Home remodeling (or renovation) represents the process of improving a broken, damaged, or outdated part of your home. You could do it to make it more aesthetically pleasing, or enhance it to serve a more functional purpose, or both. But here is where it gets exciting. Technology is changing the home renovation game.
Nothing remains static. Just like everything else in life, times change and people and procedures adapt. After all, you wouldn’t renovate your entire home to a standard that existed 20 years ago, would you? Of course not! That’s why we wanted to spend some time in today’s blog post providing you with our best 21st Century-ready home remodeling ideas and talking about the technologies that support them. These are concepts and recommendations that will stand the test of time – well, for the next 20 years at least!
Technological advancements have had a significant impact on home renovation. This is especially true for renovations that are still in the planning stages. Take home remodeling software as one example, which allows interior designers and architects to create realistic 3D visualizations of their designs. Suggestions, changes, and design edits can all be done within the software before the hammer is ever put to a nail. So, now that you have an idea of the technology behind advanced design, the question is: What home remodeling ideas resonate with you?
Home Remodeling 101: Make Usable Space Your Friend
Far too many homeowners have empty, but very usable space, in their home. Take the area under your stairs as one example. If you are considering a remodel that includes a staircase, don’t make the mistake of leaving any large spaces under your staircase unused. While some homes have small closets or rooms under the stairs, others simply have empty real estate. Consider adding shelves or bookcases to the space under your stairs. Or you could place a wine rack, or seat there. Filling unused space should be a first when it comes to your home remodel.
Another area where space goes unused is under the beds and cabinets. Consider using these areas to create valuable storage areas. Or, if you want to leave the space empty, consider adding low baseboard drawers, where you can store loose items that are just lying around the house.
Finally, you could also create more usable space out of the furniture that is already in your home. It could be simply a matter of optimizing your designs and layouts. For instance, most people go with typical built-in cabinets. Instead of going with a built-in cabinet, try choosing a pull-out cabinet, as this allows for extra countertop and storage space. It also makes your home look very unique.
Consider Smart Technology for Your Home
We would be remiss talking about 21st Century home updates if we did not talk about smart home technology. In fact, according to a Coldwell Banker survey, 40% of realtors believe smart homes sell quicker regardless of their price. People are simply attracted to smart technologies. They know that smart devices are designed to make their lives easier. An upgraded and connected home is particularly attractive to younger buyers, and since Millennials are turning into the next major home buying generation, a smart home is a smart decision.
Consider the following devices as you put your smart home checklist together:
- Smart Thermostat: With robust energy monitoring and the chance for your potential homebuyers to save money on their monthly bills, this modest investment should top your smart home checklist.
- Smart Video Doorbell: We recommend opting for a battery-powered variant for the ultimate user-friendly experience.
- Smart Lock: A solid, 1-year battery life and an attractive price tag completes a winning package.
You could also consider options like smart toilets, smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and smart shades and appliances. The possibilities are endless. You should consider all of the above tech as investments capable of yielding a significant ROI. You don’t need to spend a fortune on frivolous devices that will do little to speed up the sale or increase the price of your home.
Top Tips for Updating Your Home’s Garage
Not everyone envisions their garage as nothing more than a place to store their car. Some people would love to see their garage function instead as a yoga studio, recreation room, or classroom for their kids. In the age of remote learning, turning your garage into a classroom might be just the answer. Still, not every garage should be a classroom. You must also consider a future home sale. Turning your garage into a classroom might not be best for a prospective buyer. But hey, you never know!
If you don’t want to turn your garage into a room, you may want to at least make sure the car storing function is at its best. How is your garage door looking these days? Are its best days behind it? Why not invest in a new one? For most home owners, updating your garage door is the most critical part of updating your garage. And your first step in the process is to select the type of garage door you want.
One of the most useful upgrades you can give to your garage is in insulation and ventilation. If you have an attached garage, you need to ensure the walls, ceiling, and garage door are properly insulated. You also want to make sure you have proper ventilation in the room. This way you can capture some of your home’s climate control and keep the room comfortable when you have to go to work early in the morning.
Finally, any good garage update would not be complete without adequate lighting and an easy-to-clean finish on the floor. Consider painting the floor with an epoxy finish. Concrete is porous, but if you paint or seal it, you will avoid stains on the floor that take away from your home’s overall value.