Autumn in Louisville is a glorious combination of mild weather and spectacular color. Kentucky’s signature hardwood forests take on every shade of red, purple, orange, and gold. My family loves getting outside for a day in the pumpkin patch or at a fall festival (we have tons). Autumn becomes winter in a blink, and we hate to miss a second of the foliage.
While it’s not quite as glamorous as hiking through the Bob Ross-esque woods, now is also the perfect time to consider sprucing up your home. When the snow sets in, the last thing you want to do is start a major project. So, whether you’re preparing your home to sell or just hunkering down until spring, autumn renovations can be incredibly rewarding.
They say clichés are cliché for a reason, and that’s how I feel about a full kitchen update. Sure, it’s the first place we look to renovate, but it makes sense. The kitchen is the heart of the home, a gathering place for your family and friends, and as such, you want it to be both beautiful and functional.
If you’re on a budget, updating your kitchen could mean repainting your cabinets or walls, replacing your hardware, and investing in new lighting. If you’re willing to call in the pros, turn your attention toward new countertops and appliances as well.
To really elevate your kitchen (and the rest of your home), consider upgrading your flooring. For reference, carpet only lasts about five to 15 years, and once a professional cleaning can’t restore it to its former glory, it’s definitely time for a replacement. Tile lasts much longer, but it’s difficult to predict how long your particular pattern will be in style. You may be able to eke out 25 years with your vinyl flooring, but once the adhesive fails, you’re definitely going to know about it.
Of course, if you have hardwood floors, you’re in luck; refinishing is always an option. But if you’re working with a different material, crunch the numbers. It may be time for an update.
A final renovation I would suggest before winter settles in is waterproofing your basement. Not only will this reduce your risk of flooding in the warmer months, but it will also reduce overall moisture levels in your home. This will discourage mold growth, which is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your property.
While you’re sealing things off, you might also consider finishing your basement. I’ve seen many of my friends buy homes with unfinished basements, excited to build them out… and then stick their storage items down there and call it a day. I mean, how much cooler would it be if you took advantage of all that additional space?! Just something to think about this fall.
Though I’m not an expert contractor, I am a realtor in Louisville, and I can tell you from experience that these upgrades make a huge difference in your home’s value. Whether you’re planning to sell or stay put, this type of work is never in vain.
The great outdoors is easily appreciated when the leaves are pretty, but when the snow starts, we all want to feel warm and comfortable. Hopefully, these suggestions can help you decide where to begin.