HOMES

Three renovations worth the effort

This season, consider the renovations that will go furthest to boost your home’s livability, beauty and value. (Jim Kruger/Steve Herder – Landmark Photography/Herder Photography)”,2018-03-23″

Three renovations worth the effort

(StatePoint) Building a new home? Overhauling an existing one? Here are three renovation ideas that will add beauty and value.

Expand your living space
Don’t let that basement sit unfinished and unused. Substantially expand your home’s livable areas by turning your attention to the bottom floor. Finishing a basement is an involved project, potentially requiring electrical and plumbing work, insulation, drywall and more, but the end result is worth the effort and expense. What’s more, some of the less technical aspects of this renovation could even be DIY-ed.

Before getting started, consider what type of space would most benefit your household long-term. You may even be able to recoup some cost of the investment. Want to reduce time and money on your commute? Your basement may just make an ideal home office.

Add a focal point
Is your interior design in need of a little something? The right eye-catching elements can make a room pop while adding vitality to your living spaces. A fireplace, for example, adds ambiance and comfort while also creating a natural gathering space.

What’s more, new models pair the charm of a traditional open-front fireplace with the design flexibility of gas models. The Phoenix TrueView from Heat & Glo offers the convenience of gas without the glass, giving homeowners an unobscured view of the flames against the traditional brick or fade-resistant reflective black glass liner. An optional Bluetooth speaker system allows one to hear the fire as well as see it, making it a focal point for the ears as well as the eyes.

Boost the backyard
If you find that your household spends very little time in the backyard, figure out why. Is there a lack of shade? Are there not enough places to sit? Take a poll so you can diagnose the problem and take steps to correct it. Consider how to make this space usable for a larger portion of the year, such as adding a fire pit or an enclosed, heated patio. Lastly, consider aesthetics. A bit of landscaping can make your backyard as visually appealing as your home’s interiors.

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