8 Renovations You Should Gift Yourself This Holiday Season

November 23, 2021

The holiday season is filled with family time and gifts. Just keep in mind you deserve to treat yourself this holiday season, too! Since your home is a place to relax and do work, you want it to be comfortable and functional. So, consider giving yourself a home renovation project this year. Here are some remodeling ideas to add to your Christmas wish list.

1. Insulating Your Attic

As it gets colder, insulation can help keep you warm. It also conserves energy and lowers your monthly bills. You can save up to $200 on your heating and cooling costs. Plus, it can keep out unwanted pests. You want to add insulation to your attic, basement, ducts, and walls.

When insulating your attic, start with the floor. If you have a loft with irregular joist spacing, use loose-fill fiber. It comes in a variety of materials, such as fiberglass and cellulose. If your attic has standard joist spacing, batts are best. Once you insulate your attic, consider using it as an extra bedroom. It can serve as a guest room for family visiting over the holidays.

2. Upgrading Your Door

Your door is one of the first things people notice about your house. Upgrading it can increase its functionality and your home’s curb appeal. Consider adding a more durable steel entryway door. They are easy to maintain and energy-efficient. Along with your front door, replace your garage door. Consider using metal for the material here, too; it can provide a sleek look and protect against intruders.

In addition to your door, consider upgrading your landscaping. Add a colorful garden and buy plants of varying heights for more visual appeal. Also, include a walkway to create a stunning focal point. If you’re on a budget, wood chips or gravel are excellent options.

3. Updating Your Siding

Your exterior helps protect your home from the elements and adds curb appeal. Consider installing manufactured stone veneer. It is made from cement but has the look of natural stone, meaning it can give your home a modern appearance at a more affordable price. The average cost for the material will definitely set you back, but this is a permanent boost to your home’s curb appeal.

Stone veneer is also long-lasting and durable. The material is also lighter and more versatile than alternatives. Keep in mind if not appropriately installed, the siding can lead to water leaks.

4. Remodeling Your Kitchen

Kitchen upgrades can give you a high return on investment. Even making a few minor changes can help. In fact, you can recoup about 77.6% of the cost from a minor kitchen remodel. Besides just the resale value, you use your kitchen daily. And you want to have a functional space for cooking holiday dinners!

One of the first steps in remodeling is to replace your countertop. Granite or marble are excellent options that provide a classy look. They are also durable and heat resistant. However, they can be more expensive than other options. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, laminate countertops are a good choice.

Along with your countertops, update your backsplash. Tile backsplashes are the most popular because they come in various styles and color combinations.

Here are some more updates to make to your kitchen:

  • Add new lighting
  • Repaint walls and cabinets
  • Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
  • Install new flooring
  • Add a kitchen island

5. Replacing Your Windows

Upgrading your windows can prevent drafts and increase energy efficiency. As the temperature starts to drop, this is essential. Consider vinyl windows for their affordability and energy efficiency. Also, during the winter, weatherstrip and caulk your windows. Sealing any gaps keeps your home warm and lowers your energy bills.

Once you’ve updated your windows, dress them up with curtains. Using blinds with fun patterns can liven up the space. Consider polyester curtains for your living room or bedroom. It is a durable and affordable material. If you live in a colder area and want to keep the heat in, thermal curtains are excellent choices.

While outside, consider replacing your roof. Having a stable roof protects your home from the elements. Asphalt shingles are a popular choice because of their affordability. Also, they come in a variety of styles.

6. Adding a Deck

Wooden decks are popular amenities for homeowners. They provide the perfect space for entertaining over the holidays. Once the patio is built, make sure to give it some character. Painting can help enhance your outdoor space. A dark grey is a natural option that can blend well with more colorful decor.

Here are some more colors to consider:

  • Green
  • Black
  • Chocolate brown
  • Dark blue

Once you’re done painting, you can start adding decorations. Incorporate some comfy seating and pillows to make the space feel practical and cozier. You can also add a rug, plants, and lighting. If you enjoy entertaining often, a fire pit can be a stunning focal point.

7. Finishing Your Basement

Your basement can be used for more than just storage. Consider turning it into a game room. This will give you a chance to bond with your family and entertain guests over the holidays. First, you want to start with the foundational elements, like flooring. Consider engineered wood for its classic style and sound absorption qualities.

Then you can move on to decorations. You want to have plenty of comfortable seating for guests. Also, add in some unique lighting, such as overhead LED light strips. Remember that you need plenty of games available, and board games are good places to start. You might also want to include a card table, pool table, or even arcade games.

8. Renovating Your Bathroom

With guests inside your home this holiday season, you want your bathroom to be a functional space. Also, mid-range bathroom renovations can add a resale value of about $13,717. One of the first things you want to do is upgrade fixtures such as toilets, showers, and faucets.

You may also want to increase your storage space by adding a floating vanity. It can make the room feel more open and give you storage space underneath the sink. In addition, consider upgrading your flooring to tile. It provides a modern look and is water resistant. You can also add a tile backsplash to your shower. If your floors get cold in the winter, install underfloor radiant heating.

Another simple way to spruce up the space is with paint. If you’re looking for a natural tone, grays work well. Suppose you want to add some more character? Navy blue is a good option.

Top Renovations Projects You Should Do This Year

Remodeling projects are great ways to transform your space. They improve a room’s functionality and value. So, what better time than the holidays to treat yourself to an upgrade? Consider performing one of these renovation tasks this holiday season.


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