Being a homeowner certainly has its perks. There are no landlords to worry about or to force you to move, and you’re free to make pretty much any changes to your home that you like. Plus, you’re sitting on an asset that typically goes up in value considerably, every year.
However, if you’ve been living in your home for a long time, you might have reached the point where you love it less than when you first moved in. It could be that it’s starting to look a little tired or worn around the edges. Or, it could just be that, having spent so much time looking at the same four walls during the pandemic, you need to change things up.
Alternatively, it could be that mobility issues are starting to make your home harder to navigate. Stairs can become difficult or even impossible to climb for some people, while if you need to use a wheelchair or a walker, your home could quickly become difficult to get around.
Here are some easy ways to help you fall in freshen up your home for the spring season.
The quick makeover
A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference to a home, especially if the walls are looking a little jaded or wallpaper is peeling. You can choose brighter shades to liven up your home or be bold and completely change the look of each room.
If you’re handy and like a challenge, this could be a great project for you to get your hands into. Or you could hire professionals to do it — they typically take between one and three days to do the work, depending on the size of your home. It should cost somewhere between $3,000 and $7,000.
Fix up your furniture
Getting new furniture, either for the living room, dining room or bedroom, can make your home not only more attractive, but also more relaxing. New sofas and chairs can be so much more comfortable than old furniture and they can really brighten up your home. Or you could add a pop of colour with new cushions and accent pieces to freshen up your home for spring.
If you struggle when sitting down or getting up, a lift chair could change your life. With the touch of a button, it can gently bring you to a seated position or get you back to standing, with no effort or aches. They can cost between around $620 and $2,500.
Spruce up your kitchen
If you love to cook, a new kitchen not only looks so much better, it’s more of a joy to be in. Modern designs, with a new sink unit, cupboards, countertop and appliances will make your kitchen unrecognizable. Less expensive ways to freshen up your kitchen include replacing your hardware, changing light fixtures or installing new shelving.
Also, if you’re starting to have mobility issues, you can redesign it to suit your needs. Lower counter tops and sink, cabinets designed to make pots and pans easier to reach, a raised dishwasher and non-slip flooring can all make cooking far more enjoyable. Depending on your kitchen’s size and how fancy you want to go, a kitchen remodel can cost between $15,000 and $50,000+.
More luxurious bathing
Adding new accents to your bathroom such as new hardware, a circle mirror, fresh linens or peel and stick wallpaper can freshen up your bathroom in a quick and cost-effective way.
If you love taking long, hot baths, a new bathroom suite will make the experience even more enjoyable and brighten up your home. You could choose a bigger tub, or one with jets.
If you’re no longer quite so light on your feet, you can renovate your bathroom to make it safer and more comfortable. A higher toilet seat, grab bars, walk-in bath or shower, non-slip surfaces and a lower sink could all make your bathing experience much more enjoyable and less hazardous. Bathroom renos typically cost somewhere between $7,000 and $19,000.
Make your home easier to navigate
As some people get older, getting around their home can become really difficult or even dangerous. For people who need a walker or wheelchair, fairly minor renos can help you to really feel safe in your home. Widening doorways to 32 inches, installing a ramp at your home’s entrance and putting in a stair lift would immediately make your home far more accessible.
Installing shorter carpet, getting rid of easy-to-trip-over rugs, putting down slip-resistant, softer flooring and grab bars wherever needed will turn your home into a much safer place. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association is a good resource for finding professional contractors experienced in accessible renovations.
Make the most of your outdoor space
Creating an oasis in your outdoor space is a great way to kick off spring. Try planting a vertical garden, putting up a hammock or creating a meditation space.
Hiring a professional landscaper can completely transform your backyard. They can design your garden so you’re able to spend much more time out there, with a shaded area for the summer and a nice warm outdoor fire for spring and the fall. This is a particularly good option if you love your garden but maintaining it has become too difficult for you.
Installing a hot tub would also mean you can enjoy the outdoors for even more of the year. Some hot tubs have easy access, and can help with a number of health issues, such as muscle relaxation, arthritic pain, heart health and stress-relief. New tubs start from as low as $4,000, with luxury models costing as much as $20,000.
Helping you to freshen up your home for spring
If you really want to freshen up your home for spring, but don’t want to have to pay high loan payments to fund it, we can help. If you’re a homeowner aged 55 and over, a reverse mortgage could provide you with the lump sum you need, with no loan repayments. You only have to pay back what you owe when you sell your home or move out, so it won’t put a dent in your retirement income.
Call us at 1-866-758-2447 to find out how much you could borrow and start freshening up your home for spring.
