Addition, Attics, Backyard

Why Winter is the Best Time of Year

Bailey Strobel December 19, 2023

Why Winter is the Best Time of Year for Home Renovations

While most people prefer to do home renovations during summer, they might miss out on many wondrous benefits of rolling out a remodeling plan during winter.

Don’t wait for the summer months to upgrade your home. Discover what makes winter the best time of the year to start your home renovations, as well as winter-approved home improvement projects to inspire you.

Faster Approval of Permits

Winter months are less busy than usual, meaning municipal services are generally more amenable to accepting new requests. Compared to summer, when getting a building permit takes longer, approvals during winter may only take a few days.

This would also mean fewer risks of starting the project later due to delayed issuance or permits. It allows you to upgrade your home with fewer worries about last–minute issues.

Contractor Availability

Contractors commonly experience a slump during the holiday season after working on several projects throughout the summer. The good news for potential clients like you is that you take advantage of this opportunity. Since contractors are more available and have fewer projects, they can better focus on your renovation project.

Given this, the tasks are more likely to push through and end in a timely manner. The contractor can even hire more workers to increase the project’s progress.

Cheaper Labor

Have you tried getting a quote for a summer renovation project? Contact a contractor and ask for a quote this winter — you’ll see a significant price difference. Since remodeling plans are fewer during the cold season, contractors sometimes lower their fees to attract new clients and keep their workers busy. These lower prices apply to both construction materials and labor.

There’s no perfect time than colder months to take advantage of reduced rates, especially when operating only on a specific budget. This is why winter is considered the most underrated season to launch a renovation plan. There’s a significant reduction in demand and rates, making it the perfect time to grab the opportunity.

Enjoy Summer to the Fullest

Many people opt to roll out renovation plans during summer to avoid dust accumulation, which is believed to be more challenging to deal with during winter. However, contractors have special equipment to keep the dust produced during work at bay, regardless of whether work happens during the colder months or summer.

Additionally, launching a remodeling project during winter means you can enjoy summer to the fullest. Since the warm season lasts only a few months, it would be more fun to spend it on the beach than in your home that’s under construction.

7 Winter-Appropriate Renovating Projects

Without planned trips and fewer outdoor activities, you can successfully roll out these remodeling plans when stuck inside your home this winter:

1. Fix a Leaky Roof

Roof leaks during the holiday season are common and can dampen your festive cheer. Here are some problems a leaky roof can cause:

Ice dams: If you notice melting snow leaking into your home, you may have an ice dam collecting on rooftops.
Compromised flashing: This is a thin material to guide water away from penetrating inside your home. Melting snow can leak through cracks when damaged.
Attic condensation: Poor insulation can result in moist air entering your home. Since the temperature is cooler in the attic than in other areas at home, moisture can quickly turn to condensation.

Prevention is key for a leaky roof. Hire a contractor to do a roof inspection. If you notice bulging in your ceiling, chances are there’s water pressure building up caused by the snow’s weight. Raise your concern to your contractor immediately to prevent bursting and flooding in your home before it’s too late.

2. Install Hardwood Flooring

The holiday season calls for hardwood flooring to add warmth and texture to your home. They’re also easier to clean than carpet and have better insulating properties than worn flooring. The colder air helps lessen the adhesive’s drying time during installation.

3. Update Light Fixtures

The holiday season can bring various physical changes to people, such as dry skin and chapped lips. The lack of sunlight and longer nights can also dampen your mood.

If your interior lights affect your productivity and focus, consider replacing your old lights with bright, cheery options to improve illumination. That way, you can enjoy the holidays with positivity.

4. Replace Kitchen Countertops

Winter months call for more indoor gatherings. If you want to brighten your kitchen, consider upgrading the countertops. The average cost of remodeling a kitchen sits between roughly $14,000 and $40,000, with several factors affecting the estimate, such as project scale and kitchen size.

When choosing a design for your kitchen countertops, consider your preferences and how you envision your dream kitchen. Think long-term in terms of design and material. When on a budget, opt for laminated countertops since they are more affordable than other selections.

5. Clean and Upgrade the Laundry Room

While crucial in your day-to-day functioning, the laundry room gets little to no attention when thinking about remodeling. Spend a weekend during the winter to clean the room and think about how to make the space more functional for everyone. Give it a thorough cleaning, upgrade the organizers or replace your washing machine with a new one.

