Other than work, our homes are where we spend most of our time. It’s important that your house is a comfortable place where you can relax, entertain, and these days, work too. Maybe your home worked for you when you bought it: it functioned exactly as you needed it to! However, it’s possible that over time your needs have changed, while your house has stayed the same. Is it time for a remodel? Read on for five signs your home is ready for an upgrade.
Layout no longer fits lifestyle
This is one of the biggest reasons homeowners decide to remodel their homes. Perhaps the house was perfect for 2, but now there are also 2 kids and a dog. Maybe it’s the opposite; you don’t need as much space now as you used to. The kids are gone and you’d like to remodel the first floor to include an office and a lounge instead.
Whatever the reason, a layout that doesn’t work for you is a great reason to consider remodeling your home! Garages can be closed in to add extra living space, for example. A room that once served as a bedroom can become a work from home office with built-in book cases and a specific area for zoom calls with appropriate lighting, etc.
Cosmetic Updates vs Functional Problems
Layout issues aside, two other reasons people contemplate remodels are for cosmetic updates or functional issues.
Cosmetic updates include updating a bathroom with an out-of-date style. Perhaps you’re tired of the brass fixtures and the shower/tub combo. This often applies to bathrooms or kitchens, where flooring and countertops start to age and cabinets begin to look old and worn.
However, functional issues are problems like appliances that don’t work anymore, plumbing leaks, fireplaces that don’t get used and need to be removed, and more. Remodels that involve functional issues are more costly than those that are simply cosmetic. While both have their place, it is common for a remodel that starts as merely cosmetic to turn into a more “functional issue” remodel. This is often seen on home improvement shows on TV. What starts as a simple “upgrade” becomes a function remodel when rot is discovered, for example.
Wear and Tear Revealed After Winter
Often, homeowners don’t notice problems with their home until winter has passed. The constant freeze/thaw cycle can wear down any home’s defenses, over time. Decking becomes splintered and warped, sidewalks crack, water stains show up inexplicably where there had been none.
All of these types of problems, especially if they show up after winter or after our spring hailstorms, for instance, signal it may be time to move beyond cosmetic updates and consider more substantial improvements.
When Small Fixes Become Big Opportunities
“We need to replace that sink. It’s so old and starting to leak.”
“Sure, but if we do that we might as well replace the countertops. Then we’ll need a new backsplash.”
Often, the need to solve a small(ish) problem like changing out a kitchen sink or bathroom vanity can turn into a much bigger project. In this case, what starts as a fix becomes a much bigger opportunity to make changes. If you’re already creating disruption, putting forth the money and especially if you’re using a professional’s time and not trying to do it all yourself, you might as well get the rest of your updates done too.
Whatever your reasons for considering a remodel, North Peak Construction is here to help! If you’re seeing signs it’s time for an upgrade, contact us.