8 Smart House Upgrades that are Totally Worth the Money

Published on: 29 September 2018 Last Updated on: 12 September 2024

Looking to add a little resale value to your house? Choose wisely! Some house upgrades are worth it, but not all of them are a great investment. Smart house upgrade is essential for your lovely home.

Upgrade your home the right way. Increase the value of your home with smart upgrades that return your money and then some! Different ways Smart House Upgrades can make things easier for you.

8 Smart House Upgrades that Pay Off

Here are some of the best ways to upgrade your home and increase the resale value. These 8 ideas are totally worth the money!

1. Clean, Fresh Paint:

When a buyer walks in, they want to see bright, clean rooms. Your paint has a lot to do with how the sunlight affects a room. A fresh paint job can brighten any room in the house.

You don’t necessarily need to go neutral, but your choice in paint colors can affect your potential buyer’s feelings about your house. If you’re not selling just yet, the right colors can also help lighten your own mood.

Choose a palette that you like. But, don’t stop there. Make sure it compliments your home’s age, style, and architecture. Check out these ideas for a modern look!

2. Modernize the Kitchen:

Look at the age of your appliances and countertops. Are they in poor repair or stained? If so, you should consider replacing them.

Here’s a list of kitchen upgrades that you can benefit from.

Newer, energy efficient appliances
Countertops that suit the space
Refinish cabinets
Tile backsplash
Sink upgrades
Accent paint

Save some cash! Check out dent and scratch or discontinued appliances. Discontinued tile can be used to make an attractive backsplash, too. You can get huge savings from buying these options.

Look for ways to accent and offset countertops and cabinets in your kitchen for a more modern look. Check out paint pallets that give your kitchen a pop of color and make your cabinets stand out.

3. Programmable Thermostat:

This is such a simple upgrade, but it gives your house a modern feel. Programmable thermostats are affordable and easy to install. Many are also easy to manage from your phone!

An added bonus for installing a programmable thermostat is instant energy savings on your electric bill!

4. Upgrade Bathrooms:

Ugly bathrooms can send a potential buyer out the door. Check out your bathrooms for any of these problems and fix them!

Stained toilet bowls and seats
Leaky faucets
Outdated fixtures
Old tile and paint
Evidence of flooding
Damaged cabinetry

You can easily and affordably upgrade a bathroom by switching out any old fixtures and lighting. But, making sure the bathroom is clean and in good working order is a priority.

5. Landscaping:

Ever heard of curb appeal? This house upgrade is a must. The first look a buyer has as they walk to your front door can influence their opinion about the whole house!

Walk outside and check your landscaping, in the front and the back of your home. Consider these upgrades for landscaping your home.

In the front:

Clean, groomed lawn
Flowers and shrubs that are trimmed
Trees that cut back and look nice
A walkway that invites people to come in

In the back:

A patio or deck for entertaining
Trees and flowers for privacy and color
Fences in good repair
Clean, groomed lawn
A small gardening area

Your landscaping matters in the value of your property. It should be well maintained and easy to upkeep. Good landscaping invites you to come out and enjoy the outdoors!

6. Install Solar Panels:

Nothing is more attractive to a potential buyer than the idea of their new home saving them money. If you’ve already installed solar panels, then you’ve given them a step up in that direction.

Solar power is a responsible energy choice and it will save you money in the long run. That’s good for you while you live in your home. It’s great for potential buyers, too.

Your new buyer will instantly save on energy costs. You’ve already made the investment for them! This increases the value of your home and makes the buyer more willing to pay the price you are asking.

7. New Flooring:

You’ve got fresh paint and clean rooms, but your flooring is filthy and worn. That won’t work when you sell your home.

Take a look at high traffic areas, carpets, and tiles. Is anything stained, worn or broken? If so, you need to replace it.

Look for neutral carpet colors. You want any type of furniture or paint to work well with your choice. Avoid white or extremely pale colors because they are so hard to maintain.

If you are replacing only one room of carpet, try to make it closely match what is already in the house. Nothing looks worse than mismatched carpet.

Tile can be a really affordable upgrade. It should be easy to maintain, durable and neutral. Make sure stone tile doesn’t have a lot of nooks and crannies for dirt to hide.

You can even get a tile that looks like wood! Take a look at options in your hardware store.

Save yourself some cash! If you are replacing a whole house of carpet or tile, try to find discontinued items at your local hardware store. They may be cheaper but are still good quality and new.

Another way to save is to learn to install flooring yourself. There are plenty of books at your local library and YouTube videos to teach you how.

