If you’re like many people, you probably want to buy a new house, but that may not be an option financially right now. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do if you’re tired of your same old space.
If you look around the inside and the outside of your home, you’ll probably find that there are a few things that need to be updated. This simple act is the first step you can take if you want to completely transform your home.
Here are a few home improvement projects that you can tackle (or call a professional) to transform both the inside and outside of your home, from top to bottom.
Interior Improvements
Finish a Room
Many people would love to add another room to their home, but this can be a costly project. Instead, consider finishing a space that’s already present within your home. This is usually a basement, but garages and attics can be finished too. You can convert this space into another bedroom, an office/den, or even an entire living space.
Update Lighting Fixtures
New lighting is a simple, yet effective way to give your home a new look. If you have an older house, it’s likely that your lighting fixtures reflect that, so consider a different style of lighting for all the rooms in your home.
Paint the Walls
Another simple, yet effective way to transform your home is by painting your walls. With so many interior decor styles, there are an endless amount of color schemes to choose from. From two-tones walls, to monochromatics, to accent walls, there are several ways to transform the rooms in your home.
Update the Flooring
Every room in your home has a floor, and every room can have a different type of flooring— or you can utilize the same type of flooring throughout the house. Vinyl flooring is the best option if you want to go that route, because it’s waterproof enough for the kitchen and bathrooms, and also comes in many different styles for the rest of your home. You can also choose from:
- Hardwood floors (best for high-traffic areas and low-humidity climates)
- Carpet (best for low-traffic areas)
- Tile flooring (best for bathrooms and kitchens)
- Laminate (a great alternative to hardwood)
Other Cosmetic Changes
Some of the most common transformations occur in the kitchen and bathroom. New countertops and cabinetry in the kitchen, and a new vanity and shower in your bathroom can really make a difference.
Exterior Improvements
New Roof
The majority of roofs are made of asphalt shingles, and this type of roof needs to be replaced every 15-30. If you’ve been living in your home this long or if your home is older, it may be time to replace the roof— especially if there are obvious signs, such as a leaky roof or missing shingles. When replacing your roof, you can opt for a different color, or even a different material to give your house a new look.
New Siding
Under the best possible conditions, vinyl siding on your home can last up to 40 years. However, the best conditions don’t always happen (i.e., weather conditions), so siding should be replaced every 10-20 years.
New Garage Door
Garage doors also need to be replaced (usually around 15-30 years with proper maintenance), and this can be an opportunity to choose a new garage door style. Look into getting a new garage door if your door has difficulty opening and closing, or if there’s obvious signs of damage.
New Paint Job
Just like paint can make the interior of your home look new, it can make the exterior look like a completely different house. On the other hand, sometimes homes don’t need a new coat of paint as much as they need a good power wash. Signs of needing a new paint job include bubbling, chipped, cracking, or faded, flaking paint.
Basic Lawn Care
Transforming your yard can also make your home feel new. First, make sure that you’re taking care of your lawn by doing the basics, such as watering and mowing. Next, you can plant flowers and small trees in both your front and backyards to enhance your curb appeal. If you don’t think you have a green thumb, you can always seek the help of a local lawn service.
Realistically, not all of these projects can’t be done at once. Start with basic lawn care and the projects that are most desperately needed, such as a new roof. Gradually, your “new” home will start to come together, and remember that even the smallest changes can transform a space.