Home Improvement Resolutions for the New Year
As the year winds down, you’ve probably put some thought into what new year’s resolutions you want to make for 2020.
Maybe you want to lose weight, save money or spend more time with family and friends. But what about your home? Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home or just want to improve the place that you spend most of your time, we’ve created a list of the best home improvement resolutions you can make for the new year.
Bathroom Remodel
This year, start your home improvement resolutions by transforming your bathroom into a haven where you can wind down after a long day or wake yourself up in the morning to get ready for work.
The easiest way to change the look and feel of your bathroom is to install new lighting. If you have a vanity area, attach vanity lights to the mirror to create an old-Hollywood-glam vibe. Try installing a dimmer for your bathroom lights to increase the variability you have in lighting. This can ensure that you have enough bright lighting in the morning to get ready, but you are also able to dim the lights and set the mood at night for a calming bath or steamy shower.
If you want to go all-out with your bathroom remodel, consider renovating your shower. Add a bench or shelving to the walls or upgrade the glass to a frameless or frosted look. You can get more ideas from this HGTV Shower Remodel Gallery for inspiration. A Galaxy Lending Group loan officer can help you learn how your bathroom remodel can add value to your home, giving you more equity.
Kitchen Refresh
If you’re looking to add value to your home, the kitchen is one of the best places to start. While a full-blown kitchen remodel can be a steep investment, you can make smaller changes and still refresh the overall feel of your kitchen.
The quickest way to transform the look and feel of your kitchen is to paint the cabinets. If you have dark wood right now, try bright white or light gray cabinets to open up the room and make it feel brighter. If you have lighter cabinets, staining them dark can help to bring some depth and dimension to the room.
Consider updating the backsplash or sink in your kitchen as well. Backsplash tiles come in all sorts of finishes and colors, so retiling your backsplash could give your kitchen a completely new feel. The same goes for a staple in any kitchen: the sink. Try swapping the standard sink your house came with for a statement-worthy farmhouse sink. You can also simply change the sink head to make doing dishes easier, with different splash settings or a retractable head.
Up Your Curb Appeal
If you’re gearing up to sell your home this year, consider adding some upgrades to the outside of your house to increase the curb appeal and get a higher value for your home. Change your front door to instantly enhance your home’s appearance and with so many options, this simple job can give your home an entirely new look. A recent study done by Therma-Tru found that upgrading the front door of a house can increase the perceived value by up to 4.2%.
Another way to increase your home’s value and curb appeal is to add new siding. There are a variety of options, from vinyl to wood to fiberglass, so you’ll be able to find something that suits both your taste and budget. Find a trusted contractor to help you narrow down the options based on your budget, design aesthetic and important features.
Don’t forget about the backyard! Adding a pool can seriously add to the value of your home, plus provide lots of fun memories for your family, especially in Arizona when the weather is beautiful almost year-round. If a pool isn’t your style or you already have one, change up your landscaping. Add some fruit trees, install a firepit or create a backyard barbecue area perfect for family get-togethers. The possibilities are endless!
Eco-Friendly Upgrades
If your new year’s resolution is to be more sustainable, kick that off with some upgrades that can improve your carbon footprint. Swap the light bulbs in all your light fixtures to LED bulbs, which are safer and last longer in addition to being more energy-efficient. A larger step you can take is to replace old appliances with new, energy-efficient alternatives. You can also update any inefficient windows to prevent drafty rooms and escaping energy. Any windows with the Energy Star label can cut your energy bills by up to $340 per year. While these may be an investment up front, they will save you money in the long run by lowering your utility bills.
There are many resolutions you can make in the new year, so try to include a few home improvement ones that allow you to make your home the best that it can be. For the bigger projects, let Galaxy Lending Group help you secure the money through a home construction loan or by refinancing your home. No matter how big your home renovation dreams are, Galaxy can help you make them come true.
