These Tips will Help you to Modernise your Home on a Budget
Modernising a dated home is one of the best things you can do. You’ll soon find that it’s a brilliant way to make a profit, and with a bit of effort, you may even find that you can turn it into a stunning property in no time at all. If you aren’t sure where to start, then simply look below.
DIY
The first thing you need to do is decide if you want to DIY or not. A lot of this will come down to your skill level. You should give DIY a go, even if it’s not something you’ve done before. The main reason for this is that you can save a substantial amount of money, and you may also find that you can get it done on your own terms, or at a time that suits you. Time is a factor to consider here, however. If you’ve never experimented with DIY before then make sure that you know how long each project is going to take before you dive in.
You should also be mindful of the fact that when a job starts, it’s probably quite difficult to hire a tradesperson to come in and take over. If you have children then juggling them as well as the jobs that you have to do can also be difficult. Renovations and children can be tricky at the best of times, so make sure that you are aware of how long something is going to take you, and how much effort you need to put in to get the job done.
DIY, of course, has the potential to save you money, and you can even choose to tackle some of the more straightforward jobs if you want. This can include painting walls, or changing light fittings. If you need more specialist work, like plastering then it could be worth hiring a professional. If you can, you also need to take the time to tackle any damp and structural issues. Damp and mould can pose major issues and they can also knock quite a lot of value off your home, as well as affecting the people who live in it. When assessing your property, take note of the quality of the brick pointing, and also make sure that your guttering doesn’t overflow when it rains.
Kerb Appeal is Key
Kerb appeal when you have a dated property is so important. You really want the exterior of your property to be neat and attractive. Simple tasks like mowing your front garden and repainting your front door can go a long way. You can also hire a pressure washer as this is a good way for you to blast away any dirt on your paving, so you can make sure that it has the biggest impact on your property. You also need the woodwork on your property to be in good condition.
Keep on top of any painting and also make sure that you replace the wooden fascias and soffits. Replacing original features with more modern materials can be a bit controversial, but at the same time, it’s a good way for you to modernise your property. Make sure that you check to see if there are any planning permission restrictions to stop you from getting the work you need done. If you live in a conservation area or if you live in a listed building then it’s wise for you to check to see the work you can do beforehand.
Keep the Warmth In
With rising fuel costs and growing energy bills, it’s so important that you take the time to modernise your home. You need to make sure that it is as energy-efficient as possible, and you also need to take the time to reduce your energy bills. Make sure that your heating system is energy efficient, and also replace your old boiler if you can. Service it annually as well, and bleed your radiators to ensure maximum efficiency. If you can do this then you will be able to prevent sludge build-up within the pipes, which is a major issue if you have an older property.
Another thing you can do is invest in some thermal curtains that have an inner lining. Draught excluders are a very good investment here, and they also allow you to get the result you need out of your heating. If you’re concerned about energy use then it is also a good idea for you to take into account the fact that a lot of bulbs in older homes are not energy-efficient at all. It may be that you need to replace the ones you have with ones that are LED, as these use way less energy than the standard bulbs you might have. If you are blocking a chimney then you still need to make sure that you have ventilation, so make sure you get an air brick as this will help you to avoid damp.
Bring your Personality In
When it comes to modernising your home, you should really try and go with what you love. This could be neutral tones, or it could be a more monochrome design. Pastel colours or dark, dramatic colours are a very good investment, and you should try and use these throughout your home if you can. It can be very helpful for you to have a cohesive paint palette too, as this will tie your home together. You may want to opt for a mixture of blue or green tones, and then combine this with patterned wallpaper.
Prints or even rugs are also great here, not to mention that you can also add pops of pink. This is a great way for you to embrace bold choices while making sure that you are balancing everything out nicely. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what colour palette you choose, because there are plenty of ways you can use it to your advantage to bring your dated home into this century. If you want, you can also invest in décor that helps to add personality too. Fake hanging plants are great here, and they also give you the chance to add a pop of colour to your home. You would be surprised at how easy this is for you to integrate, and the best thing is that you can move the plants around until you find a position you are really happy with.
Pull up Old Carpets
Pull up your old carpets and be sure to replace them with new ones if you can. You should also get your existing ones professionally cleaned if you feel as though it would help. If you have exposed wooden flooring then you can add a large patterned rug as a way to give a focal point. This is a good way for you to make your room cosier, and it also gives you the chance to get the overall result you need. If you have a lot of open, exposed flooring then you can hire a floor sander if you want. Just make sure that you are prepared for a huge amount of dust and a lot of hard graft.
Install a stair runner on your staircase too, if you want to make your stairs look more modern. Synthetic carpets tend to be more affordable than real wood and if you get them edged rather than having them taped then this can save you quite a substantial sum. Consider also taking the time to go with a bold colour on your staircase, as this will go a long way when it comes to making your home look more modern. If you do decide to repaint then be sure to check for lead paint. This has to be removed carefully by using a chemical paint stripper, as painting over it will result in you experiencing major health consequences at a later date.
Upcycling
If you want to update your property then upcycling can be a fantastic way for you to save some money while also creating something truly unique for your home. If you have furniture that is outdated or doesn’t fit your style, then you may want to modernise it by investing in upcycling. You can update your home office desks by painting the drawers or you can add some luxurious wooden vinyl on top. This is a good way for you to get the result you need and you would be surprised at what a difference this could make to your home.
Upcycling also gives you the chance to avoid replacing the features of your home, as it encourages you to embrace what you have, so you can save money at a later date. If you need some help upcycling then one thing you can do is try and focus on the things you have and then find inspiration online as to what you can do with them. This is a great way for you to get the result you want, but for a price you can afford.
