Going through the home improvement project can be exciting if it turns out as you planned. Well, no one starts home renovation out of the blue as it consumes resources. Nonetheless, to make it successful, you need to cater to prerequisites. For instance, an improvement project is not about the colors, paints, and small-scale fixtures that you can do yourself. It can be more complex, costly, time-taking, and caution-demanding than you anticipated. 

Therefore, before anything else, take on board your family members and their requirements. You should also measure if your budget capacity aligns with the project’s scope. Ponder over unpredictable changes with time, and how will you adjust your budget and time? Until you are cautious and detailed about the entire project, you cannot predict successful results. And in this regard, no one can suggest you better than the field experts, including construction workers and architects. Your end product will fulfill your satisfaction if you address all possible factors and seek timely assistance. Thus, before kick-starting the project, start from the basics.

Below we’ll discuss a few things you should handle before going with the home improvement project.

1. Store possessions in a safe location

Renovation activities can disturb the setting of your home, even if they have a limited scope. Activities like plastering, cementing, painting, and dusting can stain or damage your furniture, floor, and other valuable items if you leave them uncovered. More than that, you cannot leave your valuable possessions unguarded when construction workers are inside your home.

In that case, you should secure your valuables in a safe place before starting construction work. If it is a large-scale overhauling project, you should consider renting a storage space. As such, storage units Grand Island have various options to facilitate such requirements. You can rent a storage unit of any size in Grand Island, Nebraska, and keep it reserved for as long as you want. And the best feature of such rented houses is that they can accommodate your personalized requirements cost-effectively.

2. Reserve enough budget

Construction and renovation are expensive projects. Things may not work out as predicted, and your planned expenditure can exceed. There could be several factors for such unexpected outcomes. Construction materials, including cement, bricks, and steel, could increase beyond your original calculations. Higher construction activities in your surroundings can automatically increase renovation charges. Project scope may expand if there are intermediate complications in renovation operations. But whatever the case, you cannot leave the project hanging in the middle.

So, before executing the project, ensure you have enough budget to accommodate such challenges. A thorough evaluation of all variables can better help you estimate the total budget, including contingency and miscellaneous expenses. Otherwise, you cannot adjust to any last moment changes in your architectural plan and expenditure.

3. Refer to a professional architect

Despite how long you have lived in your house, you do not know everything about its architectural details. Construction is a specialized field, and you cannot observe the composition and make-up of your home merely by looking at it. As such, you cannot tell which walls of your home are loadbearing. And if you mess up with such crucial elements, mere improvement activity can extend to an expensive repair operation.

But a professional architect knows how to utilize mathematical and engineering calculations to get desired outcomes. They can identify the viability of the renovation activity based on the adaptability and composition of your home. Thus, if you work with them, you can rest assured of the success of your improvement project. They can also help you scheme and achieve needed outcomes without exhausting your budget capacity.

4. Hire professional renovators

Improvement projects can be tempting to try on your own. It may seem simple but actual work involves a lot of complexity and effort. Let’s say you are carrying out plastering and coloring of your house. You do not know trustable paint brands. While removing older paint and plaster, you might compromise your well-being and safety. Paint and plaster are not something you should take lightly. They can contain chemicals, such as polychlorinated biphenyl and asbestos, which can cause breathing issues if you do not wear protective gear and mask. So, you should not endeavor and take things into your hands but hire professional renovators.

They have all the required tools and safety gear to protect against harmful chemicals. Similarly, if you go about without consultation, you may not plan, execute, and complete the project on time. A renovation expert can provide better guidance and assistance. Based on their experience, they may also suggest a better version of your preliminary plan and reduce the overall project duration.

5. Test renovation plan before execution

While pursuing an improvement project, would it not be better if you could perceive what your home will look like after renovation? You can check the viability and success rate of your planning. This way, you can also mend and modify things before actual failures. Fortunately, there are dozens of digital tools and applications to help you do that. With software applications like nova development, you can simulate and analyze interior decks and landscaping of your home. It is an easy-to-use application and allows you to visualize the entire blueprint architecture in 3D.

You can design, remodel, simulate, and test several versions of the renovation project and identify the best practical version before you even begin. With such simplified planning capability, you can identify all the requirements and variables of the project to get satisfactory outcomes.

6. Make an adjustable schedule

A home improvement project can take more time than a predicted schedule as you cannot predict and control everything. And you cannot entrust everything to construction and renovation workers. Thus, you have to ensure your presence on the site to see if things are moving in the right direction. Otherwise, your project may prolong and cost more. Since the project is an extra addition to your schedule, it may require extensive adjustments in your routine.

So, before indulging in an improvement project, spend some time over a workable timetable. Think about how you will accommodate other professional and private life responsibilities. You may also need to strategize how to minimize disruptions for other family members during renovation activities. Eventually, you do not want to create problems with something so desired.

