54 SMART TIPS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU BUILD OR RENOVATE
My hubby and I have moved quite a bit in our 22 years together. While each move was related to job advancements for him, our last move was a welcome choice to downsize. If there is less maintenance, less cleaning, lower energy bills etc. etc. etc. I am all in.
I wish I could say that we’re done moving, but he tells me that we have one more to go and that will be our retirement spot. I believe many homeowners are staying put and improving their existing spaces. To do so saves money, time and the hassle of uprooting yourself all over again. I think I’m going to work on convincing him to stay. (wink wink) seriously, I’m over moving.
Many homeowners are doing just that staying and improving their homes instead of uprooting and moving.
If building or renovating is on your radar, here are 55 ideas you might add to your checklist as you discuss options with your contractor.
- Don’t put hardwood floors in rooms that are prone to water leaks (like the kitchen).
- Do consider hardwoods over carpet in rooms that your aging pets like to hang out in.
- Remember that dark hardwoods are harder to keep clean because they tend to show dirt more.
- Get the extra padding under the carpet. It can make even cheap carpet feel luxurious.
- Upstairs carpeting is less noisy than hardwoods and tile.
- A fireplace in the master bedroom is cozy
- A raised hearth on fireplace can provide extra seating
- Do you want to add built in cabinetry in any room? Or change the current cabinetry?
- Make sure there’s a stud over the fireplace for hanging photos or wreaths
- Do you want space-saving pocket doors anywhere?
- PVC blinds are easier to clean than wood. Consider putting shutters and wood blinds on the front of the home and areas that can be seen from the street.
- *Taller sinks in the master bath are easier on your back
- *Consider wider doors and water closets for handicapped or elderly who may have a walker or wheelchair to contend with.
- “Tall boy” toilets with quiet lids are much more pleasant
- Check out the size of your shower – is it big enough? Can you make it larger and be a walk-in shower? How far do you want your tile to extend?
- *How about motion or touch sensor faucets for when you have raw chicken all over your hands?
- *Do you want a double oven (one to be a convection oven)
- Instant hot water spout for pot filling is very convenient
- Appliance garages in kitchens are great to hide appliances
- Consider a second sink in kitchen if one is in the island
- Pull out drawers for pots and pans instead of shelves
- *Cabinet separators to help manage baking sheets
- *Warming drawers are nice to have if you can spare the storage space
- *Consider modifying a cabinet for larger appliances
- *Run a gas line to your stove even if you want an electrical stove – it will help with resale
- Dark granite on counters show streaks, consider lighter options.
- Cabinet fronts – do you want glass? If so, add in the additional cost of lighting in those cabinets
- Make sure each closet has lights installed. Consider closet lights that turn off automatically, especially if you have small children.
- *Think about where you want dimmer switches.
- *Fluorescent lighting in the garage makes it easier to see
- *Recessed lighting on stairs is more safe
- *Under cabinet lighting is really helpful
- Do you want an intercom system for your home? For the front door? This can be especially nice if you have a large home.
- Do you want an all-house music system?
- Do you want the outside wired for audio, televisions?
- *Consider floor plugs in the living areas
- *Put extra outlets in the kitchen, even in the pantry.
- *Install USB outlets in areas that you’re likely to charge electronics.
- *Outlets in the closet are handy, especially if you like to iron your clothes right before you wear them
- *Integrated outlets in cabinets for hair dryers, rechargeable razors, etc.
- *Cable in every room even if you don’t have a TV in there yet.
- Recessed outlets can be a nice touch.
- *Consider higher voltage outlets in the garage for deep freeze, refrigerator and power tools
- Consider making your home a “smart” home where all your energy can be managed from your smart phone or computer.
- *Rainfall showerheads
- Dual shower
- *Curbless shower
- *Think about our aging population needing wider doors to accommodate wheel chairs and walkers
- *Door handles instead of knobs
- *Ceiling light fixtures in every room
- Have garage plumbed for a sink
- Think about extra insulation to reduce noise
- *Outlet for freezer in mudroom or garage.
- *Outlets outside on eaves for holiday decorating an power tools.
image credits are from a houzz webinar I recently attended
I placed asterisks next to my favorite tips, what about your favs? Did you note any?
Thanks for stopping by friends. We partner with busy homeowners to create spaces that feel authentic to their lifestyle and we blog about subjects that educate and inspire.
Contact us to learn more about our products and services. You can email us at rjackson@yourdesignpartner.com or call 513-409-3759
Inspiring creativity,
Ricci
Shop Cool Finds
