The Inside Outside Guys: New Year Resolutions for the Home

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Lots of cool benefits include greater value to the property, increased year-round comfort, true payback on any dollars invested, a quieter home, more efficient use of resources, and government aid in making the purchase. Whew!

How about increasing the livability of the home by having the lower level designed and finished by a pro?

It might improve familial relationships to create an alternative space for exercising, watching favorite programs, engaging in a hobby, or simply getting away without leaving home.

Are we being too assumptive with your budget? How about a project you can slowly accomplish that doesn’t break the bank, pays lots of long-term dividends, provides greater appreciation of your home investment every time you end the day, and might even make you the envy of the neighborhood?

What we are suggesting is a scripted, well designed, upgrade to your exterior curb appeal.

Start with a drawn plan. Perhaps you remove those 25-year-old arborvitae and get rid of what’s left of the that old wood-chip mulch.

Consider sculpting the front lawn into smaller areas bordered by river rock and low voltage lighting.

Use low-water, slow-growth plants that require little annual maintenance.

Set the tone for the new arrangements to gently lead the eyes to the front elevation of the home, maybe enhanced by a new or refinished front door and shutters.

Already did all that? How about going back into the house and installing a new and full wall backsplash in the kitchen or bathrooms?

Oftentimes, this item alone will make a room feel and look brand new. If you undertake the project, consider having an electrician come in first and upgrade the kitchen lighting, circuits and switches.

You might actually lower your insurance bill while enhancing safety and convenience in the space.

How about new faucets in the kitchen or bathrooms? Dealing with old plumbing is not for the faint of heart, but professionals can help you specify and install really beautiful and functional new products. If you haven’t explored the possibilities, take a Saturday and go look at some of what’s available.

Looking for something with a big impact that is even more budget friendly? How about new paint?

You can have the whole house done, one room, or even an accent wall in the dining room. A great compliment to such a project is having a wainscot or cove molding, or even an eclectic design built onto the wall prior to professional painting.

People will think your home is an HGTV project!

You might give some thought to replacing the wood walking surface on that back deck. Get rid of sanding, splinters, and re-staining once and for all. There are some really nice products you can use to beautify and enhance the usability of those outdoor living spaces.

Maybe this is the year to splurge on new exterior siding. Done well, you’ll never touch the product again except to rinse occasionally with a hose. There is a wide range of materials and colors available today that we would not have dared use 20 years ago.

Stories abound of owners who have had a siding install with high-end product only to drive right past their “new” homes at the end of the workday.

What is really exciting about all these home resolutions is that they can add true value to the home itself and the living experience.

Isn’t that why you bought it in the first place?

Before you get started, interact with true professionals for guidance and expertise. Visit the Novi Home Show this weekend at the Suburban Collection Showplace and talk with companies like those you can find every day at InsideOutsideGuys.com.

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For more advice, listen to the Inside Outside Guys every Saturday and Sunday on AM760-WJR from 10 a.m.-noon or contact us at InsideOutsideGuys.com.