Home renovations can be a great way to personalize your home or increase its value. But it’s important to prioritize needs versus wants when selecting the best projects.
Adding square footage and updating old kitchens and bathrooms can raise your property’s value. But it’s important to choose practical and affordable projects. Contact Plumber Lawrenceville now!
- Kitchen
A kitchen renovation is a top home improvement project that increases resale value. This project is a great way to make your house more attractive and provide you with a greater sense of pride and satisfaction in your home. This is even true if you don’t have any immediate plans to sell your home.
Before you start any remodeling, you should know how much your house is worth and what similar homes in your neighborhood are selling for. This will help you decide how much money to invest in your project. It’s also a good idea to hire professional contractors to do jobs such as plumbing and electrical work. An experienced contractor knows to avoid mistakes that could cost you your home’s safety and structural integrity.
If you’re planning a major kitchen remodel, it is important to plan ahead and budget accordingly. It’s also important to keep in mind that remodeling is a time-consuming and labor intensive process. If you hire subcontractors, your house will be a construction zone for weeks or months, and you’ll have strangers coming in and out of your house making noise and mess. This can be challenging for some homeowners, especially if they have children and pets.
To minimize disruptions and cost, try to remodel your kitchen a little at a time. This way, you’ll only have to deal with the mess and noise for a shorter period of time. Start with any structural changes and finish up with the cosmetic touches. For example, paint your walls before you install the cabinets, and install the backsplash after the countertops are installed. Make sure to protect your new flooring and cabinetry from damage during this phase of the renovation by using drop cloths, moving appliances carefully, and using caution when removing or replacing fixtures.
During this stage of the renovation, it’s also a good idea to hire a professional inspector to check for any problems that may have occurred during demolition or construction. This will ensure that all work is done according to code and that your house is up to safety standards.
- Bathroom
A fresh, updated bathroom offers both comfort and value to a home. It also ranks among the top renovation projects recommended by real estate agents, according to a 2023 study by home improvement website Angi. But a complete bathroom redo can cost tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the scope of the project and the materials and fixtures chosen.
One of the biggest factors in determining your budget is the finish level you choose. This refers to the quality and price range of all the finishing touches that will make up the room’s look, such as wall treatments like wallpaper or paint, vanity materials and fabrication, tile options, shower curtain and tub liners, and lighting and fixture brands. Living in a busy metropolis such as NYC can impact the availability and pricing of many finishes, so researching your options before you start shopping is an important step.
Once you’ve set a budget and decided on a general design style, the planning phase can begin. This is a great time to brainstorm ideas, gather inspiration, and figure out what’s doable within your parameters.
The most effective bathroom renovations are based on a thorough understanding of how the space will be used, including daily routines. “We ask a lot of questions about what the client wants to do in their bath, and emphasize function first,” says Britt Zunino of Studio DB. “Maybe you need a tub because you shower in the bathtub every day, or maybe you need a storage niche for towels and toiletries, or two sinks to avoid an elbow war while brushing your teeth.”
Before you begin your remodel, be sure to turn off all water valves to the sinks, tubs, and toilets. If you don’t, you could accidentally flood your bathroom and create a huge mess! You should also cover anything that you’re not reworking with plastic or paper, such as floors, cabinets, countertops, and light switches. This will keep them clean from paint splatter or dust during the renovation.
A wet-dry shop vac is a great tool to have on hand during your renovation, as it will come in handy for cleaning up water and sewage spills. You should also mark where the electrical wires and plumbing pipes are located to ensure they’re not disturbed.
- Living Room
The living room is where your family spends most of its time, so it should be tailored to fit your needs. For example, if you have children, your design might focus on durable surfaces and easy-to-clean furniture. Similarly, if you entertain often, you may want an open, inviting layout.
The color palette you choose can have a big impact on the room’s mood. Neutrals are a good choice because they provide a clean look and can easily complement brightly colored decor.
Lighting is another crucial element to consider when renovating your living room. Installing a variety of light sources can illuminate the space and create an overall sense of warmth. You can also add accent lighting around the perimeter of the room to highlight art or architectural features.
Another way to make a room feel fresh is by adding a decorative ceiling. Whether it’s a tray ceiling or a coffered ceiling, this feature can add interest and sophistication to your space. A textured or painted ceiling can also help make your living room appear larger.
Flooring is another important component to think about when renovating your living room. You can upgrade your floors by installing new hardwoods or laying down a carpet. You can also try a bold pattern or an unexpected color to refresh your space.
Whether you choose to do a full renovation or a partial one, it’s important to plan your budget carefully. It can be helpful to list your priorities and what you’re willing to sacrifice so that you can stay within your budget.
When choosing a contractor, ask for references and testimonials from past clients. This will give you firsthand insight into a contractor’s quality of work and level of professionalism. You should also make sure that your contractor is licensed and insured. This protects you from liability if anything goes wrong during your home renovation project.
While a home remodel can seem like an overwhelming project, the results can be well worth it. A well-designed living room can increase your comfort, improve your lifestyle, and enhance the value of your home. With careful planning and a trusted partner, your living room remodel can be successful.
- Bedroom
The bedroom is a place to rest, unwind and recharge. Renovating the room with the right items can make it more comfortable and inviting, helping you get a better night’s sleep. It can also add value to your home and help you sell it faster if the time comes.
If you want to give your bedroom a more polished look, start with decluttering and sorting through the furniture. Determine what sparks joy in your life and toss or donate the stuff that doesn’t. Then, choose a cohesive color palette that’s easy on the eyes and match your furniture pieces to each other or to the paint on the walls. This will create a consistent look that looks like it was designed with intention, not thrown together by a beginner designer.
One of the best ways to elevate your bedroom is to upgrade your storage. If you don’t have much closet space, consider adding a built-in wardrobe, nook or armoire to accommodate clothes and shoes. Alternatively, install a tall bookcase on a wall or a rolling tall cabinet to maximize floor space.
Installing a walk-in closet is another high-end upgrade that’s sure to boost your home’s resale value. But be aware that this is a very labor-intensive project and requires substantial work on your part, as well as a significant investment from a contractor.
You can upgrade your bedroom’s lighting without spending a fortune by installing new ceiling lights or sconces. Swapping out the old shade on your ceiling light for a more eye-catching option can bring new style to your space. Or, hang a few sconces on each side of your bed to provide mood lighting and reading illumination.
Creating a gallery wall is a fun and inexpensive way to add visual interest to your bedroom. Use this space to showcase a collection of items that speak to your personality, such as framed travel memorabilia, family photos, plant clippings or art.
If you don’t want to spend the money on new flooring, try installing stylish area rugs instead. You can even go the DIY route by adding crown molding to your bedroom. This timeless accent is available in a wide range of materials and styles, including beadboard for a beachy feel, square-edged nickel-gap shiplap to add cottage charm and vertical board-and-batten for farmhouse flair.