Renovations & Design

Whether an old house is simply more affordable than a new one, or it is just more exciting to fix up, there are plenty of homeowners looking to transform their properties into the home of their dreams. Learning how to do a great job with a fixer-upper can be quite difficult, though, especially if you don’t have years of experience renovating houses. If you have an old house that needs to be remodeled to transform it into your vision, here are six ways to transform an old house into a home.

From a House to a Home

1. Clear Out Debris and Pests

There is a major difference between an old home and one that has been abandoned or neglected for a number of years. In either situation, the best way to get started is to focus on clearing out debris and dealing with pest problems, such as insects like cockroaches and earwigs and larger pests like rodents. Clearing out your house of any trash or dirt can help you get into the right mindset as you prepare for some of the bigger projects that you will be tackling later on.

On the other hand, pests can be a major hassle. You may find yourself dealing with a small but problematic pest infestation that could include the following pests:

• Centipedes or millipedes
• Mosquitos
• Silverfish
• Spiders
• Cockroaches
• Wasps
• Bed bugs
• Termites
• Ants
• Fleas
• Rodents

If you find yourself with any of the above home pest issues, reach out to a residential pest control company who can successfully clear your house and provide you with the peace of mind you need in your new home.

2. Focus on Improving Worn-Down Areas

While some large renovations may make your list, you may only need to touch up some areas that show signs of wear. Whether this is a certain area of flooring within the house, areas like baseboards or the wood on staircases, or peeling paint and wallpaper, show these sections some love and spruce them up to make them look like the other areas of the house. The extent of these repairs will depend on how much of the old design you want to keep and what you want to change completely. With every improvement you make, your old house will begin to look and feel like a home.

3. Repair or Replace Old Appliances

Appliances are arguably some of the most impactful assets in a house, as changing them out will completely change the look of your kitchen and other areas. For example, if you have the original oven or stove (in good condition) and can find a matching refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher to go with these old appliances, you can easily keep sections of the house as-is. Additionally, you may be able to hire a technician or appliance repair company in your area like Oregon Appliance Repair to help you restore older appliances to working condition.

4. Tackle the Biggest Projects Before Starting on the Small Details

Each room of the house will most likely require your attention; however, long before you begin going from room to room working on them, you should tackle some of the larger projects that may get in the way. For example, taking care of the roofing, replacing the windows, or removing portions of the house will take precedence over smaller projects you may have. Make sure to handle these projects before you begin working on the inside of your home. Just make sure that you take overall aesthetic into consideration when you are redoing these larger areas.

5. Give Your House a Fresh Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint brings color and life to whatever wall it is placed on. Unless you need to keep a certain set of wallpaper in a room, look for swatches that would either bring new life to the original color or completely reinvent the room to meet your personal needs. With just a little bit of paint, you can have a whole new room by the next day.

6. Make the Most of Your Space With New Furniture and Decorations

The furniture that you choose to fill your home with sets the tone in each area. For some sections, you may want to redesign a room with a modern look to improve both its style and its functionality. In other rooms, you may want to match the style that was in the original house by filling it with antique furniture and decorations. Take some time to build a vision of what you see for your new house and how you can make that vision possible.

Taking an old house and transforming it into a dream home is no easy feat, but it is possible. If you are looking to renovate your old home, use the six tips above to get started!

Americans have a lot of “stuff.” Studies have shown that Americans own more things now than ever, and that much of what we own is little more than “junk”—cheap, mass-produced stuff that fills up homes and landfills alike. We’re buying more of that sort of thing, and we’re not getting rid of it as fast as we’re acquiring it.

The American obsession with “stuff” is not good for people, nor is it good for the environment. A home crowded with possessions can be stressful in the best of cases and completely overwhelming in the worst. The “throwaway society” that produces such hoarding is bad for the environment, too, as cheap goods get trashed and replaced without a thought—and then headed off to landfills.

We don’t have to live this way. Here’s how to reduce your waste and clutter.

Going Digital

Living with less has been made quite a bit easier in recent years thanks to the advent of the computer age. Using modern technology, it’s possible to reduce waste and clutter while still enjoying the things we care about.

Few things illustrate this better than digital photography and online digital photo storage systems. With so many of us carrying around high-quality cameras in our pockets (thanks, smartphones!), we’re taking more photos than ever before. But those photos are not all being printed onto photo paper or collected in scrapbooks and photos albums. Those physical (and sometimes wasteful) solutions have been eclipsed by high-tech alternatives. A good digital photo storage device can now do everything that a photo album can and more, including connecting photo collections to secure online storage (in the cloud), which allows photographers to download, share, and move their files simply and securely.

