10 New Home Improvements to Kick Off the New Year

A lot of homeowners have big plans when they first move into their homes. Maybe it was redoing the outdated bathroom or adding that nice addition to the family room. But life can get in the way. And it becomes easier to just not do those home improvements you had planned. But you and your family deserve to love your home!

Fortunately, there’s no better time than the new year to finally find the time to make those changes. Whether your wish list had big transformations or small updates, let’s make that 2022 resolution to you to start those projects and really revamp your space. Not sure where to start? Here are 10 small changes you can make that will have a BIG impact.

Focus on the Exterior

Adding subtle changes to your front or back yard can completely change the curb appeal of your home. You can focus on smaller additions like putting new plantings by the entryway, power washing the walkways, buying new outdoor furniture, or painting the front door. If your family loves being outside, consider ways to update your outdoor living space. A inground or portable fire pit is perfect for the spring and fall, while expanding the patio area or adding more exterior lighting will help those summer cookouts last all night long.

Organize!

Is clutter a constant in your home? In the new year, look to add organization and storage to your home to keep things tidy. Take advantage of extra rooms like the basement, garage, and attic to find space for storage. Adding vertical shelving, storage baskets, or vertical units will help you get things off the floor and make it a lot easier to find things when you’re looking for them.

Upgrade Flooring

2022 is the perfect time to rip out that old carpet from the 80’s. If there’s hardwood underneath, upgrade your flooring with new paint or staining, which can be done by a professional for pretty cheap, or a fairly simple DIY project for you. If you already have wooden flooring and are looking to add a little flare, try to find a stylish area rug to add for a splash of color and fun. At the very least, a deep professional cleaning of the carpets you do have, could make a huge difference.

Think Sustainably

What’s a great way to help the environment from home? Replace common items with more sustainable alternatives. Adding conscious LED light bulbs or a smart thermostat are easy ways to ensure that your home stays energy efficient. The perk is that it also lowers your utility bills. Also make it a resolution to turn off unnecessary lights when you leave the house, use more power strips, seal air leaks, and replace filters.  If you’re feeling real ambitious, maybe 2022 is the year that you finally splurge on solar panels.

Invest in Safety

Give yourself a little extra peace of mind in the new year by adding new safety features to your home. Install motion detector lights or reliable video surveillance at all entry points and blind spots throughout the yard. Ring doorbells are also a safe way to see who approaches your home, plus recordings you can reference at any time, and also includes a microphone system that allows you to talk to visitors from anywhere.

Weatherproof Windows

In colder climates, heat is a sacred once winter rolls around. Even with the thermostat set to max, simple drafts can ruin your comfort and increase your utility bills. The solution: weatherproofing your windows. Patching holes with caulk or applying weather strips will help your whole family stay nice and toasty in the coldest months of the new year.

Declutter for a Fresh Start

Nobody likes clutter, and after all the time you’ve spent at home, it’s easy for things to pile up. Purge your home of unnecessary items like excess/old furniture, electronics, or clothes to free up space and give yourself room to start new. Donate your items to the local thrift shop or put items up for sale online to make some extra cash. You can also rent out a storage unit if you can’t let go just quite yet. The more space you have, the more motivated you’ll be to tackle other items on your home improvement list.

Swap Out Light Fixtures

New light fixtures can completely alter the look of your home, and they don’t need to be expensive. Affordable light fixtures are readily available and can change the vibe of your entryway, kitchen, or master bedroom in the blink of an eye. Chandeliers, hanging lights, and even just swapping out older lighting for a statement piece can be a game changer.

Upgrade Countertops and Cabinets

Countertops can be a tell-tale sign of an outdated home. Resurfacing your laminate countertops for a new look is as simple as painting, while investing in completely new stone or tile is a little more of an undertaking, but totally worth it. Either option can bring a room back to life. From the kitchen to the bathroom, new countertops are a worthy investment!

Add a splash of color

There’s not much a fresh coat of paint can’t fix. Whether it’s a new shade of the same color, or a totally new pattern or hue, new paint will give your rooms a fresh new look. While you’re at it, re-painting doors, trims, and furniture can also brighten an older room.

There are no limits to what you can do to upgrade your home in the new year. And sometimes it’s the simple things that make a big difference. If you’re looking for help in implementing these upgrades, contact Madsen! From maintenance to installations, we offer high-quality service that will have your home looking brand new without breaking your 2022 budget.