Four Practical and Aesthetic Home Renovations?
By: John Garcia | Date Posted: December 30, 2021
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Most people are not buying their dream home in America as prices soar. And while that means you may have to remodel in the beginning, it also allows you the opportunity to build your dream home with specialized renovations and perfect customization.
There are many certain areas in your home that will need maintenance and if you renovate it on time, you will be able to save a lot of money in the long term.
Many renovations are for aesthetic purposes, but there are also times when renovations are done for practical purposes. These are some renovations to consider for your fixer-upper that are both pretty and practical:
Practical and Aesthetic Home Renovations
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Replacing Carpet with Hardwood
Carpet is a common flooring material in older homes, and while it is generally inexpensive, it also has a short lifespan. Wood may be more expensive, but if well-taken care of, it may outlive your stay at your home. Seeing carpets in a dated home is common, and the presence of carpet itself seems to make homes look older.
This is a great renovation because wood substantially increases home value, looks better, and has a great return on time investment. Most importantly, wood requires minimal maintenance and will not need a replacement for a long time to come. Even if you replace the carpet now, you will have to change it after a few years and it will need a lot of cleaning and maintenance over the years.
Wood looks great in homes and is very easy to keep clean. Unlike carpet, wood does not trap dirt and debris and can be easily cleaned with a vacuum and mop. It is extremely durable as well as beautiful. Wood floors that are well taken care of will be the crown jewel of your home.
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Bathroom Filter
Depending on where you live, your water can be extremely harsh. Contaminants in showers and bathroom sinks are common, and these hard minerals include calcium and magnesium, both very harmful to human health in high quantities. Overexposure to these minerals can be detrimental to us as well as our skin, and hair, and sink in the long term. Hard water is notorious for causing limescale and buildup. Another common issue is hard water stains.
If your home is older, it is likely the home is not equipped to properly filter out high levels of asbestos, fluoride, and heavy metals, which can be common contaminants. A practical renovation would be installing a shower head filter and bathroom sink filter. Purified water has been scientifically proven to be better on your skin, hair, and body.
Contaminants such as rust particles and salts can cause severe health issues, especially for those with sensitive skin. If your filters are installed under the sink, your counter will remain clear and sleek. With a little plumbing, you can keep your family safe from contaminants. There is no aesthetic change to your bathroom as the entire unit can fit under the sink, and you can still remove contaminants from the water for your health.
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Remove Popcorn Ceilings
Nothing dates a home like having popcorn ceilings. This textured ceiling style became popular in the 1950s and has since horrified generations of homeowners. Popcorn ceilings were an inexpensive way to hide imperfections and muffle sounds, but this has become outdated with modern homes.
Popcorn ceilings are universally considered an undesirable trait in new homes, and the heavy texture can make it difficult to repaint and redecorate. Damaged areas will never look like the original, so it is also an ineffective long-term detail for a home. Popcorn ceilings are also notorious for being difficult to clean as they attract dust and other materials.
Older popcorn ceilings are also known to contain hazardous materials such as asbestos. It is a chemical that can lead to lung cancer and other lung diseases if inhaled in excess. It would be a good idea to hire professionals for the removal of popcorn ceilings. It will both make your home healthier (less dust and exposure to asbestos) and sleeker.
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Replace or Improve Windows
If your home is older, it is likely the windows are also older. Consider opting for newer energy-efficient windows. Windows are responsible for more than a quarter of temperature loss and gain in a home’s energy system. Older windows will often have cracks and look weathered. Cleaning them up and caulking everything will greatly improve the outer appearance of your home.
It will also help reduce heat loss or gain during the different seasons. You can also consider a weatherstrip, window coverings, and solar control film to increase energy efficiency. Adding exterior blinds can also add to the appeal, privacy, and energy regulation of a home.
If you think your windows are beyond saving, be sure to choose one that is both energy-efficient and pleasing to your home’s style. Choosing a pretty one is easy, but this list is about aesthetics and practicality. Narrow down your top choice in terms of appeal but be on the lookout for an Energy Star label.
These windows are more energy-efficient, and you can take an extra step by reviewing their energy performance label before making your selection.
Final Thoughts
These are 4 simple and efficient ways of making your home more functional and aesthetically pleasing. You will come across several other options to add aesthetics to your home but these are crucial for the long-term maintenance of the home. Set aside a budget and try to identify the areas that need maximum maintenance.
You do not have to do it all at once. Pick one area like windows and work on them this month, you can work on the ceiling after two months. This will allow you to make the most of the home renovation while sticking to the budget.
Once you have completed the renovation, you can add home decor elements easily like blinds and curtains on the window and chandeliers or pendant lights on the ceiling to make it attractive and classy.
Thank you for reading!
