Responsible homeowners know when their homes need some TLC (tender loving care). Wear and tear is common and provides an opportunity for you to mix things up in your house through renovations.
Renovating may sometimes feel like a big undertaking. But the fact of the matter is, there will eventually come a time when you need to make some changes in your home, not just to maintain but also improve its aesthetic and market value – particularly if you are planning to sell it.
Here are some of the tell-tale signs that you need to start planning for your home renovations:
When your roof starts to crumble
One of the hardest parts of the house to check is the roofing. You cannot just go outside, walk a few steps away from your house, and check on your roof for possible damage — you’ll have to actually climb and check the roof yourself, or hire someone to do it for you. Since the roof of your house is your first layer of protection from the elements, it is imperative for you to take swift action once it leaks.
There are two common reasons why roofs get damaged: either the initial work was subpar or your roofing system becomes worn out through time. An asphalt shingle roof should remain intact for at least 20 years. If your roofing is any older, you might have to check it for deterioration even if it still looks fine. You also need to have it looked once your roof shingles start to curl, crack, go missing, or get stuck in the gutter.
When your flooring become dilapidated
If there’s one part of the house that constantly endures stress, it’s the flooring. Floor tiles are good indicators of your house’s condition, and when they start to come off, you should definitely consider renovating.
Kitchen and bathroom floors are usually the first to show signs of deterioration like cracks, dents, and stains. Since these two rooms are deal-breakers when selling a home, you should fix them immediately, especially if you are planning to sell in the near term.
Renovating your floors gives you an opportunity to change the vibe of your interior to better match it with your home decor. When changing your floors, you should take note of several things:
Lower-level floors are more exposed to moisture. When choosing the material to replace your flooring in these areas, consider tile or vinyl, as they are water-resistant.
Rooms that are occupied the most should have flooring that can withstand constant wear and tear.
Avoid wood and carpet flooring if you live in areas with extreme temperatures.
Consider the occupants of the room when deciding for the material. Ceramic tiles, laminate flooring, and carpet will work well with children’s rooms. If you have senior citizens living in your home, it’s a good idea to get flooring with extra traction.
When the wall paint looks worn-out
Just like how clothes sometimes make you look younger, so does a fresh coat of paint to a wall. It is best to invest in a good quality of paint and give your walls a fresh look.
Constant exposure to different external factors like dirt, chemicals, and sunlight affect your paint over time — it will age your house considerably if walls are neglected. You do not have to wait for your paint to start chipping before you coat it with a new layer. Repainting your walls early will actually minimize the need for pre-painting work like scraping the walls.
When you notice termites infesting your home
When your house starts to harbour pests like termites, do not hesitate. Act immediately and start to investigate which areas you need to take care of.
Termite infestation usually means that the materials used in your house are substandard. It can also indicate that your house is becoming too untidy.
When you need more space
It is time to renovate if you start to feel that your house is shrinking — perhaps your family is getting bigger or you are just buying bigger furniture and appliances.
You need to revisit your space needs when you decide to renovate your home. How much more space do you need? Will changing the layout of the house be beneficial over time? Do you have a large enough budget to cover the costs?
Seeking the help of an architect is advisable, especially if you have no idea how you can expand your home without necessarily creating another set of rooms. But if you have the free space on your lot to do so, assess if you can build an annex.
When your home gets out of style
Admit it: a house gets boring as it ages. The trends that were hot when the house was built will eventually become old-fashioned. For instance, the 90s’ trend of using gold accents in doorknobs, windows, and panels will not cut it in this day and age where minimalist and muted designs are the new norms.
You might find it impractical to spend a lot of money overhauling your home just to keep up with new trends, but there are actually simple ways to give your home a fresh spin. It can actually be your little do-it-yourself project. You will be surprised how little changes to your kitchen’s faucets and cabinet handles and installing better lighting can transform the room.
When you are planning to sell
A well-planned renovation may boost the value of your home significantly. It is a surefire way to increase the value of your property despite the current market condition.
However, you have to be careful about the improvements that you are planning to make on your property. Make sure that whatever you decide on creating will not be polarizing, as buyers have varied tastes in design. Go for neutral elements that have a broad appeal to increase the chances of selling your home.