Conclusion

Your home improvement project will be truly successful if everything turns out as you had planned. But for that, you need thorough preparation. Enlist and analyze all requirements related to the project, and consult with experts before actually diving into it. That is how you can save yourself from a bad experience and achieve preferred outcomes.

You can readily come across people who make peace with the dull presence of their house. It happens because they assume that breathing life into a house requires a lot of money. Well, it cannot get any further from reality. Home decorators advocate that you can easily turn your living space into a visual treat on budget. Sounds too good to be true? Keep reading to come to terms with extraordinary home improvement ideas.

1. Leverage Lighting

Decorative lights boost the overall ambiance of your home. Typically, most households utilize regular store-bought lighting to boost curb appeal. For example, colorful LED light bulbs are all the rage right now. They kicked off the color craze several years ago, and since then, people have begun to see colored lighting as more than a pleasant fad. Colored lighting can affect our moods and positively influence the architecture and decor of our houses. The majority of multi-color LED light bulbs are also smart. Meaning they can be controlled using an application in your smartphone.

However, you can also design your own hurricane lamps, which do a stunning job when used to illuminate a pathway. Sometimes, big trees could pose a hurdle while placing lights in your outdoor space, such as lawn. In that case, you are better off cutting trees with the help of tree trimming experts. Do not assume finding tree trimming professionals is a tough nut to crack nowadays. For example, if you live in Austin, just typing “tree trimming Austin TX” will find you a solution!

2) Replace Doorknobs

The majority of people do not give their doorknobs much thought unless they are broken. Believe it or not, changing your doorknobs is a simple way to inject personality into your home. Changing your dull doorknobs with flashy ones instantly brightens your home to a great degree.

3) Bring In Fresh Flowers

You can instantly add a sense of warmth and comfort to your house by placing a vase filled with beautiful flowers. When you come into contact with fresh-cut flowers, their stunning appearance and enticing fragrance instantly brighten your day and sparkle the house like anything.

4) Update Floor Mats

Floor mats have evolved significantly over the years. Currently, you have numerous attractive designs to pick from. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes that are intended to complement your decor. Besides, these mats ensure floor protection without compromising on aesthetics. If you feel overwhelmed by the abundance of options in the market, consider the following factors to cherry-pick the best floor mat for your house:

• Floor: If you have hardwood flooring, you should seek a robust mat that will not scratch or shred the floor. On the other hand, if you have carpet flooring, the greatest alternative for protecting your floor and adding to its appeal is a soft and cushioned mat.
• Traffic: When shopping for a floor mat, it is critical to figure out how frequently it will be stepped on. Is this a place that family members use to walk to the bathroom or kitchen? Or is there frequent foot traffic all day as infants and pets jump over toys and furniture? Answering these questions will waive off a lot of ambiguity about traffic.
• Material: It is imperative to evaluate the quality of the matting cloth or material. It is erroneous to think that just because a mat is made of rubber, it must be of superior quality and hence durable.
  
• Create Focal Points 

A space filled with small works of art needs a focal point that is larger than the rest of the artwork. A great photograph, a statue, or any other object that catches the eye will do the job. If you are not comfortable with the huge size of the artwork, you can also experiment with a different form of contrast, such as a black and white painting surrounded by colored paints.

6) Revamp Your Staircase

Most new residences are designed on the pattern of colonial-era homes, with the staircase in the foreground and the numerous rooms radiating around a central hall. Consider using more exquisite woodwork for the railings and newel post. Tap into local scrap yards, classified advertising, and online marketplaces for statement pieces. If you are feeling particularly bold, rip up your wall-to-wall carpeting and replace it with a stair runner for a truly vintage look.

7) Address Your Roof

The roof has a significant impact on the appearance and functionality of your home. If the roof is beginning to show signs of wear and tear, you must do it with architectural shingles. We would recommend you opt for metal roofs in light or cool hue to stay current with roofing trends. Alternatively, for older design homes, consider a tile roof. Modern concrete roof tiles are far more durable than earlier clay tiles.

8) Give Your Kitchen Cabinets A Facelift

If your kitchen has a cave-like sensation, it could be because of those black cabinets sucking all the light out of the area. But the good news is that as long as these kitchen cabinets are in good structure, you can clean them and re-paint them. Over a weekend, transform that dismal kitchen into a cheerful haven.

If you have been living in a house for a few years, the odds are, it may require a much-needed makeover. Contrary to the common assumption, home improvement does not have to be financially burdensome by any stretch of the imagination. Just walk the tight line of the home improvement hacks listed above, and your home will be completely transformed. 

Buyers judge a property within 30 seconds, which shows important maintaining your home’s exterior is.  

Improving your curb appeal sets a lasting impression, creates an inviting atmosphere, and reflects your personality. Although it sounds overwhelming, especially with a fixer upper, there are small adjustments that can elevate your property. Perhaps you’re currently in this position and you’re not sure how to move forward. 

