When most homeowners consider remodeling, the first things that come to mind are kitchens, bathrooms and floors. These are the biggest projects that generally give a home a current look. They also come with a very large price tag and a long commitment to disruption in your home. In this article, I’d like to explore some other ideas that will make your home stand out, without spending as much time or money.
One of my favorite home improvement projects (especially if the front of your home and garage face the street) is a new front door and garage door. If the exterior of your home isn’t all that exciting, this is a great opportunity to spend a little bit more, to choose doors that make a statement and set your home apart. The same goes for exterior lighting on your house. Rather than looking for the most sensible, lowest cost lights with a current look, consider looking at the lights that are in a different price bracket but have so much style. Your project might cost a thousand or two more, but the end result will pay off.
Let’s follow the same train of thought, with respect to windows. Most of the time, when people decide to get new windows, they are looking for replacement windows that fit the openings where the current windows are. If your budget allows, I highly recommend picking at least one wall where you invest in more than just new windows. Instead, think of how much more dramatic and appealing the room might be with a much larger window, or perhaps the addition of extra windows. Not many people make these changes. However, the results can be stunning. I’ve often shown homes to buyers, where window improvements have been made, and the buyer is absolutely smitten with the house, but they don’t know why exactly. It’s the windows! Even the most basic house can suddenly feel extra special, with custom windows.
We’ve already talked about the front door; now let’s go inside. One of the fastest ways to refresh a “dated” home is to replace the interior doors with new ones. You’ll want to choose a very current look and consistent hardware, throughout the home. To get the most out of this improvement, it’s best to use the same style of door everywhere in the house. If new doors are out of your budget, take a look at your existing doors. Does the hardware match from door to door, or do you have an odd assortment of knobs and levers, in multiple colors? A fresh set of stylish, matching door hardware is well worth the investment.
If a full kitchen or bathroom remodel is out of budget, perhaps it’s time to consider simple updates to light fixtures, faucets & cabinet hardware. You’ll be amazed by what a big difference these small changes can make. Having old cabinets professionally painted can make an incredible difference, too, with a much smaller investment than replacement.
Whether you’re considering minor improvements, or a full remodel, consider spending a little extra to consult with an interior designer. This is a step that very few people take, however, the difference in the end result can be striking. Your designer can quickly make helpful suggestions, guide you towards appropriate color choices, sizing, furniture selection/placement and more. They are a wealth of information and experience…and they’ll let you know if one of your ideas might be a mistake. If you think about it, most homes that are sold in our local market involve the use of a stager (many of whom are interior designers), in order to create the best possible look and presentation of the home.
Every home is unique. If the thought of evaluating your options has you feeling overwhelmed, please feel free to reach out to me at 925- 964-5010 or via email at Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com for a custom analysis of your options. Even if you’re not planning to move, I’m happy to help by providing you with relevant data, enabling you to make a well informed decision. It’s never too early to start planning for success.
