Have Your Home Do What You Want

Are you planning your next upgrade for your house? Don’t only consider resale value when investing money into your home. Some upgrades and additions to homes should be for the benefit of the people living there. Besides, it’s your home, it should do and be what you want.

Get an Assist With a Lift

It may be surprising how much functionality a cargo lift can provide. Don’t say no again to that perfect piece of furniture because you cannot figure out how to get it up the stairs. No longer leave that pile of stuff in your entryway because it is daunting to haul load after load up to your attic. Give yourself the gift of convenience, and love your home more for it.

Make Your Home a Little Smarter

A few key smart devices can go a long way to increase the functionality of your home. Stop thinking about the temperature in your home; let your thermostat handle it. A smart thermostat can keep your home at the perfect temperature for any part of the day. Add digital door locks and a doorbell camera. The extra security and the complete control of who accesses your home can take one less worry off your plate.

Invest in Better Windows

If you haven’t thought about your windows, start thinking. The financial benefits of upgrading your windows for heating and cooling costs alone are reason enough to invest. When you consider the advances made in high impact windows and the increased safety to go along with it, there is no reason not to start shopping.

More upgrades can create an impact. Add soft closing hinges to your drawers and cabinets, and never cringe about slammed doors again. Invest in temperature control sheets for a better night’s sleep. Have a robot vacuum take over the task of keeping your floors clean. Even small changes can have a huge result. The key is to remember to make your home what you want.

Alternatives to Stairs

There may be many reasons why stairs are no longer convenient or accessible for you to use. Perhaps age or a medical condition means you can longer use stairs. Perhaps you transport many items that are too heavy or bulky to easily carry up and down stairs, such as furniture or garbage. You don’t have to give up your house just because you can no longer use the stairs. There are alternatives that allow you to remain in the home you love while also accommodating your needs. 

Residential Elevators

One option is installing an elevator or chair lift. While costly, this option usually increases the value of a multi-storied home and can add invaluable convenience. Compact elevators can be seamlessly integrated into a new or existing structure, and if needed can be fit into small, out of the way spaces. There are several different types of residential elevators to choose from to fit your specific needs. These are often a quiet, safe, and quick method of transportation between floors without having to change much about your current floor plan. 

Cargo Lifts

Many homes are being built or renovated as taller structures. Coastal areas are becoming more prone to storms and flooding every day, and taller structures usually mean extra stairs. Material lifts help increase the security and convenience of multi-story buildings and can add value to your property. Rather than navigating stairs with bulky items or with limited mobility, cargo lifts allow you to enjoy greater ease with a style that can easily be integrated into your existing aesthetic. 

Stairs don’t have to keep you from the home you love. There are alternatives such as residential elevators and material lifts that will allow you to avoid tricky stairs that hinder transport or limit mobility. Discover these alternatives to stairs that can be easily and attractively integrated into your home. 

How Can You Add Value to Your Home?

Whether you are planning to sell, or just want the space you are occupying to be more enjoyable, there are numerous ways to add value to your home. Many of the improvements will cost less than the increase in worth.

Painting

One of the least expensive ways to update your home and give it a fresh new look is to paint. This includes the interior and the exterior. Repaint peeling trim, shutters, and exterior doors. You will be surprised at the difference this can make to the curb appeal of your home. If you are selling your home, repaint interior walls with soft neutral colors. This is more appealing to potential buyers than your personal style. You may like red, but for someone trying to picture the home with their belongings, a neutral color will be a better choice.

Add Extra Living Space

Outdoor areas are a great place to enjoy spending time with family and friends, so naturally they are a great selling point. They can add the space you need without feeling crowded. Often when potential buyers look for a home, this is one of the features they feel is a must-have. People are once again beginning to see how many benefits outdoor space can provide. From cooking, entertaining, spending time with children and pets, and simply relaxing, gazebos such as the ones available at Gazebo Depot can be enjoyed almost year round.

Update Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are two areas of the home that make a huge difference to prospective buyers. Outdated appliances, dark cabinetry, tub enclosures, and worn flooring are all turn-offs when buyers tour your home. Give these two rooms a modern look by replacing the antiquated features. Don’t forget to consider the layout of your kitchen so the workspace is as convenient as possible.

Make sure your landscaping offers an invitation to the home. The grass should be trimmed as well as shrubs and trees. Pick up the clutter, add some flowers, put away children’s toys, and clean the walkway and porch, if you have one. Pride in ownership is often judged by first impressions.