8. Basement Improvements:

Paying outright to have the basement turned into a high-class lounge might not pay off. However, putting in the time and effort to fix up and finish off your existing basement can have an amazing return on investment.

If your basement is unfinished, check it out for these problems.

Cracks in walls or floors
Wood damage to the supporting structure
Leaks and flooding damage
Excessive clutter

For already finished basements, here are some things to think about.

Patch damaged walls and repaint
Paint the ceiling bright white
Replace all light bulbs
Install more lighting to brighten the room
Remove excess, unused furniture
Go with a traditional theme

Fix any problems you find and clear out the clutter.

A man cave or game room may be exciting for you, but tame down your theme if it’s over the top. Your potential buyer wants to see open, clean space. Let them imagine how they might use it.

Upgrade Your Home, Today:

If you really want to increase the resale value of your home, pick one or more house upgrades on this list. The money you invest will be worth it.

Check out these interesting articles about home and garden topics!

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Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Why You Should Invest In Custom LED Light Signs For A Space

In the UK, the use of neon signs has been happening for a long time. These signs are made from gas-discharge tubes containing neon gas and electrodes. People use neon light signs for their homes, businesses, and events. These neon lights help to add light and color to any space. LED neon signs are more attractive and stylish than other types of lightings. Now, you can also personalize a neon sign for your space. In this article, we will discuss custom LED light signs. You can also check the reasons to invest in the custom signs: About Custom LED Neon Signs Now, you can create your own neon sign through the customization option. Custom neon signs are the signs made as per your choice. You can choose any color, size, and font for your custom sign. By using your creativity, you can create any design of neon sign you like. You will have the choice to choose any text, signature, logo, and image for custom LED neon signs. A custom neon sign has transparent acrylic backing. The custom LED neon signs are light in weight and do not create any noise. These custom signs are suitable to use indoor and outdoor places. Custom Neon Signs Are Durable Custom LED signs to have a long lifespan than the other types of lightings. They last longer than the traditional glass neon signs. Custom LED signs are also not easily breakable like the old signs made from glass. Custom signs also do not require much maintenance and, there is also no need for its replacement for a long time. Related Reads: LED Strip Lights Benefits LED Custom Neon Light Signs Are Energy Efficient LED custom signs are energy efficient as they do not charge much electricity. They do not require much electricity like the traditional neon signs. The LED lights in the custom signs use 95% less energy than other types of lights. These signs are also eco-friendly and do not contain toxic gases. That's the reason custom neon signs are safe to use. Customized Neon Signs Are Affordable Custom LED neon signs are also affordable than traditional glass signs. You do not have to spend money on its maintenance. These signs also help to save energy, so they will not impact your electricity bill. So you can customize a neon sign rather than investing in expensive traditional neon signs. Uses Of Custom Neon Sign You can use a custom neon sign at multiple places. Below you can check the many uses of the customized neon signs: For Houses Custom neon signs are best to use at houses. In the UK, many people are using customized LED signs for their living space. You can install a personalized neon sign in your living room, kitchen, bedroom, kids room, gaming room, etc. You can design a sign inspired by nature, animals, movies, TV shows, etc. So, use your creativity to create a custom sign that will make your room unique from others. For Business Locations You can also customize a LED sign for your business locations. Bars and restaurants have been using these signs for a very long time. You can also use the glowing custom sign if you have a service business. You have the option to personalize a neon sign of your brand name or logo. These custom signs will help to attract customers. These signs also provide excellent visibility, it will keep the whole place light up for many years. For Special Events Many people also use custom neon signs for special events like parties, weddings, and birthdays. You can install a customized sign on the location of the event. It will light up and add colors to the event. On the occasion of the wedding, you can use the neon sign of the names of the bride and groom. Then, you can also give it as a gift to someone on their birthday. Shop Custom Neon Signs Online It is best to purchase custom neon signs from websites. You do not have to go anywhere and, you will get the customized neon sign at your doorstep. There are many online neon shops available where you can customize a LED neon sign at affordable prices. You can also use their customization tool to check how your custom sign will look like. You will have the option to choose any design for your neon sign. From online neon shops like Echo Neon, you will get the best quality custom neon signs. They use LED lights and PVC piping for making their custom signs. They are delivering their neon signs in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, etc. Their neon signs are safe to use and are energy efficient. Echo Neon sign comes with a 12-month warranty on electrical components. Read Also: Unique Military Hardware Concept Integrated into Lumitact Flashlights Guide to Buying HID Headlight Bulbs

