There are instances where you walk around your house and feel like it could be better in terms of comfort, space, or function. Whether you have had the home for a long time or have just bought it, a home remodel can help you not only invest in your home but also make it much more livable for you and your family. A home remodeling gives you a perfect opportunity to upgrade various things in your home as its various parts will have been torn down already. Here are some of the upgrades you should consider alongside the home remodel.
New Kitchen Lighting
Different families use their kitchens differently; some use them to only prepare meals, some use them to prepare and enjoy their meals, while others barely use them. Regardless of how you use the kitchen, its lighting can play a crucial role in setting the mood and dictating how it looks.
To change the mood and the look of the kitchen, consider new lighting. A home renovation is the right time to do this because you might need to run new wiring for the different banks of lights you add. The easiest upgrade here is ceiling lights. You can choose pendant or recessed lights, but it remains important that you ensure these lights match the rest of your decor.
The other types of lights to consider are task lights and accent lights. Task lights illuminate a specific area of the kitchen and are often brighter than other lights in the kitchen. Before having them installed, think about where you do the most work in the kitchen. The countertop and sink are key considerations. You can also add LED strips and lights in your cabinets to make it easier to get things into and out of them, on pathways and under the countertop to help you see where you are going.
Accent lights are used to highlight specific features in the kitchen. Examples include architectural details, artwork, and decor. Accent lighting should be brighter than other surrounding lights, but it will often be less bright than task lighting.
New Kitchen Countertops
Countertops are crucial to the look and usability of a kitchen. They make a visual statement when someone enters the kitchen, and they have to also be able to withstand food spills, food prep, frequent cleaning, and anything else you do on them. Many homes have great cabinetry but fail in the visual department when it comes to countertops.
When changing your countertops, there are several materials to consider. Many people go for quartz, which is both durable and visually stunning. It gives the kitchen a new and fresh look while making it easier to maintain and more functional.
Replacing the countertop will also often mean changing the faucet, sink, and backsplash to have a cohesive look. When changing the countertop, you have the opportunity to overhaul the main working area in your kitchen.
To have it done right you need to engage the services of a company that has extensive experience handling such projects. If you live in the Southwest Florida area, do consider home remodeling by Beattie Development who have decades of combined experience in home remodeling. Beattie Development is both a custom home builder and home remodeling company that can give you the home of your dreams. They can work on smaller remodeling projects like expanding your guestroom to larger projects like full kitchen and bathroom renovations. They also work with professional designers who ensure the final design is aesthetically pleasing, and your home is more functional.
Smart Devices
Smart technology is essential for any modern home. Adding smart technology to a home can entail extensive work, which is why most people choose to do it alongside their home remodeling. The world of smart devices and smart home technology is huge but can be divided roughly into comfort features and security features. Starting with comfort features, we have smart lights and thermostats. Smart lights and thermostats are controlled using your phone to create the best atmosphere inside the house. Smart lights can also make the final look feel and look more cohesive.
Smart thermostats, on the other hand, are not only functional and look great, but they affect energy efficiency and bills. They use sensors to know which rooms to cool or warm depending on whether they are occupied or to set different temperatures for different rooms. They will also adjust heating and cooling when you are not home so that you save power when you are not, and your home is warm or cool enough when you come in.
Another comfort smart device is a USB wall outlet. These allow you to charge your phone without having to look for your charge as you only need a cable.
For smart home security, we have smart garages and blinds, both for security and privacy, and smart home systems. Smart home systems consist of cameras, sensors for doors and windows, outside motion sensors, and many more. They are a great option because they help keep your home safe whether you are home or not.
New Doors and Windows
Installing new doors and windows can be costly, but it is an important upgrade, especially when you consider security and the increased resale value of the home. Also, the type of windows you choose can have a significant effect on your energy bills.
A steel door for the entryway is a security consideration, but it also makes a statement to anyone who walks towards the home. As well as this, it makes the home more desirable to home buyers, making it a great investment. If you do not want to go with this option, there are also great fiberglass door options on the market. The good thing about these is that they come in lots of different designs so they can match your home’s exterior better.
Potential buyers and appraisers will notice the windows. The two main types of windows to consider are wood and vinyl windows. Wood is a great material but is susceptible to weather elements and pests. Vinyl, on the other hand, does not come with these challenges, which is why it is the material of choice for windows in modern homes.
Basement Upgrades
A finished basement gives you additional living or entertainment space while making the home more attractive to potential buyers. There are so many ways you can go about this, as you can turn the basement into an extra bedroom, living space, or entertainment area and the upgrades you add here will depend on the choice you make.
For a bedroom, you have to add a bed and some storage space. For the living area, you need to get furniture, rags, accessories, and decor, while for the entertainment area you should consider getting TVs, installing a sound system, adding some furniture and some cabinetry for all your entertainment accessories.
A home remodel project is not just about getting major things changed in the home, but it can also give you the opportunity to work on things that make the more comfortable and functional, while also increasing your home’s value. The upgrades you choose for the home will depend on your preferences, but the ones discussed above are great for most homes.
