Improve Your Home, Improve Your Quality of Life
By Curtis Fisher
If you’re like most of us, you have big dreams for your home. But, how much thought do you actually put into what projects to put in the pipeline? Probably not as much as you should. If you’re just trying to keep up with the Joneses, don’t. The best updates and upgrades are those that add positivity and help keep you healthy.
Practical Tips
Before you pull up Google and start calling renovation companies, keep these things in mind:
Be selective about your contractors. In the world of contractors, no two are alike. While there are many great service providers throughout the Los Angeles area, they won’t all work for you and your situation. Get plenty of quotes, and check for testimonials from other locals.
Pick and choose upgrades wisely if you plan to move. Just as you should be selective about your contractors, you should be picky about upgrades to your home. If you plan to stay for at least five years, do whatever makes you happy. But, if you’re looking to sell within the next year or so, make sure that you know what other buyers want. In-demand upgrades will likely increase your home’s appraisal value. Consulting a real estate professional like Lauren G. Tizabi can help you get an idea of what will attract buyers.
Start small. Sometimes, small tweaks to your property can have a huge impact. Changing the feel of a given room can often be accomplished by changing the wall color. Repainting can be a mess, but peel & stick wallpaper is easy to use without a messy cleanup. Something as simple as increasing the storage in the kitchen or painting the fireplace can have a dramatic effect while keeping you within budget.
Smart Updates That Improve Quality Of Life
Not sure what kind of update to make? Think about those that will most affect your health, from your mood to your ability to socialize with friends or cook a healthy meal. A few to consider are:
Kitchen upgrade. Your kitchen is the heart of the home, but it sometimes beats to the tune of its own drum. Adding or replacing an old range hood can help keep your kitchen clean and healthy by sucking up messy oil particles. If your kitchen isn’t conducive to cooking, consider a new layout. If you have multiple chefs wanting and on the culinary action, a G-shaped kitchen may be your best bet as, according to Cliq Studios, this easily allows for two cooks.
A room addition. Do you need an extra bedroom? A space to meditate or exercise? Are you ready to move your office to your home? Consider adding an entire room. A home addition will add value, whether you want to expand your kitchen or simply have more living space where everyone can spread out.
Usable outdoor spaces. There’s no way around it: being outside is healthier than being inside. When you spend more time outside, you’ll likely be less stressed out and may even have a better memory. Plus, it gives you access to fresh air and sunshine, both of which are crucial to human health. And, if there’s something that the pandemic taught all of us it’s that outdoor entertaining is best if you want to socialize safely.
There’s no way to possibly list every single home improvement that could make your life better or provide every tip in a single blog post. If you are still unsure of what improvements you want, evaluate how you use your home. Then, once you’ve completed your updates and are ready to sell, contact Lauren G. Tizabi to help you navigate the Los Angeles real estate market.
Resources: at least five years - https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/how-long-should-you-live-in-a-house-before-selling
Lauren G. Tizabi - https://www.laurentizabi.com/
within budget - https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/remodeling/budget-remodels/25-home-improvement-ideas-under-150/
keep your kitchen clean - https://www.prolinerangehoods.com/rangehoodstyles/island-range-hoods
allows for two cooks - https://www.cliqstudios.com/kitchen-layouts/
add value - https://personalprideconstruction.com/additions/
less stressed out - https://www.nanawall.com/blog/5-amazing-benefits-of-indooroutdoor-living
socialize safely - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/safe-activities-during-covid19/art-20489385
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