If you’re expecting to receive a tax refund this year, it may be tempting to use the extra money for something fun. And while we have nothing against fun, why not put that extra money towards making your home more comfortable and valuable? You don’t have to spend a fortune to spruce up your home, either. Even a little extra cash can make several updates possible, like painting a room, updating hardware and fixtures, or adding a little curb appeal.
If you’re looking to improve your house and boost your equity, here are 8 home projects to consider.
1. Improve storage.
If your home lacks closet space and storage, the first step is to toss or donate items you no longer need or use. Then, invest in storage items to free up space in cabinets, drawers, closets, and so on to make those spaces you access often a little easier to navigate.
2. Upgrade your bed.
We spend a third of our lives sleeping. That’s a long time to toss and turn on an old or uncomfortable mattress. If you’re not getting the rest you need, consider purchasing a new mattress made for the way you sleep. While you’re at it, invest in luxurious new bedding, pillows, and blankets for a hotel-like atmosphere and a better night’s sleep.
3. Take care of your floors.
If you have carpets or area rugs in your home, go beyond regular vacuuming and treat them to a deep clean. You can either rent a carpet cleaner or hire a company to do it for you. Or perhaps it’s time to have your hardwood floors refinished, tile replaced or regrouted, or new flooring installed altogether.
4. Add faux ceiling beams.
If you long for the character and warmth post and beam construction delivers, you can achieve the look with realistic faux ceiling beams. Designed from lightweight, high-density polyurethane, they’re hard to tell apart from the real thing.
5. Add interest with wainscoting.
Wainscoting can do for your walls what beams do for your ceiling. Upgrade builder-grade interior walls with wainscoting to add a touch of classic elegance to a room. Available in a variety of preformed designs, wainscoting adds visual interest to instantly transform an otherwise plain wall.
6. Upgrade lighting.
Good lighting provides ambience and functionality. Swap out dated or builder basic lighting for pieces that have more style and personality. Consider task lighting over a kitchen island, a sconces on either side of a decorative mirror or piece of art, and motion sensor lighting to illuminate dark hallways, stairs, and even bathrooms at night.
7. Up the curb appeal.
If you have a small budget to work with, paint the front door, install a new mailbox, update your house numbers, and add some flowering plants to make the exterior of your home more welcoming. With a bit larger investment, paint the exterior, replace a drafty entry door, and hire a professional landscaper to overhaul your yard complete with new plantings, stone edging, and more.
8. Refresh your patio or deck.
Get your outdoor space ready for the warmer weather ahead by refreshing your existing deck or patio. After making sure it’s clean and sturdy, add new patio furniture, string lights for ambiance, an all-weather area rug, and a fire pit for those cooler nights.
Yet no matter the upgrades you make, your home will feel anything but comfortable and inviting this summer with a barely functioning central air system. Whether it’s annual preventive maintenance, repairs, or new system installation, you can count on Messmer Mechanical to do the job right, the first time. Call us today or any time for service you can count on.