Remodels and Upgrades that Make You Healthier
by Curtis Fisher
Are you planning to upgrade and remodel your home in anticipation of a future sale? Then it’s time to connect with expert real estate agent Lauren G. Tizabi to find out which upgrades make the most sense. In addition to guiding you through optimal choices, she can also help you get the best price for your home. Reach out today! (310) 666-1537
Remodels and Upgrades that Make You Healthier
Looking to revamp your home, but not sure what you need? Consider taking a wellness-forward approach to your home renovation. Many people don’t consider the effect our environment has on our health. It’s not just a matter of being exposed to germs – everything from the lighting in our homes to the temperature can make our bodies wilt or thrive.
Here’s a look at some of the best health-focused upgrades you can make in your home:
DIY Projects
There are several small DIY projects that you can do that will make your house healthier. For example, you can install hanging baskets where you can keep indoor plants. Having greenery indoors reduces anxiety and improves the air quality significantly.
Another great DIY project you can do is adding art to your walls. Artsy points out that having something beautiful to look at encourages mindfulness and reduces the likelihood of developing mood disorders.
However, the direct benefits of the project are only a part of why DIYs are so great for your health. The act of taking on this kind of task is a health booster on its own. You have to do mental and physical work to achieve your goal, and afterward, you have the satisfaction of a job well done. The physical activity and boost in confidence are great for both your physical and mental wellbeing.
Pipeline Replacement
When it comes to the quality of our water, everyone wants clean drinking water free of contaminants, but we also want to make sure our homes don’t contribute to any toxicity in our drinking water. If you have a newer home, you likely have PVC or copper piping running through your home. If you have an older home, however, it’s possible you have galvanized steel pipes, which eventually corrode and become a risk for leaching toxins into your drinking water.
Your first step here is to determine what type of pipes are in your home, and if a plumber determines that you indeed have galvanized pipes, it’s time to discuss replacement options and costs. This can be a significant undertaking financially, and you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500 to $15,000 for replacement. Given the heady cost of this, it’s critical that you find a trustworthy plumber for the job. Carefully research reviews of local plumbing companies through sites like Angi.com, and use customer testimonials and ratings to help you zero in on a few candidates. Make sure to also get at least three quotes.
Lead Abatement
If your home was built before 1978, there’s a good chance some or all of the paint contains lead particles. If you have anyone in your home under the age of 10, or you have a young child that regularly visits, consider investing in lead abatement. Although there may be layers of non-lead paint overtop, this isn’t actually enough to contain lead dust, which can still enter the air and settle on surfaces.
There are different kinds of lead abatement, and they can run the gamut on price point. Lead encapsulation involves using a special kind of paint over leaded walls. This is effective if and only if the layer stays sealed – meaning you can’t nail or drill into the wall without compromising the encapsulation. This process is less expensive, however, usually coming in at between $1000-$3000, depending on a variety of factors.
Full lead removal is a different story. This usually costs $10,000 or more and is a massive project. You must move out while the work is done, and the process can take some time, depending on the amount of lead involved. However, once completed, you’re free to remodel, decorate, and drill as you please.
Installing a Sunroom
A sunroom is another great health-boosting renovation. Most of us don’t get enough sunlight. Sunsprite notes this can have serious effects on many aspects of our health. Insufficient sunlight leads to poor vision, less energy, and depressed moods, among other issues. Installing a sunroom, however, gives you a chance to get some sunlight no matter what time of year it is. Since you’ll be protected from the elements, cooler weather can’t keep you away from catching the sun’s rays. This means you’ll have more energy and be less likely to develop serious issues such as Seasonal Affective Disorder. However, make sure you really want one – Sapling notes a sunroom costs between $12,000 and $70,000, and it’s an investment that doesn’t usually pay off on sale’s price.
Refreshing your home can make a big difference for your physical and mental wellness. Take a health-forward approach when considering potential renovations. In doing so, you give yourself the gift of feeling great in a brand-new space!
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Sources: Lauren G. Tizabi - https://www.laurentizabi.com/
Greenery indoors - https://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/10-plants-that-improve-the-air-quality-in-your-home/ beautiful to look at - https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-making-art-reduce-depression-doctor-visits what type of pipes - https://homeinspectioninsider.com/how-long-plumbing-lasts-when-to-replace-costs/
local plumbing companies - https://www.angi.com/companylist/los-angeles/plumbing.htm under the age of 10 - https://www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead
Full lead removal - https://www.houselogic.com/remodel/painting-lighting/lead-paint-removal/ serious effects - https://www.sunsprite.com/blog/9-ways-a-lack-of-sun-is-killing-you/
$12,000 and $70,000 - https://www.sapling.com/8621365/average-cost-sunroom-addition Unsplash - https://unsplash.com/photos/iI72r3gSwWY
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