What Elements Lessen Your Home's Appeal?
Your home can’t run on autopilot. Perhaps one day we’ll have self-cleaning homes but until that time comes, it’s important for every homeowner to take care of their property. Properly maintaining your home can have a big impact on the longevity of your home and its systems. If it’s left to deteriorate, it can make spending time in your home less enjoyable and it’ll have a negative impact on the value of your home. Don’t forget that your house is an investment, so it’s important to ensure that the value is moving in the right direction.
The good news is that maintaining your property doesn’t have to be hard work. You just need to know what you’re looking for. In this blog, we’re going to run through some elements that have the biggest impact. If you can ensure that you’re not guilty of any of the following, then you’ll be on the right path.
Messy Front Yard
You’ll be spending the majority of your time in your house, so it’s normal that the majority of your focus will be on the interior. But it’s also important to ensure that the exterior part of your property is on point, too. If the front of your home looks the part, then you’ll have to set the tone for the rest of your house. So take a look: is your front yard messier than it should be? Are there weeds and dead plants? If so, then spend a little bit of time getting it into shape. You’ll find that not only is your house better but that you enjoy returning back home after a long day at work. If you’re new to landscaping, choosing plants that are native to your area will ensure that the plants and shrubs will thrive. As they mature, they will look even better, so it’s a good time to tackle it today!
Dark, Dingy Spaces
Our surroundings have a huge impact on how we feel. If your home is light and spacious, it has the capacity to have a positive impact. If it’s dark and dingy, it won’t have a welcoming feel. The aim is to allow the sunshine to pour into your property and to ensure that you have plenty of space. If your house is currently a little darker and more cramped than it should be, then look at making some changes. There’s nearly always a way to get more light into your property. If it’s overly cramped, get rid of some items or invest in better organization tools or storage. You can also bring in items that reflect light, like mirrors, or go from dark to light paint.
Big Problems
Small problems can bring down the quality of your home but if you have some DIY skills and tools, then you can usually take care of them pretty easily. Smaller issues that aren’t handled quickly can become massive problems and can seriously affect your house quality and price, not to mention the growing cost of repairs. Two examples would be water damage and structural issues. If you suspect you have either, then call in the experts. A water damage restoration company can clear up any water issues, while a residential structural engineer can assess the extent of your structural damage -- and offer advice on how to correct the problem. It’s best to fix these problems promptly because they’re issues that can cause extensive damage if left unresolved.
Energy Loss
If your home is going to be comfortable, then it must have the capacity to retain energy. You need to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. There are many reasons why you might have this problem. One big culprit are old, drafty windows. Make sure you seal around openings so air indoors doesn’t escape. Inadequate insulation in the walls or attic can also be an issue. Fixing these problems can require an investment of cash, but think of it this way -- you’ll save a lot of money on your energy bills and improve your home's value.
Lack of Updates
Your home may have looked the part once upon a time. But nothing lasts forever. Over time, the quality of your decor will begin to fade, and, in any case, style does move on. It’s worthwhile looking at updating different parts of your home from time to time. Sometimes, that might mean making big changes. At others, it could be that all you need is a lick of paint. If you want to keep things fresh, switch up your furniture placement. It can help you see the room in a new light, which might show you what you need to do with it.
Foregoing Technology
Adding modern technology to an older home can make a big difference in how you interact with your home. Smart home devices today can take an outdated home and give it a fresh update. It’s important to consult a professional if you intend to make changes/additions to major systems, like adding a smart thermostat to an older HVAC system. You can also incorporate smart home items like smart bulbs and vacuums that don’t require an overhaul. As long as you have reliable internet, you can make smart additions that can improve your quality of life at home.
This is far from an exhaustive list, but if you take these tips, you’ll be on the right path to keeping your home freshly maintained.