The COVID-19 pandemic fast-tracked work-from-home culture and has meant spending more time in domestic spaces. Whether you’re thinking of creating an inspiring office or you want a spatial overhaul, investing in the place you pass the majority of your hours is a no-brainer. Whatever your budget, there’s so much you can do from a design perspective to foster a work-life balance and help you make the most of this new paradigm. The Welder Helper has some tips that can make your next renovation flourish.
Set a Budget
The last thing you want is for a potential source of joy and calm to become a source of financial stress. Once you know how much you have at your disposal, you can put together realistic mood boards and get cracking. The amount you spend will depend on:
- Where you are based
- Your ideal materials and finishings
- The scope of your home makeover
- Supply and demand
If you don’t have the cash set aside for this project, you may need to explore refinancing your mortgage to pay for it. There are many options available, including cash-out refinance and USDA loans. If you live in a rural area, you may qualify for a loan through the United States Department of Agriculture. Just make sure to use a USDA loan calculator first to get an idea of the costs associated with this loan.
Simple DIY Projects to Spruce Up Your Home
These easy and budget-friendly ideas could be just the change you need.
- Declutter and move accessories around for a mental wellness boost.
- Replace outdated wallpaper or get painting.
- Swap out tired furniture.
- Install elegant and minimalist floating shelves.
- Install a fire pit in your garden.
- Add low-maintenance indoor plants to inject a pop of natural color and to detox air.
Get a Professional On the Job
An ambitious DIY home renovation can be fulfilling but it can also be time-consuming and energy-intensive. And the fact is DIY projects come with risks, especially for those who lack experience. If you take on more than you can manage, you may have to hand over the reins to a dependable contractor or interior designer. It’s often less costly to have professional assistance from the outset, and the end-product is guaranteed a high-quality finish.
Some jobs necessitate hiring pros. When you want to remove walls to open up an area, an architect and a structural engineer can come up with structurally sound plans and drawings. Lighting can also make a massive difference, and a licensed electrician can play a big part in revamping your house or apartment.
Prioritize Balance
The work-from-home life blurs the boundaries between, well, work and life. Your remote job can start to creep in on your family time or ability to practice self-care. Tweaking room layouts or furnishings should bring about the balance you crave.
Basement renovations, in particular, are a game-changer. When you close your eyes and imagine a recreation room, you might see a home gym complete with Pilates blocks and Pelotons or a family entertainment hub with Netflix, books, and games. Maybe you want both. If your basement vision happens to include plush carpeting, use subfloor installation to prevent mold from dampening the vibe.
You can turn your fantasy into a reality with some elbow grease. Alternatively, call in reinforcements. Use tools online to get estimates for your project, as well as three free quotes from contractors in your area.
Successful Pandemic Renovation
Success starts with proper planning and getting the right contractors in place. While you can do it on your own, if you need results quickly and efficiently, you’ll want to contract out most of it.