6. Renovate the Attic

Your attic is one of your home’s primary rooms. Insulating this room is one way to ensure your house and family stay warm inside. A well-insulated home means more comfortable nights and lower utility bills. When renovating the attic, you might discover that you must seal up window and door cracks with an insulating spray foam.

7. Repaint the Walls

Maximize your and your family’s time indoors with an easy remodeling project. The winter atmosphere creates an ideal condition for paint to set in quickly during the more humid months. Even better, this can soon become a bonding moment, which can help alleviate feelings of loneliness brought on by the cold weather.

‘Tis the Season to Renovate Your Home

You can accomplish many advantages and remodeling projects, even if the weather is colder and nights are longer. With this information and remodeling ideas, you can successfully roll out a renovation project with your trusted contractor this holiday season.

12 Dec 2023

Home Office

Create a Functional Home Office

Bailey Strobel December 12, 2023

How to Create a Functional Home Office in a Small Space

Creating a functional home office in a small space is not just a desire; it’s a necessity for many. With the shift towards remote work, the challenge of fitting a productive workspace into limited quarters is real. This article addresses this challenge head-on. Here, you can find practical tips for quick renovation projects that will transform even the smallest nook into an efficient home office. A goal is to help you maximize your space, guaranteeing comfort and productivity, regardless of its size.

Assessing Your Space to Create a Functional Home Office

The first step in creating a functional home office in a small space is a detailed evaluation of the available area. Accurate measurement is key to understanding the dimensions you have to work with. When measuring, consider the floor space, height, and potential storage areas on walls. Visualize how different furniture layouts might work using online tools or simple graph paper. The right spot for your home office should balance quietness for concentration and accessibility for ease of use.

Finding the ideal location for your home office should strike a balance between accessibility for ease of use and peacefulness for focus.

In your home, unconventional spaces can often hold untapped potential. For instance, the potential of your new home’s top floor might be perfect. This space can offer seclusion away from daily household noise and distractions. Also, consider the natural light available here and the feasibility of setting up electrical points for your equipment. This approach makes efficient use of your living space and adds a new dimension to your work-from-home experience.

Choosing Space-Saving Furniture

Selecting the right furniture is vital to maximize space utility in a small home office. Compact desks are a must; look for options that fit snugly into your designated area. Check for desks with built-in drawers or shelves, as they can reduce the need for additional storage units. For chairs, prioritize ergonomics and a small footprint. Comfort is key, as you’ll spend a lot of time sitting.

Multi-functional furniture is a game-changer in small spaces. Think of a desk that doubles as a bookshelf or a fold-out table that can be tucked away when not in use. These furniture pieces save space and offer the flexibility to adapt your home office according to your needs.

Smart Storage Solutions

Storage is a critical component of a small home office. So, if you want to make the most of your space, look upwards. Vertical storage solutions, like floating shelves or tall, narrow cabinets, can be a great way to use wall space effectively. This approach frees up floor space, making your office feel less cramped. Organize items by frequency of use, keeping the most needed items within easy reach.

When considering storage, sometimes items can be stored outside the home office. If you’re thinking about renting a storage unit, there are several things to keep in mind. Security, cost, and accessibility are important factors. This option can be particularly useful for items you don’t use regularly, helping keep your immediate work environment clear and focused.

Lighting and Ergonomics

Lighting plays a vital role in creating a productive workspace. Position your desk to maximize the use of natural light, which can enhance your mood and energy. In situations where natural light is limited, invest in quality artificial lighting options that mimic daylight and reduce eye strain. Desk lamps with adjustable arms are particularly useful as they can be repositioned as needed.

Setting your desk in the best possible position to take advantage of natural light can improve your energy and attitude.

Ergonomics is equally important, especially in constrained spaces. Choose a chair with good lumbar support and adjust your screen to eye level to avoid strain. Small ergonomic accessories like keyboard trays or monitor stands can make a significant difference. Remember, comfort in your workspace can directly influence productivity and health.

Personalizing Your Space

Personalizing your home office is about striking a balance. You want to create a space that reflects your personality and maintains a professional feel. Choose a few key items that inspire you, like artwork, photos, or plants. These items should add to the space without creating clutter. The goal is to create a space that motivates you to work.

Establish a space that captures your individuality while still feeling professional.

Consider the functionality of each decorative item you add. Use stylish yet practical items like decorative storage boxes or unique pen holders. These pieces can add personality to your space while keeping it organized and functional. This approach helps maintain a balance between a personalized and a professional workspace.

