As the saying goes, your house is your castle. Whether big or small, it’s your sanctuary. The place where you make memories. It’s the family hangout and a place where problems are solved.
Your house is the place you are most comfortable. These are all reasons you should make your house a home. Turn it into a space everyone can enjoy and can’t wait to return to at the end of each day. Your house should be a place that’s not only safe and comfortable but fun and attractive.
This is where upgrading enters the picture. Some upgrades may be necessary, whereas others are simply luxurious. In this blog, we’re talking about both. If you’re looking to make upgrades that are guaranteed to improve your family home, read on.
1. Upgrade Your AC & Heating System
Your family home should be a comfortable and healthy place. As the family hangs out, it should be cool in the summer and toasty in the winter. Additionally, nobody should need to worry about allergies or catching their breath. This is where upgrades to your heating and air conditioning system enter the picture.
Taking some pretty simple steps can help ensure your family’s comfort. An excellent place to start is by installing a HEPA filter. This filter can remove up to 99.9% of particles floating in the air. This simple upgrade can help remove dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander, and smoke from your home. Using a HEPA filter can significantly improve the health of everyone.
Another simple upgrade to the system could be as simple as having your air ducts checked and cleaned regularly. Ducts can suffer damage from weather, animals, and other factors. Many times, the air ducts will become clogged, causing a restriction of airflow. Cleaning and replacing them as necessary can significantly improve the air quality of your home.
If you have a family full of people who are never happy with the inside temperature and are constantly fiddling with the thermostat, you may consider upgrading HVAC zones. Simply put, different areas of the house can be set to different temperatures. Imagine the joy of no more arguing that it’s freezing and hot simultaneously!
2. Make Your Garage A Fun Space
Folks are increasingly using their garages as an extension of their homes. It’s common to see this space, once used for cars or junk, turned into a fun family hangout. Converting your garage into an entertaining area can be as simple or involved as you want. The key is to plan carefully and get organized before starting.
First, decide what you want the space to be. You might want a second living room. You can add furniture, a big screen television, even a fireplace. If you’re into fitness but can’t always get motivated, turning your garage into a home gym is a great idea. You can add a wall mirror and rubber mats along with the equipment.
If you want more of a family hangout, consider a game room or home theater. The garage can also be easily converted into a playroom for the kids and can transition into a teen hangout as they grow older. No kids, no problem. Convert the space into a dog run or cat room.
Once you’ve decided on the space, it’s time to get it ready, clean out any unwanted junk, and hang some mounts and shelves in a separate area for what you need to keep. Then, ensure your space is weatherized, including waterproofing and adding heat and air conditioning. Add flooring and consider changing the old garage doors to more traditional ones. Be sure to check with the town about conversion permits that may be needed.
3. Get Your Roof Remodeled
Remodeling your roof is about more than repairs and adding some new shingles; remodeling means adding some style and panache to your rooftop. There are a ton of styles and materials you can choose for a new roof, including terracotta, tile, slate, flat, Dutch, saltbox, Gable, and sawtooth. You may also consider adding a skylight for natural lighting or a dormer for extra space.
Remodeling your roof can add curb appeal to the family hangout, as well as save on energy costs. If you’re not looking for a whole new roof, consider adding some trim. Even small things can improve the roof’s appearance. Before doing anything, check with the town and homeowners association (if you have one) for any restrictions. Consult with a roofing service to see what styles and materials would be best for your home and can withstand the weather in your area.
4. Create A Stunning Garden
A garden can add a unique area to your outdoor space that’s aesthetically pleasing, fragrantly peaceful, and functional. It makes a great hobby and can be a family hangout for quiet discussions, family photos, and much more. If you’d like to create a stunning garden, you need to get organized first.
Decide where the garden will go and that there’s enough sunlight. Prepare the area for planting and decide on your plants. The key to a great garden is balance. Choose various colorful flowers, but don’t forget to add some non-flowering plants and bushes. Don’t be afraid to use colorful pots for some flowers either; it’s an easy way to diversify and regularly update the garden.
Plants some herbs and spices that you usually use. It’s a fresh and tasty way to save some money. Be sure to add garden art like statues, garden gnomes, and plaques. Consider adding a water feature like a fountain or a pond.
Finally, don’t forget an outdoor sofa or some chairs. As you create your garden, don’t forget about weed control. Think about a mulch or crushed stone delivery to put down in the flower beds. These natural resources add beauty and keep weeds at bay.
5. Ensure Your Plumbing Is Updated
Plumbing may not be the most exciting update you make to your home, but it’s definitely one of the most important. Most of us tend to ignore plumbing and take it for granted until there’s a problem. Your comfortable family hangout can quickly turn into a madhouse if you find yourself without water.
