Are you lucky enough to have found your ‘forever’ home? It can take most people a number of moves to step up on the property ladder and many years of saving to get to this point. But when you finally reach the point where you move into the house that you plan on staying in, it’s a great feeling. You can make all of the modifications you want, and make it completely personal and workable for you and your family as you know you won’t be moving out in a couple of years. Here are some of the upgrades you could consider to make it the best it can be.
Extending
Expanding your living space by adding extensions is a surefire way to transform your forever home. If your forever home is a little smaller than you’d have liked then extending gives you the space you’re after, likely at a cheaper price than buying a bigger home to start with. A single story extension can offer a spacious living area, while a two story extension might provide extra bedrooms and bathrooms. Another idea is to utilise your home’s untapped potential by converting the loft into a functional living space. Whether you choose a serene master suite, a productive home office, or a cosy entertainment room, a loft conversion adds character and valuable square footage to your forever home. On the other hand, if you have the option to extend downwards, then a basement transformation can become a versatile living space rather than just storage. This could become a home gym, a playroom for children, or even a comfortable guest suite. Basement conversions can be a little trickier as you have to make sure there’s the right ventilation, damp proofing and lighting, but it can be an option for many homes especially if you plan on living there permanently.
New Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so investing in a high quality and well designed kitchen is a must. Choose durable materials, modern appliances, and efficient storage solutions to create a space that’s both functional and visually appealing. Extending outwards to give yourself more space, and adding skylights into the roof will make it big, bright and airy and create the perfect spot for your new kitchen. Work with a kitchen designer who can make use of every bit of space you have and also add any luxurious extra features that will make your kitchen a pleasure to use. From wine cooling fridges to efficient storage, water and ice dispensers and built in appliances.
New Bathrooms
Bathrooms are another important part of the home and something worth spending more on to stand the test of time. Upgrade your bathrooms to create a luxurious and timeless spot within your home. Quality fixtures, timeless designs, and efficient plumbing contribute not only to your daily comfort but also to the overall value of your property. Fully tiled bathrooms look sleek and spa-like, and features like a roll top bath or top of the range shower could be well worth investing in if you have the budget.
Good Quality Flooring
Well chosen flooring will last a really long time if you look after it properly. What you go for will depend on your budget, lifestyle and preferences but here are some to consider. If you have pets, young kids and a busy household then going for hard flooring downstairs that’s easy to clean
Furniture and Appliances Built to Last
Prioritise quality over quantity when you’re furnishing your forever home. Invest in furniture with solid construction and timeless designs. High-quality materials, such as solid wood or well-constructed upholstery, ensure durability and longevity. When upgrading your kitchen and other essential areas, prioritise high-quality appliances. Energy-efficient and durable appliances not only improve your daily routines but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of your home. Look for appliances with high energy ratings and advanced features that enhance functionality while minimising environmental impact.
Eco Friendly Features
Make your forever home environmentally friendly by incorporating sustainable features. This will help you to reduce your carbon footprint giving you a sense that you’re doing good in the world, and will save you money as well. Choose energy efficient appliances, LED lighting, and smart home systems to reduce your carbon footprint. Consider using eco friendly materials for construction and renovation to create a home that’s comfortable and environmentally conscious. Building a compost bin, collecting rainwater for your garden and adding solar panels are other things you can do when it comes to your forever home that will save money and the environment at the same time.
Garden Landscaping
A nicely landscaped garden will enhance the visual appeal of your home and your overall living experience too. Make sure your home looks just as beautiful on the outside as it does on the inside, having a professional company come in is a smart move. They will be able to help you split the space up into usable areas and recommend the best way to lay things out. Depending on your needs you might want an area for children to play, a space for eating and entertaining, a spot for relaxing with a cocktail in the evening, a water feature etc. You will need to decide how much maintenance you’re prepared to put in too, if you’re not much of a gardener then something low maintenance would be a smart move unless you’re prepared to pay for help.
Adding a Parking Space
If your forever home lacks a parking space, consider adding one. A dedicated parking space adds convenience but also increases the value of your property. Explore options like a driveway or a garage, ensuring the design complements your home’s overall aesthetic. In many cases, a front garden can be transformed into a driveway or you might be able to add a garage or car port onto the side.
Rejigging the Layout
Optimise your home’s functionality by rejigging the layout. Identify areas that can be improved for better flow and usability. Consider open-plan living, rearrange furniture for better space utilisation, and create designated zones for specific activities. As your needs evolve, having versatile spaces in your home becomes invaluable. Consider multifunctional furniture, convertible rooms, or areas that can easily be repurposed. This adaptability ensures that your forever home can accommodate changing circumstances without the need for extensive renovations. As remote work becomes increasingly common, having a dedicated home office or flexible workspace is a good move. Convert a spare room or area into a functional office space with adequate lighting, ergonomic furniture, and the necessary technology infrastructure. A well-designed home office not only enhances productivity but also adds value to your forever home. Creating a forever home is a substantial investment, both emotionally and financially. Therefore, it’s crucial to approach each improvement with a long-term perspective. Think about your future needs, potential family growth, and how your lifestyle may evolve. Consider incorporating flexible design elements that can adapt to changing circumstances. Future proofing involves making design choices that anticipate and accommodate potential changes. This could include incorporating smart home technology, ensuring energy efficiency, and choosing materials that are durable and easy to maintain. By future proofing your home, you minimise the need for significant renovations down the line.
Investing in Quality Materials
While it might be tempting to cut costs on certain aspects of your home, investing in quality materials is a decision that pays off over time. High quality materials contribute to its longevity. For example, solid wood doors, durable roofing materials, and top grade insulation can significantly increase your home’s durability and energy efficiency.
Regular Maintenance and Upkeep
Maintaining your forever home is just as crucial as the initial improvements. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and preventive maintenance help to address potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach ensures that your home remains in excellent condition, preventing the need for major renovations due to neglect or deferred maintenance.
Smart Home Integration
Smart home has come such a long way in recent years, and there’s so many great bits of tech you can integrate thats well worth the effort. Thermostats, lighting systems, and security features contribute to energy savings and improved security. Integration with voice activated assistants like Alexa and mobile apps allows you to control all of the various aspects of your home remotely too which is super convenient.
Incorporating Personalized Storage Solutions
Efficient storage is an essential aspect of a forever home. It allows you to keep your home tidy and organised and makes sure that everything has a place. Invest in personalised storage solutions that cater to your specific needs like custom closets, built in shelving and under stair storage.
What adjustments would you make to your forever home to make it perfect for you?