Cheap and Simple Tips to Give Your Bedroom a Makeover

We should invest in our bedroom. After all, this is our retreat after a long day, our haven. It’s where we can relax and meditate. You don’t have to break the bank to have a cozy bedroom. Whether you have a small space or a big and spacious bedroom, you can revamp your area at an affordable price. You can go ahead and search the net for whatever blog feels appropriate to your DIY bedroom makeover! Here are cheap and simple tips to give your bedroom a new look: Clean Your Room: It’s free! If you've been the busy type, you may find old receipts scattered on your dresser, expired products, clothes you no longer use, trinkets, and knick-knacks that are just gathering dust. Some tips when cleaning your room include: Throw away things that no longer give value to you. Donate items that are still in good condition but you no longer need. Pass off items to friends and family that you may feel would better serve them than you. No matter how you style your room, a messy one will destroy its overall look and feel. Want to know why hotel rooms always have a very comfortable feeling? No unnecessary things are lingering around. Organize Your Products, Cosmetics, and Clothes: Bins, bins, and even more bins! Use one color and style of containers, and each one should store one category of products. Clear and transparent drawers give a sleek and polished look and let you see what’s inside. Your motto should be: Everything always has its place. Clothing pieces that are "loose" and "awkward" on hangers (like underwear, socks, ties, scarves) will look neat if you store them in organizers specifically made for them. Other ways you can organize your products, cosmetics, and clothes include: Start by decluttering and throwing away expired products and by donating clothing pieces that you haven’t used in the last six (6) months. Put your makeup brushes all in one cup holder, mug, or whatever you can find lying around your home that you haven’t necessarily been using anymore. If you have boxes that are unused, wrap and decorate these boxes so you can use them to store makeup by kind: blush, foundation, eyeshadows - all in their place. Sort and divide your clothes by kind: jackets all in one place, jeans, shirts, blouses, dresses, and so on. Sorting will help have all your clothes in plain sight. Maintain the organization system that you have created (so when you get an item, put it back to where it belongs - don’t mix and match again!) If you can use the space under your bed, do so. You can keep shoes hidden from sight to minimize clutter. Clean Those Sheets or Buy a New Set! Maybe you've put off cleaning your sheets in a long time. Now is the time to do it! A fresh, crisp, and clean set of sheets or colourful decorative bedding will significantly change the look of your room – and the feel of it, too. If you haven't already done so, now could also be the time to take advantage of that ongoing homeware sale. Making a big switch from your all-white set to being more adventurous and going for decorative bedding will totally revamp the look of your room! Buy new sheets to replace your dying, old ones. On this note, too, make sure your set of sheets match the overall theme and color scheme of your bedroom. Mismatched sheets will blotch the look of your room. The Floor Matters, Too: If replacing your flooring isn't on the budget right now, rugs can do just the trick. If your existing carpets are dirty and too old looking, then maybe like your sheets, it's about time to get new ones as well. A good trick is to use dark-colored rugs for high-traffic places like your bedroom door so that dirt isn't readily visible. For accent rugs, go bright or printed. Other tips when selecting a rug for your bedroom include: Study your floor plan and choose the rug that best fits the area that you’re going to fill. Focus on the style that suits your bedroom: floral, Persian, classic, geometric, monochromatic. See what your room needs. Choose the right material. For bedrooms, rugs made out of light elements are acceptable. Most importantly, pick a rug that you can maintain. Change Old Knobs, Hooks, Locks, and Hardware: Switching from silver to gold hardware or from gold to rose gold will do wonders. Just make sure that you stick to one hardware color! It’s not the right area for you to mix and match. Cabinet knobs and handles of different styles and materials are available in hardware stores and online, and installing them is as easy as one, two, three! Here are some tips on how to choose the perfect style and colour for your bedroom: Always stick to your theme. Don’t forget about functionality! Pick the kind of hardware that you’re comfortable using. Have the same finish throughout either glossy, nickel, matte, brass, etc. Remember the quality. Don’t settle for hardware with decorative purposes only. Make sure your chosen one will last you for years. You’re trying to stay cheap - not to remodel every year. Buy Brand New Lights and Lamps: Manufacturers usually come up with new and innovative lights and lamps each season. Having one statement piece will move your room from boring and dull to creative and soothing. (Bonus tip: yellow lights in your bedroom will set the mood for relaxation. Imagine yourself being in a hotel room in the comfort of your own home every night! Here are some tips when choosing the perfect light: Go for LED lights. You want to be an eco-warrior, too. Dimmer switches are perfect for your bedroom! Here you can control the brightness, which makes your overall ambiance more relaxing. Keep your lamps close to your bed - so you can have the convenience of not having to stand up each time you want to switch on (or off) a lamp. Make sure the lighting you choose is easy to maintain. Install a Headboard or Hang an Art Piece: A headboard can instantly bring elegance into your room. You don’t even have to buy a new bed at all. Hanging up a piece of art or a portrait on top of your headboard will also make your room look well put together. Wall clocks can be a good option as well, aim to choose the best wall clock to complement your bedroom. Wall clocks are artistic and modern which is the perfect piece for a room makeover. Go Green! Add in plants that require little to no sun exposure at all. If you can, however, go for fresh plants. Plastic plants cost more and will also collect dust and dirt. Certain plants can even cleanse and purify the air in your room naturally. Plant baskets have also become quite popular with so many beautiful options. Use Only One Color of Hangers: Hang all your clothes in a uniform direction and use only one color for all your hangers. Doing this will instantly reduce eyestrain. Black is a great color option as it neutralizes the various shapes and styles of clothing pieces that you may have. Repaint Your Room: Even if this is all you’ll focus on, a fresh new paint color will improve and change the overall look of your room. If you can do it yourself or ask a friend to help you out, then the better! You’ll be able to save more money. Try incorporating in an accent wall with prints or one with a different color. Some tips when choosing the right paint color includes: Choose your inspiration and know your theme. Be sure your paint color will match your theme. Make sure your paint color will look good when the lighting is either on or off. If you’re still confused, go for neutrals. Don’t be afraid to use testers first. Don't Forget the Details: Make your small room look bigger by installing a mirror. Increase height by using vertical blinds or curtains. Add in photo frames. Buy an alarm clock that can also serve as a decoration. If you’re going for a boho-chic look, you can put up string lights or fairy lights. Overall: Use these ideas to get started. Take a quick look at your room and see where and how you can apply any of these tips! A brand new place is now at the tip of your hands. Get those creative juices flowing and sleep sound and well tonight. Read Also: 5 Ways To Make A Big Statement In Small Bedroom 5 Innovative Ideas To Lend Your Bedroom With More Space