Tech Setup for Small Spaces

In small home offices, choosing the right technology is crucial. Opt for compact, space-saving devices like laptops or all-in-one computers. These devices take up less room and can be easily moved if you need to reconfigure your space. Pay attention to the tech specifications to ensure they meet your work requirements.

Effective cable management is essential to maintain a tidy and safe environment in a small space. Use cord organizers, clips, or ties to keep cables neatly bundled and out of the way. A strong, reliable internet connection is also crucial. Consider the placement of your router and use Wi-Fi extenders if necessary to ensure consistent connectivity.

Maintaining a Productive Atmosphere

In a small home office, minimizing distractions is key. Set clear boundaries for your work area to separate it from the rest of your home. This separation helps in maintaining a work-life balance, which is crucial in small spaces. Use techniques like noise-cancelling headphones or room dividers to create a distinct work environment.

To maintain a productive atmosphere, be aware of common renovation mistakes to avoid. Overcrowding your space with furniture or decorative items can make it feel cramped and hinder productivity. Instead, aim for a minimalist setup that focuses on functionality. Regularly declutter and organize your space to keep it conducive to work.

Final Words

Establishing a functional home office in a small space can be straightforward and effective. From carefully assessing your space, choosing the right furniture, implementing smart storage, and maintaining an organized environment, you can create a practical and enjoyable workspace. These tips aim to help you efficiently use your available space, ensuring your small home office is a comfortable and productive area for your work needs.

24 Nov 2023

Design Trends

13 Quick Renovation Projects

Bailey Strobel November 24, 2023

13 Quick Renovation Projects You Can Squeeze In Before the Holidays

You don’t have much time to update your home before guests arrive for the holidays, but you might wonder what you could get done in that time. Thankfully, there are plenty of renovation projects you can complete in roughly one week or less. Here are some you can use to impress your guests.

1. Add a Skylight

A skylight lets an enormous amount of natural light into your home and gives you an unmatched view of snowfall. It’s not a home renovation anyone would expect to see, which makes it the perfect thing to surprise your future guests with.

Adding one of these to your home might seem like a massive undertaking, but it’s very reasonable. Installation takes as little as one day, depending on your expertise and the model you choose. For example, a flat glass pane is much easier to put in than an electric dome. You only need to cut an opening, lay adhesive, place the skylight, seal the edges and add flashings.

2. Install Hardwood Flooring

Have you always wanted a timeless hardwood floor? Well, there’s no better time than now to get started. If you squeeze the project in before the holidays, you can wow everyone who visits. Even though wood needs to sit inside for roughly one week before installation so its moisture content can adjust, you can finish this project relatively quickly.

3. Add Storage to Your Entryway

Most homeowners would benefit from having extra storage, especially with guests around. If your current go-to place to store jackets and shoes is a bedroom, consider expanding with a quick renovation.

You can get pre-made shelves, cubbies, and coat hooks online or at your local hardware store. To install them, you only need a stud finder, drill and some screws. Overhead storage and wall-mounted holders won’t take up much space, so this project is great even in small rooms.

If you have experience with woodworking, you can build a cushioned bench with built-in storage underneath. Your guests will appreciate having a place to sit when removing all their extra layers.

4. Install Heated Floors

There’s nothing better than having a heated floor in the colder months. If you really want to impress everyone visiting for the holidays, install an electric radiant flooring system. Although the project can take up to three days to complete, you only need to spend roughly three hours on installation.

5. Place a Faux Baseboard

A faux baseboard is an especially useful project if your guests plan on bringing children around, considering it protects your walls from all sorts of contact damage. It also gives them a subtle, tasteful appeal. It should be a quick renovation since it only requires measurements and cutting.

6. Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

If you want to refresh your kitchen without gutting it, painting should be your go-to strategy. After all, it’s affordable and fast. Your guests will marvel at how good your cabinets look whenever they grab food.

The most time consuming part of a cabinet refresh is waiting for the paint to dry. Since some kinds set more quickly than others, the number of hours you must put into this varies. For example, latex stays wet much longer than matte, but you can speed up the process with fans if you’re on a time crunch.

7. Add Built-In Shelving

Whether you buy pre-built shelves or make a custom version, installing built-in shelving is relatively straightforward. It really only involves measuring, cutting and placing. With previous DIY experience, this project should wrap up after only a few days of work.

8. Install a Handrail

Whether you plan on having small children or older adults around this holiday season, a wall-mounted handrail is one of the best additions to your home. For starters, it can substantially reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Also, it can act as a statement piece — what else can you put on the wall next to the staircase besides family photos?