When you purchase your home, it’s vital to have some plumbers come in and ensure that your plumbing is up-to-date. If you have well water, call local well pump services to check that system. Some signs you may need a plumbing upgrade include iron pipes, low water pressure, rusty water, continuous clogs, and leaks. It’s better to call the plumbers for a preventative inspection and pay a few hundred dollars than to call them for a clog or leak that could cost thousands.
6. Add Cool And Cozy Lighting To Every Room
Lighting is another upgrade you can make to your home that can be as economical or indulgent as you want or need. Remember that while you can get as fancy as you wish, lighting should always be functional. There should be three lighting sources in most rooms: overhead, task or table, and ambient.
A few simple touches can make the family hangout more inviting and warm. While more dramatic effects can turn a drab room into a showplace. Suppose you’re on a budget and looking for a straightforward source. Try adding some LED hanging lights or a lovely floor lamp and some table lamps. Add a few sconces next to the artwork or a mantle for a classic look.
For more significant, bolder lighting projects, you can add to any room, try track lighting or recessed lighting. Another easy way to add functional ambiance is to install dimmer switches. This will offer an easy change from warm to bright light whenever needed. Be sure to spread the light around, light darker areas, and use proper shades for table lamps. A local electrician can help you decide what works best for your space and electrical system.
7. Install A Pool
Installing a pool in your home backyard will not only increase its value, but it will secure its spot as the family hangout for years to come. It will likely become the neighborhood hangout as well, so keep that in mind when planning. A pool is a super fun addition to any home. It will transform a plain yard into a summer fun park and gathering place. The pool will become the centerpiece of BBQs, birthday parties, and lazy summer days.
While your family will undoubtedly love the pool, it’s not all fun and games. Pool installations take a lot of planning and labor. They also can cost quite a bit—the average inground pool costs between $50,000 to $100,000. The average above-ground pool can be anywhere from an affordable $800 to 15,000. If, after all that you’re still interested, let’s talk specifics.
First, you must decide if you want an in-ground or above-ground. Your choice will depend mainly on your budget, but also on space and whether you can excavate your yard without disturbing various tanks, pipes, and lines. Be sure to call utility companies before doing anything.
Once you decide, you must get permits and contact your insurance company. Your rates will likely increase regardless of the type of pool you install. Unless you’re a super magical pool installer in your spare time, your next step should be to call a professional pool installation company.
For inground pools, they will cover everything from excavating and adding plumbing and electrical lines to laying the concrete patio and filling the pool. If you go with an above-ground pool, the company will level the ground, assemble the pool, install the ladders and any deck you may want, hook up the pumps, and fill the pool. Once the pool is installed, you’ll need to keep up with it by regular cleanings, balancing chemicals, and changing filters.
8. Upgrade Your Kitchen Counters
The kitchen is usually the most popular family hangout. It’s the room where everyone gathers for meals, to do work, and to chat. That’s why it’s essential to make it fun and attractive as well as functional.
Kitchens run neck and neck with bathrooms as the most remodeled spaces in homes. But you don’t have to break the bank or entirely change the layout to give the kitchen a nice refresh. A few simple upgrades can make a difference. See what is worn or drab, and get to work.
Some fresh paint and new flooring can brighten a kitchen’s look. Adding granite counters can add a touch of warmth and class. Refacing old cabinets is a great way to update the room’s look while keeping it economical. You could also consider changing the backsplash or adding crown molding for a decorative accent.
If you feel it’s a bit dark when cooking, adding under-cabinet lighting is a great way to lighten things up. Home DIY projects can also add flair to your kitchen while being fun. For example, make a pot rack from a copper pipe; it’s functional and looks great.
9. Convert Your Attic Into A Den
Now that you’ve created a lovely family hangout in practically every room in your house, it’s time for your space. After all, even the closest of families need time for themselves. What better place than that unused attic space? The attic is the perfect place for a den or home office. You’ll be away from the hustle and bustle of the house. It’s quiet, cozy, and probably has a great view.
The first thing is to decide your layout and design. Then, do any cleanup and sanitizing that the attic needs. At the same time, check for safety issues like ensuring the floor can support extra weight or getting rid of old attic insulation.
Call the town and see if you need any permits for the work you’ll be doing. Work may include drywall, electrical, and plumbing, depending on what you’ll be installing. Finally, it’s time for the real fun: adding furniture and decorating. All that’s left is to enjoy your peace and quiet.
Upgrades to your home are a great way to bring everyone together. Creating family hangout spaces is a way to promote bonding and relaxation. They don’t need to be extravagant or fancy to be appreciated. The bonus is that almost all of them will add value to your home.