Similarly, digital solutions can help you swap paper books for e-books, CDs for mp3s, and more.

Conscious Consumption and Buying for Life

Extreme minimalists live with next to nothing. Other than what they need in order to survive, these people get rid of everything and avoid acquiring new possessions. That’s impressive, but there’s absolutely no reason to assume that these sorts of extreme minimalists have a monopoly on living with less. Plenty of people have downsized and decluttered without becoming ascetics.

With that in mind, you can certainly continue to buy and use the products in this new and decluttered phase of your life. You should be conscious, though, of how you’re doing so. Buying cheap stuff that wears out or breaks is a poor choice for the environment. Even if you get the broken or worn-out stuff out of your home quickly, the clutter lives on in landfills.

Be more conscious of your consumption. Be more discerning about what goods you buy, as well as about which versions of them end up on your shopping list. Choosing to spend more on solutions that last longer—”buying for life,” as conscious consumers like to say—can be a great way to cut down on waste.

Reusing, Recycling, and Upcycling

Not everything that you buy and use will last you a lifetime, and that’s okay. But just because something has reached the end of its useful life doesn’t mean that it belongs in a landfill. You should always dispose of recyclable materials properly. Recycling is one of the most important things that we can do for our planet, explain experts in used cooking oil collection and recycling.

What’s more, you may find that you don’t have to dispose of certain things at all. Possessions that still have life in them could be re-used or donated to individuals or organizations who will get more out of it. You should also consider “upcycling” certain items. Worn-out goods can get a new lease on life by taking on a different purpose or becoming a part of home decoration.

Be a Little Better Every Day

Building a better lifestyle isn’t about changing your entire life overnight. On the contrary, the process of self-improvement should take a long time—and, ideally, should never stop. Don’t beat yourself up about not eliminating waste and clutter fast. Instead, focus on reachable goals and positivity. If you strive to be a little bit better every day, your little efforts will add up to big long-term changes. That’s good news for you, your lifestyle, and our planet!

If you are ready to make some improvements to your home, the cost is likely at the top of your mind. Some improvements may be cosmetic things that you have saved up for. However, other home improvements, such as foundation repair or a new roof, are vitally important to your home and can prevent you from having more expensive repairs or updates later on. If you are stressed about funding the project, it may cause you to put the needed repairs off until it is too late. If you want to learn about some of the best ways to pay for your home improvements, keep reading for some options to consider. 

Look into getting approved for a loan

One of the easiest ways to finance your home improvements is to apply for and get approved for a loan. If your credit score is high, you should have no problem being approved for a home improvement loan with a low-interest rate. Although, you still have options even if you do not have a great credit score. There are some installment loans with no credit check in Canada and other countries. Always do your research to see what is out there for your country. These types of installment loans are best for smaller amounts of money, typically under $1000. Getting a loan for your home improvements allows you to pay for needed updates, repairs, or additions while maintaining flexibility with your money.

Putting the total on your credit card

While not an ideal option, you have the choice of putting your home improvement costs on a credit card. Be careful with this option, though, as credit cards often have higher interest rates than most traditional loans. However, the benefit of using a credit card is that you could accrue mileage points or rewards, and you do not have to fill out any applications, which could cause a hard pull on your credit report. If you choose to use a credit card, always make sure to do your research and make sure it is the best option for you.

Using your savings for interest-free payments

If you have the assets, it may be in your best interest to pay for your home improvements using the money in your savings account. If you pay out of pocket, you avoid any interest you may end up paying with a credit card or home loan. This means that you will pay less for your home improvement than you would otherwise because you will not be charged an additional percentage each month. This could be especially beneficial if you do not have the best credit history because you avoid having to get an interest rate at all. Interest rates for loans are typically better for those with excellent credit than they are for those with poor credit scores. 

Investing in cost-saving home improvements and updates

Something you may not have considered when thinking about your upcoming home improvement projects is how to actually save money long term by making certain updates or substitutions to your home. Consider researching some energy-efficient options for your home so that you can save money on energy bills in the future. For instance, if your household’s monthly energy bill is more than $75, you may be a good candidate for residential solar panels. Not only are solar panels energy efficient, but they also produce a cleaner energy alternative to traditional fuels. You may also want to consider “low flow” faucets, bettering your home’s insulation to maintain temperatures, and weather-stripping your windows. All of these things will help you save money on your utility bills, which is more money in your pocket for the future.