While you can carve your own out of wood, there are plenty of pre-built options. You can find virtually every color and material type online. The installation process is simple. In fact, it only takes one day to complete, even if you hand-craft your own railing. You only need to mark where the studs are, drill holes and screw the handrail into the wall.

9. Replace Your Stair Treads and Risers

Do you have any loose, uneven or unsightly stairs? The best time to fix them is before your guests arrive for the holidays. Instead of simply leveling them out, consider replacing your treads and risers. This minor project will make it look like you have a completely new staircase.

The entire process should only take a few days. Once you remove the old material and trim the frame to fit the new treads and risers, you can start securing everything. Although it’s messy work, it costs less than $150 to do and looks fantastic.

10. Paint Your Front Door

There aren’t many ways to landscape when the ground is frozen and most plants are bare. Needless to say, updating your front door color is the easiest way to enhance your curb appeal before the holiday season. This is one of the fastest, most straightforward renovations you can possibly do. In fact, you only need to sand, prime and paint.

11. Update Bathroom Fixtures

Unless your guests are popping in to say hello and leaving, it’s a near certainty they’ll use your bathroom while visiting. Because of this, it’s a great space to focus your renovations on. Updating your bathroom fixtures can bring an entirely new aesthetic to these rooms. Short of ripping out and replacing your sink and toilet, it’s the most impactful renovation.

Generally, installing new fixtures is straightforward and fast — you don’t need any special plumbing knowledge to remove and replace them. If you know what you’re doing, you can wrap things up in a few hours at most.

12. Update Your Garage Door

Since garage doors are one of those things you buy once, they can get quickly dated. Of course, they’re one of the most noticeable things about a home since they take up so much space. Consider getting a new one if you’ve had yours for a while. Instead of installing a plain white one, try models with unique windows, colors or styles.

Now, it’s possible to replace your garage door in roughly six hours if you have help and know what you’re doing. However, dealing with the springs requires the utmost caution since they contain a lot of stored energy. Although this project may be one of the fastest on this list, it requires a fair amount of upfront research.

13. Replace Your Wall Plates

Almost every modern house has electrical outlets and light switches — and they all turn a dull yellow over time. Even though replacing the plates isn’t a massive renovation, it’s one of the easiest and instantly elevates a room. Even if your guests don’t immediately notice what looks so good in your house, they’ll subconsciously pick up on how clean your walls appear.

You only need a screwdriver and new wall plates for this project. Finding and replacing every visible one in your home can feel time consuming because it’s so repetitive, but the job should only take a few hours at most.

The Best Renovations Are the Easiest

In most cases, you can knock out a few renovations in a handful of months. Even if you can only dedicate your attention to them during your weekends, none of these projects are particularly time intensive. They’re perfect if you’re on a tight schedule.

21 Nov 2023

Design Trends

Moving to an Older Home?

Bailey Strobel November 21, 2023

A beautifully preserved property that makes moving to an older home enjoyable.

Moving to an Older Home? Here’s How to Preserve Its Charm and Character

Embarking on the journey of moving to an older home signifies stepping into a world rich in history and character. These vintage dwellings possess a unique allure, but they also come with their own set of challenges and opportunities. So, let’s explore the intricacies of preserving the character of your older property, ensuring that its legacy continues to shine.

Research and inspection

Before you improve your home, conducting thorough research and inspection is paramount. This initial step ensures you’re well-informed about your older property’s unique characteristics and potential issues. Begin by delving into its history, unearthing fascinating stories that may guide your preservation efforts. Simultaneously, enlist a qualified home inspector to scrutinize the property meticulously. Their expertise will reveal any hidden structural problems or safety concerns. This research and inspection phase equips you with essential knowledge, allowing you to make the right decisions when moving to an older home.

Embrace the original features

Embracing the original features of your older property is essential, especially when you’re doing exterior upgrades. Preserving architectural details like ornate moldings, elegant trim, and unique historical elements maintains the home’s character and also enhances its curb appeal. For example, when refinishing weathered hardwood floors and restoring them to their former glory, you breathe new life into your home’s interior. Additionally, rejuvenating antique fixtures and hardware adds a touch of vintage elegance. These efforts ensure the property retains its timeless charm while blending seamlessly with modern living.

You should strive to maintain and preserve the original charm of the house!

