Upgrades To Make A Humdrum House A Happy Home

When you move into a new house, it takes time before these new walls become a home. But, there are many things that you can do to expedite the settling-in process. From small tweaks to improve your family’s health and enjoyment to affordable alterations that make your house more usable, you have plenty of options. 

For Your Enjoyment

Above everything, your home should make your family feel safe, comfortable, and cozy. A few ways that you can improve the usability and function of your new house include:

• Add a water softener/purifier. Dry skin, brittle hair, and an overall poor bathing experience are all signs of hard, unconditioned water. Other issues, which Future Techs Water can help diagnose, include water that smells like bleach, rotten eggs, or sewage. Adding a home filtration system can make your water more suited to your needs. As an added perk, using conditioned water can help extend the life of your hot water heater, dishwasher, and other water-using appliances.
• Upgrade the HVAC. If you have rooms in your home that don’t feel cool in the summer and warm in the winter, your HVAC units may either be going out or are simply not large enough for your home’s size. According to Trane, a 1000 square-foot house requires a unit between 18,000 and 21000 BTUs (British Thermal Units). Since the HVAC is a major system, you may even find that adding a new one boosts your home’s value (more on that in a minute).
• Let in the light. Natural light is crucial to the overall use and enjoyment of your home. Not only does having plenty of windows save on energy costs, but you’re also likely more productive and energetic when the sun shines down upon you. And, if you work from home, you’ll want to have plenty of natural light while you work on your computer to keep headaches at bay. Consider adding a skylight or extra windows or a glass door to the darkest rooms of your home.
• Design a home office. More people are working and learning from home these days, but if your environment simply isn't conducive to focus, make changes to help you reach your goals whether you’re starting a home business or going back to school for an advanced degree. Your home office should be clutter-free, be located away from distractions, and feature an ergonomic desk and chair.

Visually Valuable

The upgrades to your home listed above change its functionality. Now, let’s take a look at a few that will simply improve your visual environment. Keep in mind that all upgrades have the power to increase your home’s value, but you will need to know what’s in demand if you plan to sell within the next year. Before you make any changes, take photos and keep receipts so you can justify a higher selling price. Now, grab your toolbelt for these quick projects:

• Paint. There is nothing that updates a home faster than a coat of paint. Choose your colors and finishes wisely as these determine the overall ambiance of the room. Most experts recommend satin paint in the living room.
• Change the flooring. While flooring certainly lends to functionality, there’s also a huge visual element. One suggestion here is to add peel-and-stick tile flooring to the basement or the garage. The Home Depot asserts that this is a relatively easy procedure, and notes that you can use basic tools and materials, such as scissors and tile adhesive, for installation.
• Rearrange. Rearranging your furniture is quick and easy, and, if you choose to paint your rooms, the combination of color and the new layout will make your home feel completely different. Start by defining the focal point of your room (although there is nothing wrong with an off-center layout) and then strategically place your furniture so that the room is ideal for its intended use. For example, your couch and chairs should have an unobstructed view of the television.

There are many ways to make a house a home. From improvements that boost your comfort to those that enhance the visual environment, you have virtually unlimited options. Start with those that lend the most value to you and your family and don’t be afraid to experiment as your creative juices start flowing. 

For custom additions, renovovations, and remodeling projects, work with the Rose Building Contractors team. 727-596-2390