mats and simple exercise equipment such as dumbbells. A TV can be a good and valuable addition that can help you. You can watch exercise tutorials and stay motivated to keep working out.

A home office is one of the practical basement ideas that add value

Create a family game room

A simple way to make the most of the available space is to create a family game room. This is a practical way to repurpose your basement to add value to your home. Not only will your basement look great, but it will also be helpful and fun to spend time in. In addition, a family game room is something every family member can enjoy. Depending on what you like to play, you can design it differently. A pool table can be the focal point of any game room. If you prefer playing board games, you can add a large table and storage solutions for each board game you have.

Add a movie theater

A movie theater can be added to any room in your home, but the basement is the best choice. This is the perfect corner of any home for a movie theater. As a basement doesn’t have windows, it is the best room in any home for a large screen. Sunlight and noise from the outside won’t come in the way of watching movies. In order to add this to your home, you won’t have to spend much money. All you need is widescreen and comfortable furniture. When moving heavy furniture such as this, you must consider moving it safely. You’ll need to be careful with heavy items to prevent injury. Not paying attention when moving furniture can cause back and knee injuries, so staying alert and safe is essential.

Turn the basement in your home into a room everyone will enjoy

Give your kids a playroom they’ll love

If you have children, you can turn your basement into a playroom for them. When you give them a space for playing, you will help the rest of your home stay organized. Now, your children will have a place for all of their toys and projects. Not only will you remove the clutter from the rest of your home, but you’ll also give them a little independence and privacy. And they may be motivated to study even more if they have a separate area where they can focus. You can ask your kids for ideas and choose the décor together. Style it so that it combines the interior design of the rest of your home and your kids’ vision. A playroom will attract potential home buyers who have children. They will see the value and benefits of having a playroom in a home.

Bonus tip: add more storage to your basement

Built-in storage solutions are one of the best ways to increase the value of your home. When you sell your house later, buyers can repurpose this room easily if they wish. Because built-in storage solutions are in high demand, this is one of the best and most practical ways to add value to your home. This won’t be seen as an obstacle but as a feature that may attract potential home buyers. Storage can be helpful in all of these basement ideas that add value. You can use it for your kids’ toys and school supplies in the playroom or for gym equipment in a home gym. If you decide on the home office, this can be used for your paperwork. Either way, the options are endless.

If you have children, you can turn your basement into a playroom

Final thoughts on basement ideas that add value

Repurposing the basement in your home as something practical is a great investment. For a low price, your basement can be remodeled into a completely new space in no time. With the right furniture and stylish décor, your basement will look modern. You can transform this space into something every member of your household can enjoy, such as a movie theater or a family game room. But most importantly, you will add value to your home once you are done renovating it. These basement ideas that add value are some of the easiest and most profitable investments you can make. If you decide to sell your home later on, you will get a return on your investment and make a profit.

Adapting Your Home to a Growing Household

As your family grows, so too can the size of your home. Adapting your home to a growing household is an exciting yet daunting prospect; where do you start? From additions and outdoor spaces to utilizing space efficiently, there are many ways you can modify and adapt your current living situation without having to move into a larger house. Doing so can, in fact, help you fall in love with your home again!

In this article, we’ll explore these options in detail, giving you all the information needed to adapt your home to accommodate changes in household size or needs. So don’t worry if it feels like the time has come for some remodeling—with our tips on adapting your home to a growing household, you’ll be ready to take on those challenges head-on.

Assess Your Home’s Needs

When assessing your home’s needs, there are a few key things to consider. First and foremost is the size of the rooms. Are they big enough for your family? Do you need more bedrooms or bathrooms? If so, how many? It’s important to consider what kind of layout would work best for you and your family.

Next, consider any special features that may be necessary for your household. For example, the common characteristics of Colonial homes come with different possibilities than those of contemporary homes. Do you need extra storage space or a larger backyard if you have children or pets? If you’re planning on entertaining guests frequently, do you need an outdoor patio or a dedicated dining room?

Finally, consider energy efficiency when assessing your home’s needs. Look at insulation levels in the walls and ceilings and windows and doors. Ensure all appliances are up-to-date with Energy Star ratings so that they use less electricity than older models. Consider investing in solar panels: not only will this help reduce energy costs, but it can also increase the value of your home over time.

These are just some factors to consider when assessing what changes may be needed to accommodate growing households, from adding additional rooms or features such as patios and decks to ensuring everything is energy efficient. With careful consideration now, homeowners can ensure their homes meet their current needs while still being able to adapt should those needs change.

You can determine which changes are necessary for a growing household by assessing your home’s needs. Now that you know what is needed, it’s time to consider how to make those additions best suit your family’s needs.

