Do you own your dream home? To be honest with you, most people aren’t living in their dream home. We get busy and make do with what we have or believe we just can’t afford to buy that dream home. The good news is that you can create it, or something pretty close to it. All it takes is a little bit of creativity, and careful planning and budgeting, as well as dedication to the cause.
We understand that it can be tricky though, which is why you need to come up with a plan. Keep reading to find different ways with a few different levels of effort and expense that can get you closer to that dream home.
Level 1: Dream Home Affordable Updates
Level 1 updates are easier and less expensive to implement. From painting to adding some plants, and organizing, you can start edging your way toward that dream home.
Paint The Walls
Are your walls even remotely close to the color that you want them to be? If the answer is no, why are you leaving them like this? Because it takes time to paint the walls? Because you feel overwhelmed by the long list of things to do? Well, you’re never going to get your dream home if you can’t be bothered to put a little bit of effort in, and you know it. In order to achieve a goal, you need to make small changes every day.
So, change up your attitude and start thinking about colors. What color would you love? Whenever you think you’ve made a decision, get a tester and just double check that it looks how you want it to on your walls. The lighting and furnishings will change how wall color looks.
If you don’t test it, you could end up with a color that’s completely different to what you wanted. While this might feel like it makes the process take even longer, we promise that it’s worth every minute you spend to get it exactly right.
Clear Out the Clutter
One of the most pressing parts of a home update is clearing out the clutter. Get rid of what you aren’t using and what’s in your way. If the ‘some day I will use it’ pile has been sitting for years, just break up with the idea that you’ll have time next month to use it. It may feel difficult to unload items that you’ve purchase or that were given to you. But the sense of space and relief that unloading that extra stuff will give will be so worth it.
Head To The Garden
Another important aspect of creating and unlocking your dream home is heading out to the yard and garden. An unsightly overgrown garden that everyone is going to see when they walk past doesn’t billboard a dream home to anyone beyond the Addams family.
Lawns and gardens can be hard to maintain, especially if you have one on the larger side. Consider how you can create a garden that suits your wants and needs. This could include low maintenance fake grass like astro turf or clovers. Weed the garden, trim branches, and rake up leaves. Clean and paint outdoor furniture and recover cushions in outdoor fabric. Add some solar landscape lighting and add some plants, if you have a budget. Even without adding anything, just tidying the lawn and garden can transform it.
If you don’t have the time, skills, or equipment to do this—but you do have a budget—then you might want to hire a gardener or landscaper.
Level 2: Dream Home Investment Updates
Level 2 updates aren’t inexpensive, but they can be worthy investments in your home that your family can enjoy for a long time.
Build a Deck
Having an outdoor space to sip a cup of coffee in the morning or gather with friends and family to celebrate a birthday or graduation can change the vibe of your home. It creates a more welcoming atmosphere and it extends the usable living space into your yard. Plus, a deck has an 83 percent return on investment, according to Zonda.
If you have an older deck, we recommend getting it inspected. According to the North American Deck and Railing Association, half of the decks in the US need to be repaired or replaced. You may need new decking or need to beef up the structure or fasteners.
For those who want a new deck built, consider how you’ll use the space, and make sure there’s ample room for what you want to do. For example, you may want to have dining or include a grill. You may also want to have space for a few loungers. Make sure to plan for ample area to walk around all of the deck furniture, too.
Install a Privacy Screen or Fence
For those who have close neighbors who are less than savory, a fence or privacy screen can help create your dream home oasis in the backyard. Built strategically, you can shield your eyes from trash cans, collections of junk, and nosy neighbors who love to chat while you are trying to relax or work in your yard.
While a fence can be a considerable investment, a privacy screen may be enough to create separateness without blowing your budget.
Get a Driveway
Don’t forget about your driveway. It’s a HUGE part of your home’s curb appeal and it greets you every day you come home. If you are struggling with a driveway that has seen better days, then you can consider taking steps to repair it. This could be anything from cracks or massive chips in your driveway.
Or, if you don’t have a driveway then you can consider building one using a black top driveway company. This means that you can guarantee that your driveway looks incredible and improves the overall curb appeal of your home.
A driveway gate can also be a nice curb appealing upgrade that can change the entire vibe of your home in your neighborhood.
