Health-Boosting, Value-Adding Home Improvement Plans
GUEST AUTHOR: Emma Grace Brown
In the midst of the coronavirus, we’ve all been looking for ways to get and stay as healthy as we can. While diet, exercise, and precautionary measures, like regular hand-washing, can all aid in this effort, some changes to your living environment can also make a big difference. Not only can “green” changes make you feel better, they can also add to your home’s value. Here, Tahoe Boho offers some tips on making your home healthier.
Creating Healthy Spaces
One of the best ways to create a healthy home environment is to simply use your space in a new way. For example, an unused bedroom can be converted into a cozy reading room, complete with comfy chair and throw, a lovely bookcase, and reading lamp. You could also convert an unused walk-in closet into a meditation or yoga space. Get creative in looking for ways to maximize the room you have.
Be sure to also use light and scent to enhance your interiors. Pull back the curtains to let in as much natural light as you can during the day. And consider burning sage and using an essential oil diffuser rather than manufactured plug-in diffusers.
Do It Yourself Projects
You can make many changes on your own, or with a little guidance from online resources. These are typically small-scale, one-day projects that won’t cost much to do, like washing walls and baseboards and adding a fresh coat of paint, or changing out the lighting or faucet fixtures in a bathroom. These projects make a house look and feel refreshed, and you’ll have a sense of accomplishment doing it yourself.
Home Modifications
Larger projects can make an even bigger difference in the look, feel, and value of your home. For example, pulling out carpeting and putting in slate, tile, or wood flooring can significantly reduce allergens, and make it easier to deep clean your home. Replacing windows with new energy-efficient versions can also allow you to bring in more natural light – a natural mood booster – while also substantially increasing the value of your home.
Outside Projects
If you or your family suffer from allergies, assess whether you have certain flowers, trees, or shrubs around your home that are exacerbating the problem. According to Sierra, replacing lush landscaping with xeriscape landscaping is a beautiful way to update your home’s exterior, reduce water usage, and eliminate the need for pricey upkeep. Xeriscaping isn’t just about pretty rocks – drought-resistant plants are hardy and beautiful, and many are friendly to those who suffer from seasonal allergies.
Calculating The Value of Your Modifications
While many people make upgrades to their homes for personal enjoyment, it’s also wise to consider the positive financial implications of modifications, especially if you plan to sell in the near future. Some upgrades – like bathroom and kitchen upgrades – add to your home’s appraised value, and others – like a beautifully landscaped yard – add to your “curb appeal.” Updates like a new heating or air conditioning system will be seen as a big plus for prospective buyers, knowing they won’t have to worry about costly repairs in the near future.
BY GUEST AUTHOR:
Emma Grace Brown
Emmagracebrown.com
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