Home improvements are what some people dread, while others cannot get enough. The main reason people undergo home improvements is to add value to their house, but there are plenty of other benefits to taking on these projects. For instance, a house needs maintenance, no matter its age, to ensure it runs properly (and saves many headaches in the long run). Also, improvements allow for the addition of more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly appliances in the home, which can help a lot with monthly costs. Lastly, home improvements mean trying out new styles and adding more space — perfect for large families.
First Things First: Financing Home Improvements
The initial question that stops numerous people from taking on these projects is how to pay for them. A financially viable and much-loved option is HELOCs or home equity lines of credit. HELOCs allow you to have a revolving line of credit for a set amount of time, using your home equity. PNC Bank remains one of the best options for obtaining a HELOC.
The bank guides you on how to take the home equity you have built up and convert it into cash you can use to improve your home. There are plenty of ways to do this, including obtaining a variable rate and payment option, allowing you to withdraw finances over a set period of time as needed. Of course, there are many alternatives that can also meet your needs.
Home Improvements: Top Ideas
So, what are the top projects today that people are taking on? By far, more and more homeowners are opting to build more storage space and doing so in innovative ways. For example, floating shelves in any area of your home can help you find a place for all those random objects you keep wanting to find room for.
Secondly, if you have an attic, let it collect dust no more. A big trend in recent years has been to transform one’s attic by turning it into a playroom for kids, reading space or even an office space (ideal for those who are now working remotely). Lastly, building a breakfast bar is a great way to give your kitchen a chic feel and allows for more room for prepping and eating. Many choose to give their breakfast bar a vintage look with brick walls and wooden tabletops to provide a cafe vibe right at home.
Become More Energy-Efficient
Home improvements are not just about changing up the look of your home — they are also a perfect opportunity to make your home more energy-efficient and Earth-friendly. For instance, upgrading your kitchen to be more energy-efficient not only saves you on utility costs but can up the resale of your home in the future. Common kitchen upgrade ideas include replacing your refrigerator, microwave, oven, or freezers with the newest models in energy efficiency. At the same time, you can also look into installing bamboo floors or hardwood. These are ecologically friendly and can give a fresh look to your kitchen.