If you’ve just moved into a property, it can sometimes feel more like a vacation property than a home. Yes, it’s nice to be able to move in and immediately have a functional house, especially if you have children. But sometimes there are benefits to moving into a property that needs some work.
You might be able to save money and get the house you want for less if it needs additional work. But most importantly, you are able to truly put your stamp on the property. When you add improvements, you’re not just trying to make the house functional and attractive. You’re trying to turn it into your home.
Extensions
One brilliant way to completely change how a house feels and functions is to add an extension. If you have a lot of exterior space but not quite enough interior space, this is a great option. You can also add an extension if your family grows and you don’t want to move to a larger house.
There are a few different ways to extend your home, all depending on the property and your needs. The simplest options are loft, basement, and garage conversions. Essentially, you use space that’s already in your property for a different purpose. This can provide a new bedroom, a playroom, an office space, or anything else you might need.
Another option is to put an extension on the side of the house. This provides a lot of options, depending on the size of the extension and how much space you have in your backyard.
An extension can simply be an extension of a room, or you could add something like a conservatory to add more light and space. An extension can also be a way to add a new room to your property or, if it’s a double storey extension, two rooms.
Finally, another way to add more space to your property is with a garden room or summer house. These are structures that are away from the house itself. Smaller garden rooms make great offices or workshops, but you can do a lot with them. Maybe you want a home gym. Or, if you have more space, you could create a guest house with a bedroom and kitchenette, which is perfect for visitors or residents who want a bit more privacy and autonomy.
Doors and Windows
The doors and windows of your property add a surprising amount of personality. They’re one of the first things people notice when they enter your property. If you want to put your own stamp on your home, this is a great place to start.
There are also practical considerations as well. Older doors and windows are poor insulators and, especially during the winter months, you might notice cold drafts and even creepy crawlies finding their way into your home. They’re also less secure than newer doors and windows.
One option is to simply replace the doors and windows without changing much, although you can add some interesting colors to make your property stand out. But what else could you do?
If you want to add more light to your property, energy-efficient sliding doors are a great option. They act as large windows when they’re not in use, letting plenty of light in while keeping the heat where it needs to be. But you can also use them for easy access to your backyard as and when you want to.property, especially if your chimney runs through the center of the building.
The fuel used for fireplaces can be cheaper than its equivalent cost in electricity or gas, especially if you have an efficient design like a log burner. If you only really need to heat a small section of your house, this is also a great way to do it.
Another compelling reason to get a fireplace is so that you aren’t completely relying on electricity. Blackouts are unpleasant at any time of the year, but in the winter, you’re left to deal with cold temperatures without any heating. A fireplace provides another heating option for your family so you can stay warm, cozy, and safe. Even better, you can cook on some log burners as they have a stove built in, so even long blackouts don’t have to be too terrible.
A Lick of Paint
So far we’ve looked at some fairly significant home improvements, but there are some jobs that can make a huge amount of difference with a relatively small amount of work. This is where your decorating skills come in handy.
While you can hire decorators to add paint or wallpaper, it’s not necessary. If you have the paint, the tools, and a little bit of artistic skill, you can generally decorate your home yourself. This can save a huge amount of money and all you need next is a free weekend to work on your property.
If you’re selling a property, the best option is often to go for a neutral design theme. This makes your property look presentable and appealing to everyone, while also acting as a blank slate so people can think about their own designs.
But we’re talking about putting your stamp on your home, so why not consider more interesting design choices?
The joy of decorating your home is being able to create something that matches your style and personality, not necessarily following any trends. If you like a trend, great. If not, don’t bother with it.
However, there are some benefits to paying attention to decorating trends. After all, if you want some inspiration, you can research different decorating conventions over the years. You could design a throw-back house that touches on older styles but with some modern conventions thrown in. Or you might like an uber-modern sleek design.
The most important thing is that your house feels like a home for your family so that it matches your needs and your wants.
