New Year’s resolutions for the home

Would painting one or more rooms give your home a lift? Does your kitchen need an update to make entertaining easier, especially during the holiday season? Would you like to renovate your bathroom to include a new, large soaking tub?

Brainstorm with other household members and pick out three to five items for your home wish list for 2012.

Next, look for checklists, such as this “Home Maintenance Schedule,” that will help you assess whether it’s time for a major project like painting your home or replacing the roof. Less costly items that need attention could also pop up. Add the most urgent projects to your home renovations’ wish list.

Now consider which of these resolutions for the home will help you achieve the other resolutions that you’ve made.

“For a number of years, customers have been cocooning,” Matt Basso, district manager for Lowe’s Canada, said in an interview. “They’re creating a lifestyle geared around the home.”

Here are some popular projects to consider as you make your list of home improvements for 2012:

Kitchen
Renovating kitchens is one of the most common home remodeling projects consumers undertake. It can include just replacing the kitchen cabinets or a complete update that could take two to three months.

A revitalized kitchen could help improve your food preparation areas and promote cooking healthier food and weight loss. Or, your New Year’s resolution may be to entertain more, and your new kitchen could be designed to meet that need.

Bathroom
Another popular renovation, the bathroom update, may take three to five weeks depending on what you plan to do.

Consumers these days want spaces in their homes where they can relax and feel rejuvenated. Long, deep soaking tubs and showers with body sprays at the hip and shoulder level can help you unwind from a hectic day.

Deck
A new deck is another project that often catches consumers’ interest. You may want to create a split-level deck or add a built-in barbecue with the features of an outdoor kitchen.

With outdoor heaters, Canadians can significantly expand the length of time they can entertain outdoors.

Other Projects
-Painting is one of the simplest and least expensive things you can do to spruce up your home.
-Improve your storage
-Get bills or closets organized
-Install hardwood floors
-Install energy efficient doors and windows

If any of these popular projects sound good to you, add them to the items from your brainstorming-maintenance list.

Now study your list carefully and think through your abilities to do the projects yourself or hire a contractor to do the work. Narrow your list to what’s doable for 2012 in terms of time and money.

Everybody’s house is different, but whether you live in a condo or a large home, make your home projects count, both in terms of comfort, and your return on investment.

To determine if the energy efficiency project you have in mind will qualify for a residential energy credit or rebate; see your provincial government’s website.

Consumers are turning more and more to their homes to provide comfort, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Thinking through how your home can better meet these needs each year when you select your New Year’s resolutions will help you create the spaces and atmosphere you desire.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for your home? Tell us about it in the comment section below.

For more blogs and articles on home improvement, renovation and décor visit us at EiEi Home.

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