Congratulations! You’re now a homeowner. How exciting, right?! We’re excited for you! I’m sure you’re emotionally and maybe mentally exhausted from the home buying process, but get ready to be physically and financially drained. Just kidding! We’re going to share what projects and renovations to start now so that doesn’t happen to you.
Step One: Create a budget
To avoid decreasing your savings or increasing credit card limits, first, analyze what you can actually afford. It’s okay if you can’t afford everything at first. Buying a house takes a lot of money, and many new homeowners have to live on a budget for a bit after buying, and especially after renovating. Besides, you have the house now, so it’s safe to assume you’ll have it for more than a couple of years so there’s time for all the renovations. Don’t rush it.
Begin by creating a maximum for renovations and projects. This will help keep your spending in line with comparable upgrades on the market.
Step Two: Create a vision
Now the fun begins! What do you want your home to look like? Hit up Pinterest and Instagram for some inspiration. Once you have an idea, put these at the top of your to-do list.
Renovations To Do First
Fixing Major Systems
If you’re buying a fixer-upper, your first priority after buying (and even before buying–always get a home inspection!) is to ensure that all systems like heating, cooling, electricity, and plumbing are functioning properly. Don’t forget to check for electrical hazards since they could be a safety issue. Once you get a more significant issue fixed, it can support your smaller and more affordable projects.
Renovating Kitchens
Guests usually spend the most time in a kitchen, so make a good first impression with the “heart of the home.” This will probably be one of the more time-consuming and expensive projects, so this is a good project to begin with. Renovations like new cabinets, flooring, appliances, countertops, and sometimes, changing the layout to make more space are common projects.
Painting
Don’t underestimate the power of a bucket of paint! This cheaper renovation is one of the simpler projects that will have a major impact on your home. Today’s primer and paint combinations do a great job of giving one coat of coverage.
Home Depot even has a paint calculator on its website “to accurately estimate the amount of paint you need”.
Lighting
Lighting is everything in a home and can quickly change the appeal of a room. More light to the room makes it more comfortable, so consider replacing light fixtures with color-temperature bulbs for that daylight effect. This is typically an inexpensive project.
Flooring
Hardwood is a popular option, and luxury vinyl planks and similar synthetic flooring have become great options as well. There is a ton of variety for an affordable price. This should be done before moving in furniture.
Upgrading Bathrooms
Some cosmetic upgrades in your bathroom will change the entire look and feel. Changing out toilets, vanities, replacing fixtures, or upgrading tiles will transform it into a new bathroom. This project can range depending on size and materials, but remember to stick to that budget!
Decor
Another way to transform your home is by adding items that make living in your house more enjoyable. With decor, you can get enjoyment immediately by hanging some paintings and pictures. Curb appeal and small fixes are other methods of making your home more livable.
If you need help deciding what projects to tackle and invest in, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team! Reach out to us anytime: (512) 699-9714 or Tina@MallachandCompany.com
