Modernizing an older house doesn’t need to be a time-consuming or expensive process. With a few simple upgrades and a little hard work, you will be able to bring your decades-old home into the 21st century.
Recessed Lighting
There are a few different reasons why you might want to update the lighting in your home. In addition to improving the aesthetics, modern lights could also cut back on your energy costs. Recessed lights are a great option for most homes, and an electrician will be able to install those fixtures fairly quickly. You should also consider adding dimmer switches to at least a few of the lighting zones. Most modern lights are fully compatible with dimmer switches. Make sure that whoever upgrades your lighting is an experienced electrician. Older homes can sometimes have hazardous electrical situations that may also need to be updated along with your lighting.
Update the Window Treatments
Putting up new window treatments will immediately transform the appearance of your home. There are countless styles and designs to choose from, and most of these fixtures can easily be installed with nothing more than a few basic tools. If you would like to truly bring your home into the 21st century, then you might want to install motorized blinds that can be controlled with your voice or through a phone app. New window treatments can also be a good temporary option if you aren’t able to update the windows or molding around the windows yet.
Add Some Bright Colors
Adding a fresh layer of paint is another simple project that can drastically alter the overall look and feel of a home. As a general rule, most homeowners should stick to one or two neutral colors with a few accent tones. Bright and complicated color schemes can work in some situations, but those designs often stand out in older homes. Some of the best colors for an aging home include gray, cream, beige, dusty blue, taupe, and muted green. Many older homes have wallpaper or paneling that you’ll probably want to cover up or replace entirely.
Upgraded Water Heater
Many homeowners never even consider buying a new water heater until their older units break down, and that can be a major mistake. Older water heaters are notoriously inefficient, and that is one of the reasons why they need to be replaced at least once every 15 years. A contractor who specializes in hot water installation will be able to help you find the perfect unit for your family, and replacing the older heater should only take a few hours. Your family will surely thank you for making this important update.
Whenever you carry out any major home upgrades, you should always speak with your insurance provider about updating your policy. If an accident occurs, you want to be absolutely sure that all of those new devices and appliances are going to be covered.