Wondering what to do with your home now that the kids have moved out? There are so many exciting DIY and remodel projects you can tackle to give your home a needed refresh, but you may not be sure where to start. Courtesy of GutterDome, here are a few areas where updates can help turn your empty nest into a new and improved home sanctuary.
Projects That Enhance Resale Value for Your Home
Who doesn’t get excited about adding value to a home? Before you start planning out your home projects, though, you need to determine your home’s current appraisal value. If you plan on selling your home at some point in the future, this step will help you determine whether boosting home value should be your focus or just an added bonus for renovation. Low-cost upgrades that can add value include freshening up the paint on the inside and out, while more costly projects include installing hardwood floors. Other home projects that offer a high ROI for homeowners are also ones that can add convenience and quality to your home life as well. For example, an updated kitchen is bound to increase your joy while also helping to increase the overall resale value of your home, so take this into consideration as well.
Projects That Add Curb Appeal to Your Property
Your yard is the first thing you and other folks see when pulling up to your home. So, it only makes sense to want to give this area a refresh after the kids have left your nest. Look online for garden ideas and projects that will get you excited to make over your front lawn and garden, and also to figure out what features make the most sense for your location. You can also use products like GutterDome that add another layer of protection to the exterior — and interior — of your home. Once your yard is in good shape, you can move on to making the front of your home look more appealing and inviting, like updating your porch with little touches for added comfort.
Projects That Support Your Aging-in-Place Plans
These empty nest years can be some of the prime years of your life, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spend some time planning for the future. It may make sense to ensure that at least some of those changes will help you age in place safely. The top modifications for aging in place include remodeling bathrooms (a mid-range remodel averages around $19,000), replacing stairs with ramps, and updating lighting (including smart home products for added security) and flooring to reduce fall risks. Now, keep in mind that just because these upgrades are meant to help older adults age in place does not mean they can’t add style to your home. For example, tubs can be tricky to get in and out of when you are older, but you can add a beautiful walk-in shower to make your bathroom more accessible without taking away from the overall aesthetic of your home.
Projects That Add Some Luxury to Your New Life
Adjusting to new routines can be a bit stressful, so don’t be surprised if you begin to experience empty nest syndrome. As with any major life transition, it takes time to adjust and start feeling like your normal self again, but adding some relaxing updates to your home can at least help ease the process. Have some extra room in the master bathroom? Consider making it over into your own personal spa sanctuary, with soothing colors, refreshing plants or any small touches that will help you relax and wind down. Or, you can take your renovation plans outside to give your backyard a major makeover, by adding some new outdoor furniture, a soothing fountain, or even a shed or craft room to use as your own little backyard getaway.
Having an empty nest means having so many opportunities to update your home for a fresh start in this new stage of life. Think about what you want to get out of your empty nest renovations, but also think about what will make you happy in the months and years ahead.
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