Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Living Space (And Where to Start)

Do you feel like something is just slightly…wrong with your home?

Whether you have cabinets falling off the walls or a bathroom that hasn’t seen an upgrade since the 90s – you’re not alone.

But when does it make sense to upgrade your home and what rooms should you tackle first?

Ah, home design and renovation. It can be stressful if you don’t know where to start or what projects to focus on.

That’s exactly what this guide covers.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Clear Signs Your Home Needs Upgrades
Where To Start When Upgrading Your Home
Most Popular Home Improvements For 2023
How To Budget For Home Improvements

Clear Signs Your Home Needs Upgrades

Ready to know when it’s time to renovate?

There are some pretty obvious signs that your home is begging for an upgrade. Let’s go through them…

Your Home Decor Feels Really Outdated

Walk into any room of your house. How does it feel?

Are you hiding dated fixtures with quirky decor? Does the kitchen flooring look like it’s about 20 years old? Are your cabinet doors falling off?

If guests say “wow your home has such a retro vibe!” and you’re not going for that aesthetic…then it might be time.

Why does this matter?

An outdated home:

Decreases in value
Isn’t suited to modern living
Has poor energy efficiency

Your House Is Full Of Cramped Spaces

Got kids? They’re growing like weeds.

Need space to WFH? Consider an office nook.

Do you entertain guests often? Consider improving flow for spaces.

If you feel cramped in your own home that’s a sign. Your home should work for you and your lifestyle…not against you.

You Have Constant Repair Issues

Boiler keeps breaking down?

Plumbing is always blocked?

Electrics keep blowing?

Say goodbye to these annoying problems and hello to your bank account draining away.

If you’ve spent more on repairs over the past two years that equal 50% of what it would cost to replace an item it’s time to let go.

Utility Bills Are Rising

Got single glazed windows?

Poor insulation?

Old boilers?

Sound like your home? These are expensive to run and drive up your energy bills.

Many home improvements can drastically reduce how much you spend on bills each year. Speak with experts in home improvements Northern Ireland about your property and they can advise you what would make the biggest difference.

Where To Start With Your Home Renovation

Figuring out your home needs some love is easy.

Knowing what room to renovate first is where most people get stuck.

House prices are constantly rising so more and more homeowners are thinking “maybe I’ll just renovate instead?”

In fact, 67% of homeowners now prefer renovating their home instead of moving.

That means a ton of homeowners are jumping into home improvements. Where should they start?

Assess The Damage

Before you do anything else, take a walk through your home.

Grab a notepad and jot down anything that feels outdated, damaged or like it doesn’t fit with your vision.

Pay special attention to:

House structure
Cosmetic updates
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Heating/cooling
Lofts/windows/extensions

This list is going to be your renovation checklist moving forward.

Focus On High-Impact Rooms

Some upgrades offer higher return on investment than others.

Think of rooms that you use every day vs rooms that get occasional use.

For example, kitchens and bathrooms are typically the best rooms to renovate with a limited budget.

High impact areas include:

Kitchen renovations (cabinets, countertops, appliances)
Bathroom remodels (new fixtures/toiling/storage)
Heating/cooling efficiency
New windows/additional insulation

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Professional Help

If you’re reading this and thinking “well I’ll just do it myself…”

Please consult a professional for major home design and renovation jobs.

Yes, you can DIY certain projects to save some money but it’s not recommended to tackle anything too big without the proper expertise.

Popular Home Improvements To Consider

Still not sure what other people are upgrading in their homes?

Look at popular trends to help spark inspiration and ideas:

Bathroom Renovations

Bathroom makeovers are by far the number one home improvement.

Take showers to the next level with rainfall showerheads. Hang a freestanding tub. Replace old vanities with storage solutions and sleek style.

Modern bathrooms are about creating a mini spa at home.

Kitchen Upgrades

Kitchens are where families spend a lot of their time. Eating. Cooking. Entertaining. Families hang out in the kitchen.

New kitchens focus on better storage options, energy efficient appliances, and opening up space.

Upgrade Your HVAC Systems

Heating. Cooling. Air quality.

This is a big one that also helps with energy bills.

If your heating system is old, gets up HVAC upgrade. Or consider better insulation to help maintain temperature and save money.

Swap those curtains out for insulation boosting windows.

Conservatories/Loft Conversions

Got an extra room in the roof or backyard?

Extend your home with a branded addition. Expand your living space and increase home value.

Bonus points if you can expand your kitchen or bathroom area.

Outdoor Flooring

Garage floors? Garden paths? Backyard lounges.

Properties with beautiful outdoor spaces tend to have higher property value. Don’t forget about your flooring outside of your home.

How To Budget For Home Improvements

Renovations aren’t cheap.

Yet according to research, 78% of homeowners went over budget on their last renovation project.

Ugh. The pain. And it’s 100% avoidable!

Here’s how to avoid that trap…

Create A Realistic Budget

Figure out your max budget.

Add on 15-20% for unexpected costs.

There will always be unexpected costs with home renovations.

Prioritise Your Home Improvements

That cool blue wall isn’t going to keep you warm at night.

Focus on home improvements that:

Are required for safety
Fix structural damages
Replace old systems
Offer a higher return of investment

Wanna add that wall later! Get the must-dos done first.

Speak To Multiple Pros

Got a contractor in mind?

Great! Now call three more.

Don’t go with the first person who gives you a quote. Compare prices, timelines, materials used, and warranty info.

Think of these conversations as interviews. You’re hiring someone to do work on your home!

Consider Phasing Your Renovation

Full house remodel? Take it one room at a time.

Can’t upgrade your kitchen this month? Start with the bathrooms.

Think about spreading your projects over time if need be.

Conclusion

Figuring out when your home needs upgrading is simple.

Your home could be showing you some signs that renovations are needed ASAP:

They don’t feel modern
Constant repairs
Not enough living space
High energy bills

Start your renovations by assessing your entire property. Make note of everything that could use an upgrade.

Then focus on high-impact areas like kitchens/bathrooms.

Need some professional advice? Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Home improvement projects shouldn’t be stressful or overwhelming. Take it one room at a time and before you know it – you’ve transformed your whole home.