Addition by Addition

When it comes to making additions to your home, you should consider a few things. First and foremost, think about how the addition will affect the overall aesthetic of your home. If you’re adding a bedroom or bathroom, make sure that it fits in with the existing design of your house. You don’t want an eyesore that stands out from the rest of your home’s decor.

Next, consider what type of addition is best suited for your needs. Are you looking to add extra living space? A larger kitchen? Or perhaps you’re preparing to add a second floor? Once you have identified what changes need to be made, start making them. This could include expanding existing rooms or building entirely new ones depending on what works best for you and your family’s lifestyle.

When adding onto any part of a house, consider how much space is available and how much can be used efficiently without overcrowding. For instance, if adding another room, try not to remove too much from other parts of the house as this can create an imbalance throughout the home. It is also beneficial to consult with professionals such as architects or interior designers who can help ensure that any additions fit style-wise and functionally with current spaces within a residence while maximizing its potential useability simultaneously.

It is important to consider traditional horizontal expansion and vertical options such as attic conversions or basement renovations when planning an addition. These can provide additional usable square footage without taking up more land around exterior perimeter walls, provided local zoning laws allow for such expansions (always check regulations before beginning construction). Outdoor spaces like decks, patios, and porches are another great way to increase livable areas while enjoying fresh outdoor air when weather permits.

Finally, keep the budget in mind throughout the entire process. Plan ahead by researching costs associated with materials, labor, permits, etc., so you know exactly what to expect to pay before starting the project. This will help avoid overspending and surprise expenses later down the line, which could strain your finances unnecessarily.

Adding extra space to your home can be a great way to accommodate the needs of a growing household. By thinking outside the box and utilizing outdoor or vertical spaces, you can make even more room for everyone without needing to build an addition.

Outdoor & Vertical Spaces

When adapting your home for a growing household, outdoor and vertical spaces are great options. Utilizing the outdoors can help reduce clutter inside the house while allowing you to enjoy nature in your backyard. Consider setting up an outdoor dining area or adding some seating around a fire pit so everyone can gather outside during warmer months. Consider installing a swimming pool or hot tub if you have enough space.

Vertical design is another great way to maximize limited space in your home. Instead of storing items on the floor, add shelves and racks along walls and ceilings for extra storage solutions. This will help keep things organized while freeing up valuable floor space simultaneously. You could even use wall-mounted cabinets or hanging baskets for smaller items like toys, books, tools, etc., making them easier to access when needed but out of sight when not in use.

If you’re short on closet space, try using tension rods between two walls to create additional shelving units above head height where bulky items such as winter coats and blankets can be stored away until needed again later in the year. Additionally, if there’s room underneath beds or couches, utilize this by investing in under-bed storage boxes—perfect for keeping off-season clothing neatly tucked away without taking up too much real estate elsewhere in the house.

Finally, remember vertical gardening—either indoors with window planters or outdoors with trellises and raised beds. This is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to save precious ground space while still producing plenty of fruits and vegetables throughout the summer months.

By using outdoor and vertical spaces, you can create a larger living space for your growing household. Now let’s look at how to utilize existing interior spaces more efficiently.

Utilize Space Efficiently

Whether you’re looking to add an extra bedroom or just make better use of what you have, a few simple steps can help maximize the available space in your home.

Start by assessing which areas need improvement and consider how they could be used more effectively. For example, consider adding a breakfast bar or small table and chairs for meals if you have a large open living room but no dining area. If you don’t have enough storage space in the kitchen, look into installing shelves on walls or even hanging baskets from hooks for additional storage options.

Adding additions to your home is another excellent way to increase usable space without completely remodeling existing rooms. Consider building an outdoor deck with seating and tables for entertaining guests during warmer months; this will provide extra living space and give your family and friends somewhere comfortable to gather outside the house. Consider converting unused attic or basement spaces into bedrooms or office areas and adding vertical shelving units along walls throughout the house for additional storage solutions.

Finally, consider arranging furniture to maximize the available floor space while ensuring comfort: 

• Utilize corners with corner desks instead of traditional rectangular ones 
• Utilize wall-mounted shelves rather than bulky bookcases 
• Place ottomans underneath coffee tables for added seating when needed 
• Install floating shelves above couches as an alternative to end tables 
• Opt for multi-functional pieces such as foldable beds that can be tucked away when not in use 

These are just a few ideas on how to use your home’s space more efficiently. By taking these simple steps towards efficiently utilizing available spaces in your home, you will soon find plenty more room than before without having done any major renovations.

Adapt Your Way to Comfort & Space

Adapting your home to a growing household can be an exciting and rewarding experience. With the proper planning, you can create a functional and comfortable space for everyone in your family. Whether adding additions, utilizing outdoor or vertical spaces, or simply making better use of existing space, there are many ways to ensure your home meets all its occupants’ needs. With careful consideration and thoughtful design, adapting your home to a growing household doesn’t have to be overwhelming – it can be an enjoyable journey.

