In today’s society, we are constantly surrounded by new technologies to bring us convenience. From our smartphones and tablets to the household appliances in our homes, technology is everywhere we look. And it’s no different for your home. With the advancements of technology coming into play with a number of things, one thing you may find yourself wondering is: what can I do to make my home more up-to-date?
- Kitchen
When it comes to upgrading your kitchen, there are a few key things you can do to improve your cooking experience. Here are five of the best upgrades for your kitchen:
1. Upgrade Your Range: A new range can make all the difference in your cooking experience. Look for one with an oven that is high-end and has multiple temperature options, as well as a cooktop with many different settings. You’ll be able to customize your cooking process significantly more with a quality range.
2. Invest In A Good Microwave: A good microwave is essential for quick and easy meal preparation. Look for one that has several different heating levels, as well as features like automatic shutoff and a timer. It’ll be handy not only for reheating food but also for making simple dishes like yogurt or popcorn.
3. Update Your Sink: A outdated sink can quickly become a source of frustration in the kitchen. Choose a sink that is both practical and stylish, and that fits in with the rest of your décor. Consider investing in a porcelain sink or one with an attractive granite countertop.
4. Upgrade Your Appliances: Make sure to update your appliances to match the style of your kitchen décor. For example, if you have a modern kitchen with light fixtures designed by Philippe Starck, look for appliances that are designed by him as well—like refrigerators and dishwashers.
5. Install Custom Cabinets: If you’re looking to add some spice to your kitchen, consider installing custom cabinets. Cabinetmakers will be able to create cabinets that are perfect for your specific needs and style, and they can also customize the layout of the cabinets to maximize storage space.
- Bathroom
Bathroom remodeling is one of the most important home upgrades you can make. Not only will it make your bathroom look and feel better, but it can also save you money in the long run. Here are five key bathroom upgrades that will change your life:
1. A new showerhead. A new showerhead can save you up to 50% in water usage, which is money you can put toward other investments in your home. Plus, a high-quality shower head can give you a really luxurious experience.
2. New flooring. If your bathroom is on the small side, consider upgrading to a tile or wood flooring instead of carpeting. Not only will this update the look of your bathroom, but it will also be more comfortable to stand on and walk on.
3. A new toilet tankless water heater. If your old toilet tank was taking up a lot of space, consider getting a tankless water heater instead. This type of water heater uses sensors to detect when someone is using the restroom and doesn’t need to wait for the tank to fill up before starting up again. This can save you both time and energy!
4. New vanity. If your current vanity isn’t quite meeting your needs, consider upgrading to something more sleek and modern. There are tons of options out there, so choose what’s best for you!
5. New lighting. Adding some new lighting to your bathroom can really make it feel more spacious and inviting. There are a variety of options available, so find the ones that fit your style best.
- Outside
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about your home’s exterior. But there are some key upgrades that will change your life and can make your home more energy-efficient and even reduce your monthly utility bills. Here are four key upgrades to consider:
1. Replace Your Exterior Paint:
Your exterior paint is one of the first things that weathers and wears down, so it’s important to replace it on a regular basis. Not only will a new coat of paint help to protect your home from fading and cracking, but it can also improve its energy efficiency. By choosing a color that reflects sunlight (rather than absorbing it), you’ll reduce your home’s cooling needs in the summer and heating needs in the winter.
2. Upgrade Your Windows:
Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in a home, so it’s important to upgrade them if you can afford it. Installing high-performance windows – which have been designed to resist thermal transference and keep heat inside – can save you up to 30% on your utility bills each year! In addition, they can also provide natural light and ventilation while keeping out noise and criminals.
3. Insulate Your Walls & Ceiling:
Insulating your walls & ceiling is one of the most affordable ways to reduce your energy bill by up to 50%. In fact, research suggests that every $100 spent on insulation can result in a $700 reduction in your energy bill over the life of the insulation project!
