- Home renovation requires careful planning, prioritizing areas needing attention, and setting realistic timelines.
- Considering open-concept living by knocking down walls can make your home more spacious and functional.
- Painting and upgrading key rooms like the kitchen and bathroom can drastically transform and increase the value of your home.
- Incorporating your unique style, customizing furniture, and optimizing lighting can make your space feel personal and cozy.
- Patience is vital when renovating a fixer-upper, but your dream home will take shape with the right plan and ideas.
In July 2023, existing home sales in the United States experienced a 2.2 percent decline compared to the previous month, reaching an annualized rate of 4.07 million units. Even though many people buy new homes, some prefer fixer-uppers since they are cheaper than newly-built homes.
If you purchased a fixer-upper, you may consider transforming it into your dream home. Renovating a fixer-upper can be exciting and daunting, but you can turn your home into a brand-new space with the right tips and ideas.
This post will explore great ways to enhance and make your newly purchased home your own.
Plan and Prioritize
Before you start any type of home renovation, it’s essential to have a plan. Decide which areas of your home need the most attention and prioritize them. It’s essential to complete the most necessary renovations first to ensure your home stays habitable while you complete the renovation work.
Realistic Goals
Make sure to set yourself realistic goals and timelines. If you’re tackling the project alone, starting small and making your way up is a good idea. Take measurements of each room and plan out your space for furniture or décor. Don’t forget to research local building codes and permit requirements as well!
Consider Knocking Down Walls
Many older homes have separate spaces for each room, creating an outdated and less functional look. If possible, consider knocking down some walls to create an open-concept space. This renovation transforms your home, making it more spacious, brighter, and functional.
Work with Professionals
It’s essential to make sure that you consult a professional contractor or builder before starting any major projects, such as knocking down walls. It’s also crucial to get the proper permits and inspections when necessary.
Dispose of Waste Properly
When renovating a fixer-upper, you will likely have plenty of debris to get rid of. Be sure to dispose of your waste properly using recycling bins and hire a junk removal service if needed. You can also look for a company offering a durable residential dumpster for rent. The dumpster allows you to dispose of garbage without going to the city dump every day.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most effective ways to transform a space quickly. Consider incorporating your unique style and personality into the colors you choose. You can create an accent wall, incorporate bold prints, or even add wallpaper for texture.
Choose the Right Type of Paint
Selecting the right type of paint is essential when freshening up your fixer-upper. Consider semi-gloss or gloss paint for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, as they are easy to clean and resist moisture. Flat or eggshell finishes offer a more subtle and cozy feel for bedrooms and living rooms.
Upgrade your Kitchen and Bathroom
Kitchen and bathroom renovations are typically the most expensive but provide the most significant return on investment (ROI). Consider upgrading your countertops, cabinets, backsplash, and appliances in the kitchen. Upgrade your sink, faucet, toilet, and shower surround for the bathroom.
Plumbing and Wiring
Additionally, consider replacing old wiring or plumbing with more modern options if your home is older. Upgrading to newer materials and fixtures can not only add value to your home but it can also help make your home safer and more efficient.
Incorporate Your Unique Style
The best part about renovating your home is adding your unique style. Add decor and furniture that speaks to your personality and compliments your space. Consider accent rugs, nested tables, throw pillows or cushions, curtains, and wall art. These more minor design elements can transform your home from ordinary to extraordinary.
Customize your Furniture
Apart from buying new pieces, consider customizing your existing furniture. A fresh coat of paint on a vintage chair or changing the upholstery of your old couch can do wonders. DIY decor elements are not just cost-effective, but they also add a personal touch that’s hard to replicate.
Lighting Matters
Lighting plays a significant role in setting the mood of your interior space. You can bring your unique style by choosing distinctive light fixtures, table lamps, or floor lamps. Adjustable lighting options let you control the ambiance according to different times and moods.
Transforming a fixer-upper into your dream home can feel overwhelming at first. But it is entirely achievable with some planning, creativity, and patience. There is no need to break the bank; start small, but make a plan and consistently improve until you have the home of your dreams. Knock down walls, add a fresh coat of paint, renovate your kitchen and bathroom, make your home your own, and enjoy this exciting endeavor. Remember, great things take time, so be patient, and you’ll get there eventually.