How to Fall in Love With Your Home Again

Your home is a sanctuary for you and everyone living there. When you purchase your house, it might be the perfect fit. As time passes and your needs change, it might take some adjusting to enjoy it.

With some changes, you can turn your home from a place you’re outgrowing to a place you’re falling in love with once again. Here are nine changes to improve your space.

1. Paint Your Siding

If you’re tired of your home’s exterior appearance, painting can make it look brand new. You can paint your siding the same way you’d paint a wall, but you could also use a sprayer to get the job done.

Before you begin, check your home warranty to determine whether or not painting the siding will void it. Once you’re in the clear, apply paint to achieve full coverage on your siding. You may need multiple coats if you’re trying to cover a bright or dark color. You could also use an appropriate exterior primer for a smoother, secure finish.

When choosing a new paint, consider a lighter color, especially if you live in a warm climate. These colors filter hot air easier than darker ones, keeping your home cool.

2. Transform Your Attic

A new space to enjoy can refresh your home and give it more breathing room. Your attic might be the perfect place to expand.

You can add dormers to bring more light to your space. It can be an extensive project, but well worth it for the extra light. Attic spaces can often use wall frames to add structure and aesthetic appeal. Add insulation, drywall and subflooring, and it might surprise how well your new living space comes together.

Depending on its size, you can use your attic as a workspace, a lounge area or even a bedroom. This makes it an excellent solution for enjoying your home as your family grows.

3. Update Your Shower

If you have an older home, you might need modern bathroom amenities. While an older bathtub shower can still do the job, creating a relaxing space can help you feel renewed instead of just clean.

Similar to going to a nice hotel, simple touches can change your bathroom from a room you must use to one you hesitate to leave. A few changes to your shower can make a large difference.

A rainfall showerhead is a luxurious improvement, gently coating your entire body at once with water. To install one, you may need to increase your pipe size and add an access point to your ceiling.

Another way to upgrade your shower is to replace your curtain with a clear glass door. These doors make your shower feel more open and help steam stay in it longer, creating a spa-like experience.

4. Revamp Your Countertops

Old, chipped countertops can make an otherwise great kitchen or bathroom seem unfinished or outdated. By adding new countertops to your space, you can complete or transform their look.

Granite countertops can warm up a space and each is unique thanks to the stones collected during its formation. Another notable addition comes from marble, which can brighten a kitchen or bathroom. Quartz countertops are sturdy and can be a great option to avoid burns, scratches and stains. Another great kitchen option is a wood or bamboo cutting board, which can maximize your available workspace.

5. Convert Your Loft

If you have a large family or have guests over often, your home can sometimes feel crowded with insufficient space to relax, talk or watch television. Before you put up the “For Sale” sign, consider a loft conversion.

There are many things you can do with this sometimes awkward space. Use it as a separate living room or family room for an overflow of guests or when you need personal space. It’s also an excellent place to get natural light, but you might need curtains if you sleep.

Having an extra bedroom in your home raises its value, making a loft renovation an excellent choice if you want to sell your home shortly. Other ideas are to make your loft a separate home working space or a child’s playroom.

6. Utilize Storage Spaces

Sometimes, homes have more rooms or storage than needed. If that’s the case, you can renovate these areas to suit your needs.

For example, you can turn a walk-in closet into a reading nook, a cabinet into a workstation or a nightstand into a mini-bar. Creativity goes a long way in making your home the right space for your family. Using these areas is an inexpensive alternative to building on or renovating.

7. Add a Patio

Utilizing outdoor space is an excellent way to embrace your home again. If you have a yard space, consider building or pouring a patio you can utilize for dinners, parties and other events throughout the year. You can use wood, stones or concrete to create the deck, giving a solid surface for everyone to go out on and enjoy the fresh air.

You can add planters, a fire pit and outdoor furniture to make the space welcoming. For times when you want peace, a hammock or water feature is more beneficial.

8. Change Your Floors

Your floors make a huge difference in your home’s aesthetic — changing them can make your home look and feel new. Hardwood flooring is a solid choice, as it’s practically timeless and can look stunning. However, it’s not the best flooring for small kids and pets as it’s easily damaged.

Vinyl flooring is a good choice for floors that take a beating. They’re waterproof and can handle scratches and impacts.

For a soft, warm, sound-dampening floor material, carpet may be the best option, with many patterns and colors available. Tile is also a popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

9. Add Colorful Accents

Accents can be subtle or significant, but they can transform a room in no time. Painting an accent wall can brighten or subdue a room you might not like spending time in. Choose a solid color or create a pattern using painter’s tape or a stencil.

