What is one way to update your current home to better suit evolving needs and desires?
To help homeowners update their current homes to better suit evolving needs, we asked expert home builders, interior designers, and experienced homeowners this question for their best advice. From completing a needs and space assessment to expanding with a deck, there are several considerations that may help you when upgrading your home to suit evolving needs.
Here are eight considerations for when you update your home:
- Do a Needs and Space Assessment
- Partner With an Interior Designer
- Prioritize Multi-Functional Furniture
- Convert Attic Space
- Update Your Home Office
- Upgrade Your Mattress
- Add an Accessory Dwelling Unit
- Expand With A Deck
Do a Needs and Space Assessment
Start with a needs and space assessment to determine the best way to remodel your home. Do you need space for a home office or two? Is your family spending more leisure time at home? Is your kitchen outdated, or do you need to update the technology in your home? As our Renovations team often says, “your dream home may be the one you are living in now.” The best renovation project starts with a detailed plan, a budget, and a clear understanding of how to make the space you have more functional and enjoyable.
Rod Cullum, Cullum Homes
Partner With an Interior Designer
Work with an interior designer to create a timeless design. There are so many trendy things that people want to add or incorporate in their homes that are not always practical and become obsolete in a matter of months. Working with an interior designer to identify furniture and furnishings, accessories, and features that will not go out of style will allow your space to evolve with your needs and desires.
Alisha Taylor, Alisha Taylor Interiors
Prioritize Multi-Functional Furniture
For many years, my family was in constant flux. We had young children, moved a few times, and worked in different industries. We decided to become more intentional by only adding furniture and accessories to our home that would suit multiple needs and spaces. For example, we stopped choosing furniture, such as sectional sofas, that would only fit the space in which we currently lived. Instead, we opted to get a couch and chairs that could work in another home should we move. We decided to repurpose an heirloom dining table into a tandem office desk in our most recent move. Don’t worry! We still have a dining table. It, too, does double duty. It’s a workhorse that serves as the kids’ main crafting and homework area when we’re not hosting Sunday family dinners.
Meryl Schulte, Markitors
Convert Attic Space
Now that we can travel to see loved ones to hug and spend some much-needed time with, extra sleeping space is essential for those overnight guests. Converting your attic space into guest room accommodations is an excellent way to update your home and increase its value. To keep your guests cool this summer, you’ll need to be sure your HVAC system is ready to handle another room. If not, look into purchasing a ventless, portable air conditioner. They’re reasonably affordable and don’t require a window for installation. And prepare your attic bedroom for holiday visitors by adding insulation that will keep them warm and lower your utility bills. While the average cost of an attic bedroom conversion is around $40,000, the good news is that most recoup more than 90% of their expenses. The big win from your new guestroom is all the extra quality time you can spend with family and friends.
Tyler Forte, Felix Homes
Update Your Home Office
Curating a healthy and productive office space is the best innovation to make during a time like this. A great deal of the workforce was pushed into unemployment or remote work. Having the space to accommodate how you make a living will help you stay ahead of the job market during times of uncertainty.
Nik Sharma, Sharma Brands
Upgrade Your Mattress
A mattress isn’t a purchase you’ll need to make often, but it is an important one simply because you’ll spend one-third of your life asleep. If you find that your mattress is getting a bit lumpy and uncomfortable, it may be time for a replacement.
Jeffery Brown, Big Fig Mattress
Add an Accessory Dwelling Unit
A great way to update your current home to suit your evolving needs is with an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). An ADU is a great idea if you have an elderly parent moving in with you due to the pandemic. It’s also great for anyone with a child going off to college who might want to save some money but still have a separate place to live.
Alex Czarnecki, Cottage
Expand With A Deck
If your home doesn’t already have one, consider adding a wooden deck. This can provide a calm area to read or simply enjoy a cup of coffee each morning. Additionally, it can add to the home’s resale value.
Tim Mitchum, WinPro Pet
Terkel creates community-driven content featuring expert insights. Sign up at terkel.io to answer questions and get published.