Updating for modern comfort

Updating your older property for modern comfort is crucial to preserving its charm and functionality. Assessing its energy efficiency ensures that you’re both cozy and eco-friendly. Upgrading insulation and windows improves comfort and lowers energy bills. Furthermore, replacing outdated plumbing and electrical systems ensures safety and reliability. So, by carefully modernizing these essential elements, you can enjoy the conveniences of the 21st century while still honoring the historical character of your property.

Historical paint and color schemes

Choosing historically accurate paint colors can breathe life into faded walls, capturing the essence of the era in which your house was built. Techniques for uncovering original paint or wallpaper can reveal hidden treasures, offering a glimpse into the past. The right color palette can also significantly impact your home’s character, whether you’re restoring Victorian opulence or mid-century modern simplicity.

Period-appropriate furnishings

Sourcing antique and vintage furniture that complements your home’s era can transform it into a refined property. Blending modern and period pieces allows you to maintain functionality without compromising authenticity. Restoring and repurposing old pieces can add character and uniqueness to your interior design. With the right furnishings, you can create a home that honors history and offers comfort and style. It’s the fusion of the past and present that makes your living space truly exceptional and inviting. Of course, just like when hiring movers for family heirlooms, you want to ensure safe transfer with the pros if you’re handling valuable old furniture!

You can make your house feel like a true trip to the past with all the modern conveniences!

Landscaping and curb appeal

Enhancing your property’s curb appeal through landscaping is always a priority. After all, maintaining and enhancing the home’s exterior boosts its visual appeal and preserves its historical significance. However, it’s not always easy when you’re dealing with historical properties. For example, carefully choosing plants and landscaping features in line with the era of your home is necessary. By preserving original pathways, garden elements, and architectural details, you also pay homage to the past while ensuring a harmonious transition between your property and its surroundings. The curb appeal of your older home sets the stage for what lies within and reflects your care and appreciation for its history!

Try to stick to the historical landscaping of the property!

Historical documentation

Documenting the history of your property is a fascinating and useful process. By researching the home’s history and previous owners, you uncover stories that add depth to your connection with the property. Documenting any discoveries made during renovations, such as hidden artifacts or architectural details, also helps preserve the home’s unique character. Creating a historical record is not just for your enjoyment, as it also safeguards the legacy of your property for future generations.

Preservation societies and resources

Engaging with preservation societies and tapping into their resources is one of the best moves when moving to an older home. These local historical preservation organizations are treasure troves of knowledge, offering guidance, support, and a network of like-minded individuals. They provide access to grants and resources that can significantly aid in restoring older properties. Networking with others who share your preservation commitment is also informative and deeply rewarding. It’s a chance to exchange ideas, learn from one another’s experiences, and collectively contribute to preserving the historical fabric of your community!

Balancing preservation and modernization

Striking the delicate balance between preserving the historic charm of your older home and modernizing it for contemporary living is akin to a carefully choreographed dance. It’s crucial to make the right decisions; otherwise, you risk making renovation mistakes you can’t undo. Start by assessing which elements are worth preserving and which require modernization. Ensuring safety and comfort is paramount, too, so be mindful of updates to plumbing, electrical systems, and insulation. Modern conveniences can seamlessly coexist with historical character if chosen thoughtfully. Ultimately, it’s about retaining the soul of your older home while enhancing its functionality for your family’s needs.

Budgeting for renovations

Start by estimating costs for preservation and restoration, considering every aspect, from materials to labor. It’s also essential to be prepared for unexpected expenses that often arise during older property renovations. Prioritizing projects based on urgency and impact also helps you allocate your budget effectively. Remember that older homes may require ongoing maintenance as well. So, set aside funds for future upkeep. Be diligent in tracking expenses and adjusting your budget as needed to stay on course!

Making your story part of an older property

Embarking on moving to an older home is a choice to cherish and honor the past while creating a unique future. By preserving its charm and character, you ensure that the legacy of your property endures, a testament to the enduring beauty of history. And as you settle into this vintage abode, you become part of its story, adding new chapters while preserving its timeless appeal for generations to come!

21 Nov 2023

Design Trends

10 Home Improvements

Bailey Strobel November 21, 2023

10 Home Improvements That Will Make the Holidays Easier

With the holidays fast approaching, there’s no better time to upgrade your space with simple home improvements. Practical repairs and renovations do more than just look great — they improve your home’s functionality as you host festive gatherings for your loved ones.

Whether you’re ready for a full remodel or want to spruce up your house in time for the influx of parties this season, check out these home improvement projects that will make the holidays easier.

