Top New Year’s Resolutions for House Owners
Have you drawn up a list of your New Year’s resolutions yet? Apart from standard decisions about lifestyle and career changes, every homeowner should make plans at the end of the year as to what they can do to make their living area cosier and more functional for the future. If you do not know how to go about your home improvement projects in 2016, we have a few tips here to help you transform your house into a snug safety bubble.
1. Pick your priorities early & nail down a budget
If you have not been paying attention to the state of your home of late, there will probably be quite a few things in need of tending on your To do list. Do not panic: the best way to handle extensive repairs and upgrades is to define top priorities and allocate the total budget for the project. For instance, fix leaks, cracks and broken appliances first, and leave decluttering, redecorating and furniture shopping for later. The same goes for budgeting home-bound projects: it is better to invest in necessary repairs and maintenance than to splash out on a new sofa or fresh wall paint number. You can build your home improvement budget by setting aside some money for the purpose each month – the extra cash may even come in handy in case of a dire household emergency.
2. Fix one thing you’ve been putting off
Most homeowners have lists of items in need of fixing, but they often postpone some repairs due to lack of money or time. To kick-start 2016, push the repairs you have been putting off to the top priority list and finish them within a reasonable deadline. It is usually the small household issues we tend to overlook or leave for later that eventually cause extensive problems which require tons of cash to fix. Do not wait for household catastrophes to happen if you can deter them. For instance, fix the leaky roof and prevent ceiling stains from spreading, or invest in a new set of double-glazed windows or insulation and minimize your electricity bills in the long run.
3. Update Your Living Room
As for decor makeovers, you should start the New Year with an updated living room, since this is the area of your home your family normally spends most time in. Get a new area rug to liven up the ambiance, throw in a few colourful pillows and throws, create a focal point in the room using wall art or invest in new curtains or modern window shades. Take a look at the wide range of different wholesale blinds online and find the shades that fit your budget and needs in terms of size, tone and style.
4. Start a house photo album or memory box
A cool way to keep track of home changes, photo albums and memory boxes allow you to make your own ‘before and after’ house makeover pictures and preserve those memories forever. A house photo album will help you stay motivated in the home improvement process – you will always be able to see the results you have achieved so far, and the progress you captured through the pictures will inspire you to keep up the good work.
5. Spend more time enjoying your house
At the end of the day, do not forget to enjoy the fruit of your hard labour. Every time you finish a small repair or redecorating project, take the time to admire and savour it thoroughly before proceeding to the next point on the To Do list. Your home is where you live, after all, not just a place you constantly strive to improve.
Are you ready to start the New Year with a fresh attitude to your living area? Follow these simple steps, stay committed to your home improvement goals and your house will soon become a place of bliss and comfort.