Painting a wall is a great way to incorporate an accent, but you can also choose more minor changes, such as c accent furniture or decor items. With the right combination, you can refresh your space to enjoy it again.

Falling in Love With Your Home

The housing market is crazy. If your current needs differ from your old ones, you can use these tips to improve your home.

How to Prep Your Home for Adding a Second Floor

Those who reside in single-story homes may occasionally want more space. While you could always sell your house and buy a larger one, you might find that staying there and adding on is a more practical option. Find out what it takes to construct and prep your home for adding a second floor.

When building an extension, many homeowners choose to include a second story due to the many advantages it provides. Maybe a brand-new, pricey foundation isn’t necessary. Don’t worry about violating the required distances from property lines or other restrictions imposed by local zoning ordinances. The house’s resale price will almost certainly rise as a result of your efforts. Adding a second story to a house is a massive project, so you should give a lot of thought to the details before hiring a contractor.

How much does it set you back to construct a second story?

In general, the cost of construction varies greatly from one to the next. People can expect to spend between $200,000 and $600,000 when adding a whole second floor to a 2,000-square-foot property. Partial second-story additions in the 500-700 square foot range can cost as much as $200,000, especially if they include a new bathroom. Although it may seem counterintuitive, many of the costs associated with building a second-story addition are the same whether you add one room or three rooms on top of your home.

People are sometimes taken aback when they find that a brand new two-car, 24-foot-by-24-foot garage with an upstairs loft might cost anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000. Garage conversions can cost as much as $175,000 for a two-car garage or $60,000 to $75,000 for a one-car garage. Adding a living space on top of a garage is a major undertaking that usually necessitates demolishing the existing garage and starting over from scratch.

Adding a second floor isn’t cheap, so ensure your budget can handle it.

First, check if the construction is permitted

If you want to know what the zoning regulations are in your region, you can contact the local building authority. For example, there may be a limit on the overall size of a property or a height limit to prevent someone from obstructing the view of their neighbors. Adding a bathroom to an older house or one with a tiny septic system might require replacing the septic system entirely.

Contact the building authority to ensure you’re allowed to add a second floor.

Find a place to stay for the time being

Your house may be uninhabitable for a while or for a long time if the repair is difficult. Also, according to experts from peasleyboisemovers.com, getting a storage unit for your belongings is advised until the construction is over. Find out from your remodeler how long you’ll need to be away from home and make lodging arrangements at a motel, a short-term rental, or the home of a really kind and understanding friend or family member.

Know your options

Know which construction method you’ll be using when you prep your home for adding a second floor. There are at least four strategies for adding height to a home during a renovation. To add a second story to your home, you’ll need to lay a new foundation, which will have specific requirements based on local codes and other factors.

One option is to demolish the existing roof and construct a new one from the top floor down. This is the standard method for adding a second story to a ranch-style house. Alternatively, you may tear the existing roof off temporarily around the sides. The box in the new level, and put up a new one afterward. The third option for your house addition involves extending the height of an already existing upper level out over a lower level, such as a garage or porch with a flat roof. And lastly, modular second stories. It’s planned and constructed away from your home, then transported there after it is finished. Adding a second story to your home is typically the most practical and affordable choice.

Find out how big the upper level is

While some people would desire a full-blown second-story addition, others might be OK with something smaller. For example, we recently added dormers to a house in order to add a new bedroom. Space limits, budgetary considerations, or both may play a role in your final decision. If you know you’ll need more space eventually but don’t have the money for it, you may build the structural framework for an upper level but put off the interior design and furnishing until a later date. Rather than adding more to the structure later, it is more cost-effective to finish it all at once.

While you prep your home for adding a second floor, you should not worry about the room sizes or locations. You need not worry about things like the optimal placement of stairwells or the placement of the plumbing in the bathrooms. Depending on your goals for the new upper level, a qualified design-build contractor may be able to help you draft the necessary plans.

Seek out a general contractor for your construction tasks

Thanks to the proliferation of online resources, finding a competent general contractor to oversee this endeavor is now much less of a hassle. Search online for local general contractors. Get in touch with them, set up a meeting, and ask them pertinent questions to see if they are a suitable match for the role.

When looking into potential contractors, it’s important to double-check that they have the proper licensing before scheduling interviews with them. For further insight, you might also read testimonials from satisfied clients.

Discuss your expectations with the contractor and go through every detail of the job. Hire the contractor if they possess the necessary credentials, are supported by positive evaluations, and can manage your task.

 Finding a reliable contractor is essential when adding a second floor.

In conclusion

As an alternative to packing up and moving to a new place with higher housing expenses, second-story additions allow families to stay in their preferred neighborhoods. Adding square footage to an existing home while keeping its original architectural style is a great way to increase both its value and its resale potential. Just make sure you prep your home for adding a second floor first.