3 Ways to Upgrade Your Home Before 2022
If you’re thinking about making some function and design changes in your home, there are several ways you can approach it. Taking on the smaller projects first is a great way to start gaining momentum. It’s not as intimidating as jumping right into a full remodel, especially if you have very little experience. Here are three ways that you can upgrade that might give you some direction.
1. Spruce Up Your Design Features
Dip your toe in the water with some aesthetic changes before diving right into the big stuff. Windows and doors can quickly date the exterior of a home. Update the front with a new door and replace the windows in the back with glass doors that open up the space and provide more light while providing better access to the backyard. Whether you have siding or brick, you can throw on a few coats of paint to modernize and change the entire look at very little expense.
There are almost unlimited upgrades you can make to the interior to make a significant change. Update the floors with a beautiful hardwood, or lay a new, clean tile in the bathroom. Change the wall color or even add a fun wallpaper. You can find removable wallpaper that can be replaced or changed with little effort.
Changing your kitchen makes a drastic difference. Upgrading your appliances can be expensive, but it changes the look and adds functionality. Something small, such as switching out the hardware on the cabinets, can actually make the difference between new and outdated.
2. Get Sustainable
Moving into 2022, sustainability is an important part of any building or remodeling project. There are several ways that you can upgrade your home to become more sustainable. For example, think about your water consumption. Getting a tankless water heater is a great way to conserve. They are compact and more easily installed than a tank. You can put them relatively anywhere in the house, and you’ll never run out of hot water.
Double-paned windows help conserve heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. If you live in an older home, you may notice that you have vintage windows with a single pain. Replacing them with double panes can help reduce your energy usage by up to 25 percent. An added bonus is that you will see a huge deduction in your bill as well.
Of course, going solar is the best upgrade you can make. Using solar energy significantly reduces your dependence on fossil fuels and results in massive savings. It may seem like a pricey upgrade, but keep in mind that you’ll save every month on energy usage as well.
3. Learn What’s Trending With Buyers
If you are thinking about selling your home, you’ll want to know what buyers are looking for before you start making changes. Here are just a few of the top features that are trending for 2022:
• lighting that enhances the front and back exterior,
• patio space in the backyard,
• a walk-in kitchen pantry,
• a full-sized bathroom on the main floor that is not connected to the master bedroom,
• a dedicated laundry room with organized space
• and hardwood floors in shared spaces.
You can also put some thought into designing a walk-in closet. Experienced buyers tend to prioritize closet space, and if you live in an older home, you may notice that it’s limited. Of course, you may not have the square footage to simply add a closet, but if you have more than two or three bedrooms, consider turning one of them into a large closet.
There are many things you can do to increase the value of your home. Add storage to the garage or put a large island in the kitchen for eat-in space. Dining rooms that are separate from the kitchen are also becoming popular again.
Before you start upgrading your home, ask yourself what you want or need that you don’t already have. If you have questions or are struggling to visualize the change, talk to a real estate expert. Don’t be afraid of a little change.
