What to Consider Before Renovating Your Home

What to Consider Before Renovating Your Home

The following contribution is from another author.

Some people do not decide to renovate their homes simply because they suddenly feel like it. On the contrary, a pressing need usually necessitates every home remodeling project. This makes sense because it is not cheap, and the home improvement market is expected to exceed $500 billion in the next six years. And it takes a great deal of planning and careful assessment to get things right. Below are some vital considerations to make.

Plan for future living arrangements

There are different life stages, which may also require changing your living conditions. According to a Value Penguin report, the longest period a homeowner lives in a purchased property is 13.3 years. During that time, a homeowner’s personal needs and expectations may change, making it essential to reconsider their current living arrangements. For example, if a young homeowner lived in a two-bedroom house for thirteen years, renovation may be considered if they started a family along the way. As the family expands, thinking about the additional space needed to improve living conditions becomes vital. 

If the property can be extended and the owner has no plans of moving out, renovation becomes a solution. This can only work if the house has enough space to allow a rear, side, or front extension. Apart from creating additional rooms, you may have to put in one or two more bathrooms to improve the living arrangements of all household occupants. For many older homeowners, the thirteen-year period may have some dicey situations. For example, a renovation may not be on the table if kids are grown and have moved out of the nest. This usually applies to big-family homes, not small or moderate ones. There may also be health issues that hinder mobility. If that happens, a few renovations would be required to increase safety and convenience.

Aesthetic Considerations for Exterior Renovation

When envisioning a home renovation, it’s crucial to extend your focus beyond interior upgrades and consider the outer wall design for a polished and cohesive look. While the allure of chic interiors is undeniable, neglecting the exterior can undermine the overall aesthetic impact. One notable option to elevate your home’s exterior is stone cladding, providing a timeless and sophisticated appearance. Stone cladding not only adds texture but also ensures durability, making it an excellent investment for long-term visual appeal.

For a more versatile and cost-effective alternative, consider exploring the realm of brick veneers. The selection of brick veneer will give you the chance to explore options that align with your preferences, allowing for creative expressions in design.

If you seek a modern and industrial touch, the combination of metal and wood can be the best choice. This duo provides a contemporary yet warm appeal, offering a visually striking contrast. Metal elements bring a sleek, urban edge, while wood introduces a touch of natural warmth, resulting in a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition.

In the pursuit of a tidy and aesthetically pleasing exterior, these considerations for outer wall design can significantly contribute to the overall impact of your home renovation. Whether you opt for the timeless allure of stone cladding, the versatility of brick veneers, or the dynamic pairing of metal and wood, each choice adds a distinct layer of character to your home’s facade, ensuring a well-rounded and visually appealing transformation.

Make functionality a vital element in the renovation

A home that maximizes space and is suitable for all age groups and lifestyles may be described as functional. And building experts say that this feature must mark every home renovation. Missing this vital element can make living in your home uncomfortable, inconvenient, and sometimes more expensive. Because needs and preferences change over time, your renovation must be overseen by an experienced contractor who understands what should be done. Some common ways to incorporate functionality into your renovation are to create storage space and multipurpose rooms. Design continuity is also very relevant in creating a functional home. 

For instance, a well-designed patio entrance will do if your focus is to create a smooth transition from the outdoors to indoors. A ‘sliding patio doors near me’ search on Google will reveal the available options to use for your renovation. Your floor layout must also be functional and long-lasting. Sometimes, people embark on renovation projects because they need more functionality in the home. It is not entirely about aesthetics because beauty can’t be truly appreciated without function. The physical appeal may draw potential buyers to the property in the future when you decide to sell. However, the deciding factor will depend on functionality and how that ties into living in a safe abode.

Install smart home technology 

The world is in a technological age, and many people have bought into the idea of creating smart homes. If you are renovating sometime in the future, this will be a great addition to your home. Smart home technology will improve comfort, convenience, and security. Essentially, it will make your house an ideal place to live for many years. A few of these home automation systems may have to be built into your walls, making the renovation period the perfect time to do so.

Do not compromise on quality and sustainable fixtures

A substandard home fixture will bring you more problems. And even though they may be cheap, the actual cost is hidden in the repairs you will have to do later. Your home is a major investment, and when you must renovate, there is no argument about relying on quality materials and methods. Therefore, your windows, wall paneling, built-in cabinets, doors, and other fixtures must be carefully selected. Quality does not always mean buying your materials brand new. Sometimes, you can find quality materials from salvage yards. This also applies when hiring contractors for your project: ensure they are credible, with years of experience and a positive track record.

A home renovation is not a project to rush through. Therefore, it would be best to consider what works for you going into the future.

Author

Eric is the creator of At Home in the Future and has been a passionate fan of the future since he was seven. He's a web developer by trade, and serves as the Director of Communication and Technology for a large church in Nashville, TN (where he and his family are building a high tech home in the woods).