Sounds like you? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five fixer upper exterior tips to help you.   

1. Rethink the Front Pathway

During your home renovation project, examine your current pathway. Imagine you’re the guest and you’re walking towards your home as it highlights potential issues you’ve overlooked. For instance, the path may need to be resurfaced or there could be overgrown shrubs getting in the way. 

Or, if there isn’t any pathway, then consider laying one down during your exterior makeover.  

2. Paint the Front Door 

A simple way to boost curb appeal is by painting your front door and walls. As you browse door colors, factor in your neighborhood, especially if there’s a strict color scheme. If you’re overwhelmed, use an online paint visualizer so you can compare a before-and-after rendition of your front door.    

And you mustn’t forget to choose legible and stylish house numbers to complete the look.  

3. Consider Potential Repairs  

Aside from a layer of fresh paint, you should evaluate the property for potential repairs. Common problems that are often overlooked are holes in the roof or missing shingles. If this is the case, then contact a reputable company like Resilient Roofing and they can guide you through the process.  

4. Prioritize Landscaping

Another important aspect of your exterior is the front yard. Start by trimming the trees and shrubs as it boosts curb appeal while making your property a safe environment. But avoid handling this task alone as it requires the right equipment and expertise of a tree trimming professional. 

Further, get in the habit of regularly mowing the lawn so it stays neat. You should also hang planters by your porch and flowers as they will transform your home in spring. 

5. Clean Your Gutters 

Although it’s less exciting than others on this list, cleaning your gutters is a must. Not only do clear gutters look great, but they protect your home during spring and summer storms. If debris is blocking your gutters, then water may build up and potentially leak through your ceiling, resulting in costly repairs. 

Instead, reach out to a local gutter cleaning company so they can inspect and clean your gutters.   

Our Tips for Your Fixer Upper Exterior 

Hopefully, after reading this article, you know how to elevate your fixer upper exterior. 

Start by considering your current pathway, painting your front door, and examining your property for potential repairs. You should also prioritize landscaping and regularly clean your gutters to prevent any water damage. Good luck with your project!

Found this article helpful? If yes, then check out the rest of our blog for more tips and tricks.

The farmhouse style finds its roots in England. It existed to provide shelter for those working on the farm. It’s still a popular style today. 

Many homeowners who want more of a country feel choose it. We will say that there’s a big difference between the classic and modern styles. 

Farmhouse vs. modern farmhouse, which is better? That depends on the look that you’re going for. Think about what colors and materials you want to use. 

Modern farmhouses incorporate more neutral tones. That’s only one difference to consider. Check out this guide to learn what style will suit your personal tastes more. 

Materials

Back a long time ago, there was an overabundance of wood. Pretty much all houses were made out of it. That includes the classic farmhouses. 

They incorporated exposed beams, planked floors, and wooden wall panels. If you like this look, you’ll be happy to know that things haven’t changed too much. 

When comparing classic vs. modern farmhouse designs, you’ll find that the modern design still uses natural materials. You’ll get to enjoy the wood elements with a twist. 

Modern farmhouses don’t stray away from using stone. There are also a lot more stainless steel appliances. You don’t really see those in the classic version. 

Colors 

Next, we’re on to colors. Classic farmhouse decor uses warmer shades and darker woods. The modern version goes a bit lighter on the colors. 

Modern houses use a lot more white and pastels. The patterns on the furniture are a lot less loud. If you find all the whites and off-whites too bright, you can use beiges and grays. 

These shades will still give you the open look that comes from a modern farmhouse. Another goal is glossy finishes and smoother lines. 

Furniture

The last touch is the furnishings. Classic farmhouses are a lot more rustic in this regard. There’s nothing that screams farmhouse quite like having a porcelain apron sink. 

As far as patterns go, they’re more over the top than the designs you would see in a contemporary modern farmhouse. Think floral patterns galore. 

The furniture doesn’t have to be the newest around. Feel free to use as many old refurbished pieces that you can get your hands on. 

Again, modern farmhouses use natural stones like granite countertops. They also incorporate fewer accessories. The idea is to be simple, yet functional. 

If you like the vibe that both styles give off, feel free to mix and match. There’s nothing wrong with adding a little rustic charm to your modern farmhouse. You can go here to read more on farmhouse decor. 

Farmhouse Vs. Modern Farmhouse: What Is the Difference?

Farmhouse vs. modern farmhouse? What’s the difference between the two? Modern farmhouses take the classic look that you get from the original design and put a contemporary spin on it. 

While they still use a lot of the same elements like wooden floors and wall panels, they also incorporate natural stone countertops and more neutral colors. Classic farmhouses are warmer and provide more of a rustic feel. 

For more home design tips that will help you create your ideal space, feel free to explore the rest of our blog.