Budget Friendly Home Improvement Hacks To Save Your Pockets

Home improvement is a big deal now, with more people embracing their creativity and letting it show in the places they live. This has led to the rise of incredible trends and hacks that provide the perfect opportunity for people to work in their homes. However, with all this development, it also gets confusing and daunting for some people. This is mainly because they have no idea where to start or some of the hacks they can include in different areas. These hacks are meant to be easily doable tasks that will transform your space when implemented. We’ve categorized these hacks in terms of placement and application. Some of them include: Floors In the home, floors play a big role in how the home looks and the general style you’ll be working with. A few tweaks here and there can completely change the look of your floors and add style and character. Some of the most versatile hacks to include for your flooring include: Peel And Stick Tiles When it comes to finding the perfect flooring for that annoying red floor or just need a new look, peel and stick tiles will do the trick. These tiles are amazing given that you can easily install them yourself. They are designed to give off the illusion of regular tiles without having to deal with grout, glue, and other tedious processes. You can get them in different colors, styles, and patterns making them the perfect option. Replacing Your Tile Grout When dealing with tiles for your flooring, you may find that the grout may get stained and turn to a different color which becomes hard to clean. However, you have the option of replacing the grout with a new one in the same color or a different one. Adding A New Finish This is especially a great idea if you are dealing with wooden flooring. With this, it is easier to add a new finish when needed to give the floors a new and vibrant look. Lighting One of the most understated hacks is the ability to switch out your light fixtures and improve the overall look significantly. Most people don’t know what role lighting plays in your space. You need to improve your lighting situation, which will give your space more life. To make it more appealing, consider getting light fixtures that feature some detail and a unique design. Additionally, you could also include under-cabinet lighting for your kitchen featuring the use of custom led lights. You also have the option of choosing to go with statement chandeliers, floor lamps, wall lights, and pendant lights among others. When it comes to lighting, you are spoilt for choice and can easily improve your space. Walls Adding some style to your walls is another great way to improve the overall look of your home. For this, you have a few options to choose from that are easy to work with and get quality results. They include: Adding a Fresh Coat of Paint Paint is a great easy way to get a different look when working on your walls. With this, you have the option of working with a variety of colors depending on the vibe you are going for. Additionally, you could paint one wall a different color and have that as your accent wall. This will improve the look of your room significantly. Adding A Wallpaper Wallpapers provide a layout, especially if you don’t want to do a paint job on your walls. They come in different types, patterns, and designs to ensure that they cater to everyone’s needs. With this, you can choose to cover all your walls or use them on one wall that will serve as your accent wall. Hanging Art Art is another great way to bring your taste and style into your home. For this, you can create your art piece or purchase one made by another artist. Entryway When it comes to your entryway, the first thing you need to consider is your storage options. Once you get into the house, where do your shoes, bag, coat, and keys go? Having a station where all these items can be kept will keep the home tidy and add a great design aspect to your space. Additionally, you can also add other decor items to make your entryway arrangement more visually appealing. Patio When it comes to dealing with the outdoors, one of the most effective ways to change it is by adding a seating area. Be creative with this and go for something that portrays who you are. Don’t be too rigid and only stick to what’s normal. Find what works for you and add it to your