It’s a new year and time to put together your home improvement checklist. Whether your list of to-do’s includes a major renovation or just a small change for a big impact, knowing the latest trends can help you make the right decisions. Here are seven improvements to consider for your home in 2018.
1. Fabulous Flooring
There’s nothing like new flooring to make a room feel new. For smaller rooms, like a bathroom or laundry room, consider bold tile patterns. If you need new flooring in your kitchen or living area, consider hardwood laid with a geometric design like herringbone. New luxury vinyl tile is a popular option for wood-look or tile-like flooring.
2. Mudrooms with Lockers
A mudroom addition can add much-needed space to your home. A mudroom with a locker also gives you organized storage space. The locker gives every family member a place for a coat, shoes, backpack and other gear. The most popular options in the mudroom include a sink, washer and dryer, a place to hang clothes and, for pet-friendly homes, a dog wash.
3. Environmentally-Friendly Changes
There are many ways to reduce your home’s carbon footprint. The easiest and the one that gives the best ROI is adding insulation to your attic. You’ll save on your heating and cooling costs and, when it comes time to sell your home, you’ll easily recoup the cost. Other options include new ENERGY STAR®-rated windows, reclaimed wood flooring and automatic thermostats.
4. Age-in-Place Remodeling
As our population ages, individuals often want to remain in their homes. If you want to remodel for the future, consider some renovations that will make a home more comfortable for seniors. Changes like widening hallways and doors to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs makes getting around easier. Some changes for the bathroom include walk-in showers with grab bars, comfort-height toilets and faucets that can be operated with one hand. Also consider changing out doorknobs to lever-style handles for ease-of-use.
5. Well-Appointed Bonus Space
If you’ve been meaning to finish your basement or finish a room above the garage, add lots of amenities to the new space. Things like a kitchenette, bar area and additional bathroom will make that newly-finished space shine. If you’re finishing the space for a home theatre, consider elevated second-row seating and room-darkening shades. The better equipped your new space is, the more you’ll enjoy it.
6. Modernized Kitchens
Kitchen remodeling is always a popular home renovation project. If 2018 is the year you’ll be renovating yours, look at flat-front cabinets in natural wood. Today’s kitchens have clean lines and warmth which flat-front wood cabinets deliver. Motion-sensing faucets, wi-fi appliances and accent lighting add a modern touch to any kitchen. Today’s most popular countertop option is quartz, with granite just behind, making either an excellent choice.
7. Outdoor Refresh
Your home’s exterior shouldn’t be neglected. One of the least expensive things you can do to improve your home’s curb appeal is to repaint your front door. A pop of color in front of your home can make a big difference. If you want your home to look great, make sure your gutters are clean. If you don’t like cleaning gutters, consider adding roof gutter protection to keep leaves and other debris out of your gutters.
No matter which home improvements you plan this year, make sure to use a licensed contractor. Many home improvement contractors offer interior and exterior remodeling services. If your interior remodeling company doesn’t offer the best gutter covers, contact Gutter Helmet® at (800) 824-3772 and we’ll connect you with a gutter cover installer in your area.
