Your home has seen you through just about every major life event – marriage, children, job loss, promotions, and so on. And now the kids are grown and living on their own and you’re left with a lot of fond memories, and probably more space than you know what to do with. The truth is, your current home may not be what you need as you prepare to embrace this next season of your life. But it can be.
If you’ve been dreaming of making changes to your kid-free home but didn’t know where to start, here are 6 tips to get you on your way.
- Set a realistic budget. Whether a whole-house renovation or just a one-room facelift, decide what you’re willing and able to spend on the project. Don’t forget to include a contingency fund for all those little surprises you’re bound to encounter. If planning a major remodel, get recommendations from family and friends who have completed similar projects. Also a few make sure you’re comparing apples to apples when it comes to contractor quotes. For example, who pulls permits if needed? Do they work with team of electricians, HVAC technicians, and painters or are you responsible for hiring your own?
- Tackle problem areas first. That finished basement will be less-than inviting if you don’t take care of the dampness or leaky windows once and for all. Repair any underlying problems with your home first to make it a safer, more energy-efficient, and comfortable place to be.
- Plan for the future. You might be spry and agile now, moving about your home with ease, but what about 20 years from now? Consider upgrades that make your home more accessible, like a walk-in shower, comfort-height toilets, lower cabinet drawers instead of doors, and lever door handles instead of knobs.
- Rethink layout and function. Don’t be afraid to rethink how you use the various areas in your home. Transform one bay of your three car garage into a climate-controlled hobby or workspace. Turn a now-empty adjoining bedroom into a walk-in closet or large master bath. Or give the former play or rec room a grown up, sophisticated facelift complete with a large screen TV, theater-style seating, and bar area.
- Invest in quality. When selecting new furniture, accessories, appliances, flooring, and cabinets buy the best you can afford. Choose materials that will stand the test of time, both in terms of quality and aesthetics. You can now enjoy pieces that deliver both form and function.
- Don’t downsize too much. If you want the kids to come back and visit, you’ll need a comfortable place for them to stay. While an air mattress may do the trick in a pinch, a sleeper sofa, daybed with trundle, or a murphy bed not only look better when not in use, they’ll deliver a better nights’ sleep.
Will your existing heating and cooling systems be able to deliver uninterrupted indoor comfort in your newly renovated space? At Air Professional Associates, we can manage all your heating, air conditioning, and air quality needs, including new system installation, maintenance, and emergency repairs. Contact us today to learn more.https://www.airprofs.com/contact-us/request-service-or-quote/