Don’t Move, Improve!

Dare we mention Brexit? With the impact of our departure from the EU on the UK property market still largely unknown, it’s understandable that many homeowners are choosing to stay put, rather than making plans to sell their homes.

Once you’d made the decision to continue living where you are for the foreseeable future, it’s natural to consider home improvements. How can you make your home work better for you, and get more enjoyment from it?

So if you’re among those who don’t plan to move soon, we’ve drawn up a list of ways that you can improve your home.

Home improvement

1. Increase Curb Appeal

If you want to make yourself smile every time you arrive home, spend a little time giving the front of your home a little TLC. Make a lasting first impression, with updated paintwork and new hardware for your front door. Ensure your colour palette works by using more neutral shades for dominant areas and add an accent colour for doors, windows and woodwork.

colourful front door
@thedoorsofldn

2. Write A ‘Snag List’​

It’s a good idea to walk around your house and create your own snag list, noting the jobs that have accumulated over time that keep your home from being in tip top condition. Have you stopped noticing the peeling paint, the broken door latches, squeaky floorboards and the mouldy bathroom sealant? Once you have a list, it’s easier to prioritise the jobs and establish what materials and time you need to complete them. It’s likely that there are some jobs that you can tick off there an then to get the ball rolling.

3. Reconfigure your layout

While it’s a bigger budget solution, reconfiguring​ your floor plan can have lasting benefits that you’ll appreciate on  a daily basis. Adapting the size and flow of the space that you have can significantly change the way that you use your home. It can provide more light, more generous space to entertain in, and allow you to dedicate ample room for utilities or pantries. Making these functional areas less prominent puts more emphasis on the most enjoyable areas of your home.

natural dining room
@home__stead

4. Make it More Eco-Friendly

Now is a good opportunity to help to future-proof your home by improving it’s energy efficiency.  There are many options including installing smart meters, using energy efficient appliances and light bulbs, and tackling draughts. Or perhaps look at bigger changes such as investing in insulation and fitting solar‐panel heating. Not only can these changes reduce your energy consumption, you’ll benefit from big savings on your annual energy bills. Win, win!

5. Period Details

It may be that now is a good time to look at the original features that drew you to your property in the first place. Those period details that bring your home so much character and reflect by-gone eras.

In the case of period windows, it’s easy to put off maintenance when they still perform some of their functions. However, some specialist attention can help your wooden windows to last for the next generation. Not only will it improve the look and condition of these prominent features, but you’ll reap the rewards of a warmer and more peaceful home.

victorian dining room