Ranking among the top 10 US states in terms of healthcare, education, and crime and corrections, Connecticut truly is a wonderful place to live. And with the balanced local housing market, you’ve made a fantastic decision to buy your own home.
As a new homeowner, you must have many plans for the space, starting with making it your own by adding things that reflect your personality. However, you should use the blank slate before decorating and consider undertaking some home improvement projects.
Your Home Improvement Needs
Since Connecticut is one of the original 13 states, centuries-old houses are available in the local market. For such ‘antiques,’ you might need extensive repairs to update the place to modern standards. However, if your home was constructed within the last 60 years, you should be good to go with some work.
However, remember to fix a budget for your projects. After all, the last thing you want to do as a new homeowner is to press your finances further.
Now let’s look at some improvements you can make in your new home.
- External Renovations
The first thing people notice about a house is its external structure, such as the walls, the deck, and the roof. Therefore, starting your home improvement ventures from here makes the most sense. Inspect the external façade and structures carefully and identify any problem areas, such as cracked floors and leaky roofs. Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, keeping your home and belongings safe and protected from the elements. If your roof is damaged or worn, hire a reliable Roofer in CT to repair or replace it.
Also, it might not be financially feasible for you to take on all the external renovations simultaneously, so sort them in order of priority.
Some recommendations for your external renovations list are replacing the wooden deck with PVC and plywood, adding siding to the walls, and checking all the wirings.
These renovations will make your house safer and more functional and increase market value.
- Kitchen Remodel
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, so why not give it the upgrade it deserves?
Kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects among homeowners. A remodeled kitchen adds value to a home and enhances its functionality and style. Kitchen remodeling typically involves updating cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring. It can also include adding new lighting fixtures, changing the layout, or expanding the kitchen’s size. A well-designed kitchen can make cooking and entertaining easier and more enjoyable while providing a beautiful gathering space for family and friends. Whether a minor update or a complete overhaul, a kitchen remodeling project can transform a home’s look and feel.
- Wainscoting & Wall Paneling
Another home improvement project you should consider is adding wainscoting or wall paneling. If you’ve ever walked into a building and been blown away by the intricate wood paneling on the lower half of the walls, you know the effect of wainscoting. That wood accent around the perimeter of a room instantly gives off a cozy and luxe feel while also hiding problems such as water damage or repaired cracks.
While traditionally, wall paneling and wainscoting were considerably expensive due to their use of real cedar; you can tweak the project to fit your budget using vinyl or plywood. If you’re more into the wooden look, you can also opt for full wall paneling, where wooden panels cover the entire wall. The best part is that you won’t be able to tell the difference when you see the final result!
- Landscaping
The front and back yards are as important as the building itself for a house. Regardless of how perfect your house may be, an overgrown, unkept garden can damage the property value and give off a very negative first impression to others. Hence, a landscaping project may be fantastic while you’re on your home improvement mission.
Yard work may require physical labor, but it can be therapeutic and a great bonding exercise for your family. Mowing the lawn, trimming the bushes, and repairing the fences are simple tasks you can easily work on yourself. However, if you have something bigger in mind, such as installing a pool or building a rock garden, you should seek professional assistance from a landscape architect.
- A Bump-Out Addition
A bump-out addition is a small addition to a house that increases the total area of the house but doesn’t qualify as a full-room addition. It is a great way to add some extra space and drive up the property value without taking on the complexities of building an additional room or wing.
Most bump-outs are added for small functions such as building a walk-in closet or an additional bathroom. However, if you have enough space to add, you can build a fully functional single bedroom, home office, or even a sunroom out of a bump-out addition.
Since a bump-out addition requires proper construction, you must hire a contractor for this project to build the addition as per your requirements.
- Upgrade the Lightening
Upgrading the lighting can be a simple yet effective way to enhance the look and feel of your new home. Old, outdated light fixtures can make a room look dull and uninviting, while new lighting can provide a fresh, modern feel.
Consider replacing your existing fixtures with ones that match your style and complement your home’s decor. You can also install dimmer switches in your main living spaces to create a cozy atmosphere or add task lighting in areas that need more focused illumination, such as above your kitchen sink or in your home office.
Upgrading your lighting can improve your space’s functionality and create a warm and inviting ambiance.
Final Words
These are just a few home improvement ideas for your new home. As you get settled in, take the time to evaluate your space and identify areas that could use a little extra attention. With some careful planning and a little creativity, you can transform your new home into the living space of your dreams.