Unless you have a lot of money saved up for home improvements, you’ll need to find a way to finance them. Being on a budget makes doing all the home improvements you need a little difficult, but they still can be done.

It is estimated that the average home improvement project could run you anywhere from $40,000 and can go as high as $130,000. The problem is, most people don’t have that kind of money just lying around to spend on remodeling costs. The following guide will examine a few of the smart ways you can finance your home improvement projects on a budget.

Save money in other ways

There are a few things around your house that you can do to cut costs while you’re financing your remodel. Checking into the smart lighting solutions such as Lutron lighting in Austin is a good place to start. A whole-home installation of smart lighting can be done without retrofitting or rewiring your home. Whether it’s automated shades, dimmers, timers, or sensors, you can take control of the lighting in your home and save money for your home improvements at the same time.

You can also pick up a few other smart devices that will help lower your bills as well and leave more for your remodel.

Sit down with a contractor

The very first thing you should do is sit down with a contractor so you know exactly what your home improvement project is going to cost. Plan the project out in full together, including every aspect and even a few emergencies that might crop up along the way. Once you know about how much the home improvement project is going to cost, you can check into the options for financing.

Apply for a home improvement loan

Another option you could consider is consulting with one of the private money lenders in Texas to see about securing a home improvement loan. Most of these companies have a fast and easy process, and the loans are offered with no hidden fees that will come back to haunt you later down the line. The fact that the rates are competitive makes these loans a great option for homeowners on a budget who need home improvement options.

Credit cards

It is possible to cover small renovations or even part of your larger renovations with a credit card. However, it’s important that you can cover the full amount that you charged at the end of the month to avoid interest fees piling up. When you’re on a budget, the last thing you want to do is add more bills to the list of monthly payments.

Cash

Of course, when it comes right down to it, cash is still the best way to go to cover any home improvement project, especially if it is a small one. It may take longer, but if your project isn’t something that needs to be completed right away, it’s better to save the money to finance it.

Saving for a remodel isn’t easy, especially with so many other things to save for, as well. The best thing to do is to take things one step at a time. Determine which improvement is most important, figure out how much it will cost, and make that your goal. It’s the best way to finance a remodel if you don’t want payments and interest fees.

These are just a few of the top ways to finance your home improvements on a budget that you could check into. One of them is sure to be the right option for your needs.

From fretting over which color to paint your walls to wondering if you bought the right furniture set, there are a lot of decisions that go into decorating a home. But sometimes, you get so caught up in the big picture that you forget to focus on the smaller details that make a house a home. Here’s how to transform your house into a home that’ll showcase your style, tell a story, and make guests feel welcomed.

Fill Up Empty Walls

A collection of picture frames can leave your space feeling cluttered and disorganized. Instead, opt for high-quality canvas prints. From serene prints of nature to family photos, wall art can be anything and everything you want it to be.

If you’re not sure where to start, try decorating with family photos. Decorating with your favorite pictures of your family will show your guests how much your family means to you while letting your family know that they’re appreciated. 

If you have limited space, a canvas art print in a wooden frame can lighten up the room. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more eye-catching, a bigger canvas print is ideal for preserving your favorite memories. Canvas prints can serve as an eye-catching focal point in your space and make you feel more at home.

Add Warmth

While expensive furniture and a spotless home might seem appealing, they’ll leave your space feeling cold. Instead, opt for comfortable Amish furniture and warm tones. To incorporate warm tones, decorate your space with throw blankets, soft pillows, and plush rugs. 

Additionally, add some warm-hued lamps or overhead lighting. Decorating with your favorite lamp can help add a personal touch to your space, and you’ll be able to structure your lighting in a way that works for you. To make your home feel even cozier, light some candles.

Make Guests Feel Welcomed

Nothing makes your house feel like a home more than visits from close friends and family. Make your entryway feel warm and inviting with pictures of friends and family. Decorate with a coat rack, a doormat, and a welcome sign to make guests feel at home in your space. To top it all off, decorate your porch with comfortable patio furniture and lush plants. You’ll feel proud of your space, and your guests will feel welcomed before they even walk through the door.