space. Play around with colors and create a cozy space to relax with family and friends. Greenery Adding some green aspects to your home is an amazing way to improve the look and add some character. The best part about adding greenery to your space is that it will help improve air circulation. When working with greenery, you need to take the time to water them to ensure they are healthy at all times. You could also opt for fake plants, given that they will add the same look and style. Adding Budget-Friendly Feng-Shi To Home-Decor Are you looking to bring more balance and good vibes into your home without breaking the bank? Feng Shui is all about creating harmony in your living space, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to make it happen. With just a few budget-friendly changes, you can invite positive energy, or "Chi," into your home and make it a calming, welcoming space. Clear The Clutter The first and easiest Feng Shui tip: declutter! It’s amazing how much difference a tidy room can make. When you get rid of the excess, you’re not only creating physical space, but you're also allowing the energy to flow freely. Take a walk around your home and ask yourself: Do I really need this? Less clutter equals more clarity and positive energy. Maximize Natural Light Good lighting is key to great Feng Shui. Natural light boosts the energy in any room, so open up those curtains and let the sunlight pour in. If you’re working in a space that doesn’t get much natural light, don’t worry. You can place mirrors strategically to reflect and amplify what little sunlight you have. Mirrors are like energy boosters! Bring in Some Green Plants are a staple in Feng Shui. They not only clean the air but also represent life, growth, and vitality. Even a small potted plant can make a huge difference. If you’re not exactly a plant person (hello, brown thumbs!), opt for easy-to-care-for plants like succulents or snake plants. And don’t worry; artificial plants can also work if they look realistic. Use Soft, Calming Colors You don’t need to repaint your entire house to improve the flow of energy. Start by adding calming colors like soft greens, blues, or neutrals in small touches, think cushions, throws, or wall art. These tones promote peace and relaxation, which is exactly what you want in a balanced space. Arrange Furniture With Intention Did you know that where you place your furniture can affect the energy in a room? Try to arrange your furniture so that you can see the door from where you’re sitting or sleeping. It promotes a feeling of safety and control. Plus, don’t block pathways with furniture, as it interrupts the flow of energy. Ready to try it out? Let Feng Shui transform your space! Improve Your Living Space! Investing in your home and interior design is essential to ensure that you are content with your living space. This is something you can do by implementing a few hacks here and there. Take your time to go through them and add them to your space one at a time. Transformation is a gradual process which means you’ll need to keep at it until you get to your desired outcome. Read Also: How To Increase The Value Of Your Home Important Things to Know Before Starting a Home Improvement Project Home Sweet Home Improvement: How to Find the Best Home Improvement Loans

8 Smart House Upgrades that are Totally Worth the Money

8 Smart House Upgrades that Pay Off

1. Clean, Fresh Paint:

2. Modernize the Kitchen:

3. Programmable Thermostat:

4. Upgrade Bathrooms:

5. Landscaping:

6. Install Solar Panels:

7. New Flooring:

8. Basement Improvements:

Upgrade Your Home, Today:

Natural Latex Mattress Vs Foam Mattress

How Does Structural Fire Protection Work?

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Why You Should Invest In Custom LED Light Signs For A Space

Cheap and Simple Tips to Give Your Bedroom a Makeover

Budget Friendly Home Improvement Hacks To Save Your Pockets

8 Smart House Upgrades that are Totally Worth the Money

8 Smart House Upgrades that Pay Off

1. Clean, Fresh Paint:

2. Modernize the Kitchen:

3. Programmable Thermostat:

4. Upgrade Bathrooms:

5. Landscaping:

6. Install Solar Panels:

7. New Flooring:

8. Basement Improvements:

Upgrade Your Home, Today:

Share this Article

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Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related