You’ll more than make your money back with a loft conversion, too, but it’s not quite as lucrative as other means of extending because of the costs involved. You’ll need to add some windows and a staircase, too, which can rob you of space elsewhere. Perhaps fitting a new kitchen or bathroom, or creating extra living space? For most of us, renovation means modernising our home, adding more “functionality” to it or increasing its value. Usually, we’re more preoccupied with finishes and fittings than the things we can’t see. But the hidden elements of a renovation are well worth our attention.
- There is then blocking between joists at the grade beam.
- You don’t have to go big when it comes to kitchen projects.
- Miss the studs and you’ll be pulling out more than the bars when you put your weight on them.
- The vent runs up through the house and out the roof, or out the side of the house and up to the eaves.
- Redesigning your front yard can completely change the feel of your house.
Smartify your locks.Create a smart lock for your door, so you never have to leave keys for the housekeeper. Control it from your phone and assign access “keys” to anyone you please. Splurge in the bathroom.Treat yourself to pretty guest-size soaps, so your soap dish always looks fresh. Dine better.Replace a big dining table that you never use with a more intimate 36- to 48-inch round version. Keep it — it’ll feel special, even if you’re just ordering Thai takeout.
#7 This Old House
So next time you renovate your home, take time to look at what’s behind the walls. Improving the things you can’t see could be even more valuable than just making the place look better. No one likes being disturbed by someone else’s music or TV. Yet modern life involves enjoying high-quality audio from increasingly sophisticated sound systems. Add good acoustic insulation when you renovate, and it’s easier to have peace and quiet in one part of the house when there’s noise in another.
Maximum Value Mechanical Projects: Water Systems
Overhead pot racks can hold your bulky kitchen items right where you need them while making a rustic design statement in your home. Removing the doors only takes an afternoon and a few basic tools. It’ll cost you little to nothing beyond the cost of paint and caulk. If your bathroom is small, chances are it feels even more cramped with an opaque shower door and enclosure. Swap this out for a crystal-clear shower door to open up the room and make it feel bigger.
A cash-out refinance is a low-cost way to make home improvements when you don’t have the money on hand. Refinancing can be a good way to borrow a lot of money at once, which means expensive renovations are in reach and won’t take much from your monthly budget. Taking down a wall between the kitchen, living room, or dining room can expand your entertaining area, and make the footprint feel larger while you’re not actually adding square footage. However, to remove a wall safely, it needs to be non-load-bearing, meaning a wall that isn’t integral to the structure of your home. You can hang a mirror just about anywhere, but it’ll be most effective facing opposite a window to reflect the outdoors and sunlight. When you’re hanging a heavy mirror, be careful to use anchors, cleats, or picture wires to ensure it’s properly installed in the wall.