Create a Lived-In Look

If your space feels cold, you won’t want to spend any time in it. Keeping your home organized and clutter-free is important, but you don’t have to keep everything in storage. Don’t be afraid to showcase your hobbies and knick-knacks around your home. Bring nature inside with some fresh florals, and keep your favorite photos and accessories somewhere you’ll be able to see them every day. 

If you’re concerned about clutter, invest in shelves or a bookcase. When transforming your house into a home, storage solutions should be functional, but visually appealing. A well-organized bookcase is a great way to keep clutter at bay, and it’ll allow you to focus less on cleaning and more on displaying your favorite things.

Make Your Space Functional

If you love baking, don’t hide away all of your utensils and appliances. Instead, find creative ways to keep your space tidy while maintaining its functionality. Try filling up a glass jar with utensils or hanging them on your kitchen wall. Your house will never feel like a home if you need to spend hours every day sorting through drawers.

Transforming your house into a home makes spending time in your space much more enjoyable. You’ll feel proud of your space, and inviting guests over will allow you to showcase your style. And if you’re thinking about selling your home yourself, making your house feel like a home can even attract potential buyers.

Millions of children have sensory issues or fall on the autism spectrum. There are many different ways people take in information or process the world around them. Signs can emerge as early as a year old but usually diagnosed around three years old. Your child may begin to miss certain developing marks like making eye contact, repetitive behaviors such as spinning toys (or themselves) or flapping their hands. 

You can help your child discover calming and entertaining toys at home that, for example, encourage muscle growth and motor skills. With a little TLC and some DIY, it’s easy to make a variety of great projects and special spaces to relax in. Here are some tips to create a soothing, safe, and fun sensory atmosphere at home. 

Sensory processing disorders and autism spectrum disorders have many similarities. Kids with both SPD and ASD may also have a variety of compulsions or hyperactivity, making concentration at school or home difficult. A child with autism can have sensory processing issues too, such as finding specific noises, music, or lights to be disturbing or frightening. They may cover their ears, cry, or even hide until the trigger stops. 

Sometimes what people see as tantrums are responses to sensory overloads. Developmental delays can frustrate a child trying to express their feelings or words. This can leave them to express themselves by hitting, crying, or even avoiding those around them. Many children with these disorders have low muscle tone in parts of their bodies or have trouble with gross and fine motor skills. Early intervention programs offer IEPs in a school district. This helps create a personalized program for a child who has one or both of these disorders. 

Experts such as autism spectrum disorder specialist, physical, occupational, or speech therapists may even come to your home for additional services. With a team of teachers, doctors, and specialists, kids can greatly benefit from their IEP. 

Continuing successful behaviors and rewards at home are important. Games, toys, and sensory safe areas in the home are a great way to teach and work with your child. A light table or box can be created with soft white Christmas lights, wood, and a translucent plastic cover to illuminate see-through magnetic toys, colored pieces of plastic, or even used for artwork. The glow isn’t harsh, lowering the risk of bothering those with light sensitivities.

Directions for DIY lightboxes can be found as well as ones already made on various websites. Chose a corner of your child’s bedroom or a play area filled with their favorite sensory toys, pillows to lay on, calming sensory bottles, and soft lighting. This can also be a place your child can go to when they’re feeling stressed. 

Keep loud, flashing toys out of reach if your child becomes anxious from them. Over-stimulation for a child who has sensory issues can be overwhelming. A child can become upset, angry, frustrated, or scared from loud noises and bright lights. Keeping televisions and devices volumes on low or using noise-canceling headphones may also help reduce traumatic episodes. 

Sensory toys are incredibly important to encourage the development of gross and fine motor skills. Low muscle tone in the hands, for example, can cause difficulties such as grasping eating implements, buttoning a shirt, trouble zipping a jacket, or tying shoes. Underdevelopment of gross motor skills can affect jumping, kicking a ball, and proper core or trunk support. Kneading toxic-free dough can strengthen fingers and wrists while your child creates their own projects and sculptures. Colorful and edible play dough can be made from an easy to follow recipes for picky eaters. Eating different textures and consistencies of food that require your child to chew more helps strengthen jaw muscles to decrease drooling and speech troubles. 

Additional sensory implements are kinetic sand, squishy ooze, and archaeology kits containing hidden toys like dinosaurs that need to be dug up. These are all great ways to find out which sensory toys your child enjoys and encourages muscle development in the fingers.