BLOG: What is 'New' with your 'Old' Home?

Say goodbye to cabin fever at last! We can finally spend time outdoors to complete a variety of tasks and pleasures now that the season has officially changed.

Take in the new spring wonders as you gaze outward and ahead. But then you turn around and eventually have to work your way back into your home. Huh, not so springy anymore?

This happens to all of us. We become complacent with our shell of a home. Carpet gets worn, furniture shows nicks, kitchens become dingy. Despite contradictory blurbs from naysayers, owning a home is still the best long-term investment a person or family can make.  What to do about it?

Some ideas are quick, easy and do not require a ton of money…

• Update lighting fixtures, inside and out. A new “Welcome Home”.
• Update your paint colors, even if it means to simplify the palette and carry over the same color into the adjacent rooms. Less visual distractions= more harmony.
• Update bathroom/ powder room accessories and fixtures.
• Change out or add new area rugs, pillows and accent artwork. If you still love your existing pieces, save them for a next season re-make over.
• De-Clutter! You probably have amazing pieces already but you just cannot appreciate them. Have a yard sale. Offer free coffee, invite your neighbors to have a yard sale as well and make a block-party day of it!
• Update your kitchen faucet and cabinetry hardware. Easy as shiny new pie.

Then there are the larger projects that are staring you in the eyes with intense desire to be started. You know the ones… outdated furniture, naked windows, dire need for built-in storage, a desperately needed kitchen or master bathroom update. Yes, it is time to remove the gold speckley tile, blue geese themes and dark brown wall paneling!

What can you do to add value to your home…

• Finish existing spaces to add value. Convert the attic (or a portion of the attic) into more living space. Seal up the basement and make a den, kid zone or office.
• Add a modest addition to your home to expand a desperate space. I am not talking monster additions that will eat your existing home. Something that is appropriately sized to the age and character of your home. Even 200 sft will give you breathing room! (No theatre rooms required)
• Go for custom on the things that count! You can easily tell what is retail bought when you walk into track homes or flipped homes for sale on the market now. And the thought that runs through everyone’s mind is how ‘cheap” it looks and how it will have to be replaced. Custom adds value and fits the space like a silky new glove. And lasts longer $
• You are an adult now. Go ahead and get the big girl sofa! Investing in quality furniture not only lasts longer, but has a frame that can stand up to years of use while only needing re-upholstery. A less expensive and Eco-friendly option to new sofas every 5 years or so.
• Kitchens and bathroom are still the best investment for updates out in the world today. They are the most heavily used rooms in the house. This is notthe place to skimp on planning, materials or installation. You know how a bad kitchen works? It doesn’t.
• Don’t forget your exterior as well. Go beyond spring clean-ups and invest in small projects that will allow you to use your deck or porch as an extension to your living space. You paid for it after all.

Using a professional will require you to spend more time planning and less time building (that saves $$$). And it doesn’t cost anything to ask a few questions. It makes sense to keep that home in top working order and, at least, like it belongs in this decade!

Oh, and remember to support your local businesses first.