1. Upgrade Your Kitchen

Being with your loved ones is one of the best parts of the holiday season. The other best part? The food. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in the kitchen, especially if you love baking or are hosting a get-together, upgrading your space before the holidays might be a good idea.

Consider replacing your outdated appliances with new models. New appliances can save you time and can be a money-saving investment in the long run. For example, smart refrigerators and dishwashers are energy-efficient, which means they’ll save you money while withstanding heavy-duty use throughout the holidays. Look for ENERGY STAR products to get the features and quality you want while reducing environmental impact.

2. Install a Smart Thermostat

Whether you’re expecting tons of snow this winter or your holidays are filled with palm trees and sunshine, installing a smart thermostat is a wise investment.

The holidays are a busy time, with people frequently coming in and out of your home. To ensure you maintain a comfortable temperature inside, invest in a programmable smart thermostat. These allow you to set timers and sensors that adjust automatically, keeping your house at the exact temperature you want. Say goodbye to stuffy holiday parties or chilly drafts.

3. Organize the Garage

With more guests comes the need for more space. If you’re struggling to find enough room to accommodate everyone and everything in your home during the holidays, consider turning to your garage.

Cleaning out your garage and using it for extra storage is an excellent way to declutter and organize your belongings. Store unused or off-season decorations, cleaning supplies, or extra chairs and tables in the garage. They’ll be easily accessible when you need them but out of the way when you don’t. You can even use a digital inventory to keep track of what you’ve stored to optimize your system.

4. Enhance Your Entryway

Your home’s exterior is the first thing visitors see when they arrive. Whether it’s their first time seeing your new house or they’ve been celebrating the season with you for years, you can always leave a good impression with a beautiful entryway.

To spruce things up, add a fresh coat of paint to the front door or tidy up the walkway leading to your home. If you celebrate Christmas, decorate with festive lights or greenery to add a seasonal touch.

5. Update Your Flooring

Are your old floors ready to withstand all the holiday foot traffic? If it’s been a while and your floor looks a little worse for wear, consider an update.

You want to choose a durable material that can hold up against all the holiday cheer, like muddy footprints after cutting down the Christmas tree and the occasional spill from cooking. Consider laminate or luxury vinyl flooring, which are both built to last and great DIY projects.

Aside from improving the durability of your floor, guests are sure to be impressed by the update!

6. Freshen Things up With a Coat of Paint

You’d be surprised at how much one fresh coat of paint can liven up your space. New neutral-toned walls or one bold accent wall can be just the thing you need to make your living room look brand new. New paint also allows you to cover stains, scratches or fading colors, ensuring your home looks extra merry when you decorate for the holidays.

7. Revamp Your Fireplace

A fireplace is often the focal point of a room, especially during the holiday season — how else could Santa arrive to deliver presents? You want to ensure it’s a centerpiece you’re proud of. Remodeling your fireplace will help transform your living space into a cozy holiday oasis.

You might convert your wood-burning fireplace into an electric or gas fireplace, install a new hearth or paint the mantel. You can even focus on decor, switching up mantel decorations or putting decorations inside a nonfunctional fireplace.

8. Upgrade Lighting Fixtures

The right light fixtures can create an enjoyable atmosphere all year round — including a cozy one on dark winter nights. Add under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen for a soft glow, or complement your dazzling Christmas lights with an elegant chandelier.

When shopping for new lighting fixtures, opt for ones that use energy-efficient bulbs. You’ll light up your home in style while saving money and protecting the environment.

9. Finish Your Basement

If you’re hosting guests over the holidays, you’ll want all the space you can get, and a finished basement opens up a whole new gathering area. You can turn your home’s lowest level into a cozy space that’s just as useful as the rest of your house.

With some drywall, hardwood flooring and your personal interior design touch, you can turn an unused space into an extra hangout spot or bonus bedroom. Any overnight holiday guests will appreciate the comfort and extra privacy of a finished basement.

10. Install a Home Security System

The holiday season might be the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also a time to be vigilant. Theft-related crimes increased by 20% in December, which means home security should be a top priority.

Fortunately, you can protect your home without losing sight of the season’s joy with a smart home security system that keeps an eye on your property while you enjoy time with loved ones. The holidays are often hard on your budget, but peace of mind when it comes to your home is priceless.

Make the Holidays Easier With These Home Improvements

It’s easy to enjoy the festive atmosphere and time with friends and family during the holiday season — especially when you’re comfortable in your home. Implementing just a few home improvements will freshen up your property and allow you to welcome visitors in style.