Home Improvements That Can Really Change Your Home

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When your home is dated, it can be a place that you want to relax or host in. However, this is something that can be fixed. By making small changes, you can transform it into a space that you want to be in again and increase the value at the same time.

Some changes you can make yourself, while you’ll need professional help for others. Here are four ways that you can give your home the upgrade of your dreams.

Paint and Stain

A lick of paint can spruce up any room on a budget. Older cabinets, wooden floors, doors, trim, baseboards, ceilings, and walls can all be dramatically improved this way.

Chalk paint is an amazing way to add new style to dated cabinets, stairs, or interior doors, instead of using stain. It comes in a variety of colors, and is both water-based and has low VOCs meaning it’s eco-friendly and non-toxic. It’s also easy to DIY with chalk paint, as it’s quite forgiving.

Painting interior walls and staining hardwood fixtures and floors can be messy and time-consuming, but can really refresh a home, especially if you choose modern or light colors.

Cabinets and Countertops

If your cabinets are looking a bit worse for wear, it might be time to think about replacing them. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to completely rip them out. Changing the doors and drawer fronts is a viable alternative, so long as they are in good enough condition. You’ll be amazed at how much a simple change like replacing the pulls and handles with modern versions can change the look of a kitchen or bathroom.

If you want to do a gut job, expect to pay the following for new cabinets:

Countertop replacements are also a great option if you want a new look or your old ones are damaged or peeling. These vary in price depending on size and material, from costly marble or granite, to the less expensive laminate. Be sure to shop around and get the style that’s right for you and your budget.

Flooring

Flooring can make a massive difference to any home, particularly if it hasn’t been changed in a decade or two (or three or four!). Flooring can be expensive, ranging from $3 to $18 or more per square foot, so it’s a good idea to shop around.

Floors should match the aesthetic of the rest of the home, but function is also extremely important. For example, a room receives a lot of foot traffic may benefit from vinyl or laminate because of how durable and easy to clean it is. Carpet can be a good option for young families, but it also collects stains, dust and dander. Hardwoods are a costly flooring option but are long-lasting, energy-efficient, and a timeless design choice. Tile is another great water-resistant choice – perfect for a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen – with a wide range of price options.

Concrete pavers are now also beginning to be used in homes around the country. Traditionally only used outdoors, Peacock Pavers has turned this trend on its head by providing a range of affordable indoor options in various shapes, sizes and colors. Environmentally friendly, the architectural grade concrete is 100% recyclable and is seen as an alternative to natural stone that doesn’t need the heavy fuel use required in quarrying and transport.

Additions and Remodeling

If your home really requires a big change, then it may be time to consider a full remodel or addition. However, both of these projects are expensive and should only be considered after all other options have been evaluated.

Full remodels and additions are best handled by professionals, which can significantly drive up the costs. It’s best to asses your budget and consider whether selling your current home and buying a new one is a better choice.

Before you make any changes, you should research online. Look for contractors in your local area, decide on what type of improvements you want to make in what rooms, and request free quotes for any job you’re not comfortable doing yourself. This will help ensure that you don’t go over budget and end up with a home you love.