4. Install a Home Energy Audit:
A home energy audit is the best way to identify and upgrade your home’s energy efficiency. During this process, our team will walk through your entire home and evaluate all of the potential sources of energy waste (like inefficient appliances and Lights). This information will help you make informed decisions about how to save money on your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
5. Adding pool enclosure or pool cover to your backyard pool:
Adding a pool enclosure or pool cover to your backyard pool can transform it from an average backyard destination into a magnificent oasis. Not only will the added structure make it more inviting and comfortable for guests, but it can also improve safety and security. In addition to providing protection from the elements, a pool enclosure or cover can add additional living space to your backyard while shielding it from unwanted eyes. There are many different types of pool enclosures and covers available on the market, so be sure to research which one is best suited for your needs before making a purchase. Here are four key reasons to add a pool enclosure or cover to your backyard:
1. Improve Pool Temperature & Comfort: A well-insulated enclosure will keep the pool water cooler, making it more comfortable for swimming all year long. In hot weather climates, a screened-in enclosure provides relief from the intense sun and humidity.
2. Keep Kids & Pets Out of Danger: If you have young children or pets who love to swim, adding a pool enclosure will give them peace of mind by keeping them safe from predators and other dangers lurking in the open water. A screened-in enclosure also keeps pets confined inside, providing hours of entertainment without any risk of accidents.
3. Protect Your Investment: A poorly maintained backyard pool is one that can quickly lose its appeal and value. Adding a proper enclosure will help protect your investment by preventing damage from elements like wind, rain, and snow. Plus, if you ever decide you no longer want or need a pool in your backyard, enclosing it will make it much easier to sell or move without taking down the entire structure.
- Inside
If you’re looking to make your home more comfortable, energy-efficient, and stylish, there are a few key upgrades you can make that will change your life for the better. Here are five of the most important:
1. Replace Your Old Windows and Doors: Windows and doors account for a large portion of your home’s energy consumption, so it’s important to replace them if you can. Not only will this save you money on your electric bill, but new windows and doors also tend to be more energy-efficient than older models.
2. Install Insulated Wall Panels: Another big way to reduce your energy costs is by installing insulated wall panels. These panels help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer by trapping heat or air respectively. They’re also a great way to reduce noise pollution from outside sources.
3. Upgrade Your Heating and Cooling System: Upgrading your heating and cooling system not only saves you money on your electric bill, but it can also improve the comfort level in your home dramatically. By switching to newer, more efficient systems, you can reduce both your energy use and CO2 emissions significantly.
4. Install Energy Star Lighting: One of the best ways to improve the look and feel of any room is by installing high-quality energy star lighting fixtures. These fixtures are designed to use less energy while providing superior illumination levels compared to traditional lighting.
5. Upgrade your Insulation: Finally, one of the most important ways to reduce your energy costs is by upgrading your insulation levels. By adding more insulation to your home, you’ll not only reduce your energy use, but you’ll also keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
6. Replacing regular glass with dichromatic glass. Regular glass is a common material used in many windows and doors. However, due to its vulnerability to water damage, dichromatic glass is a popular alternative that can help improve your home’s security and energy efficiency.
- Garage/Workshop
If you’re looking to up your home game, here are a few key upgrades that will change your life.
1) A complete garage or workshop. This is the ultimate upgrade for anyone who loves to do DIY projects and works on their car. Not only will this give you more storage and space, but it can also serve as a great spot to store all of your tools and equipment.
2) A bigger backyard. If you love spending time outside, a bigger backyard is the perfect upgrade for you. Not only will this give you more room to play, but it can also provide plenty of extra storage space for all of your gear.
3) A new roof. A new roof not only looks great on your home, but it can also improve the overall energy efficiency of your home. Plus, who doesn’t love a fresh coat of paint every year?
4) More light and ventilation in the kitchen and bathrooms. Everyone knows that a well-lit kitchen is ideal, but did you know that adequate ventilation in the bathrooms can also be beneficial? Increased light will make cooking and cleaning much easier, while better ventilation will help reduce bathroom odors and improve air quality overall.