As states continue to lift restrictions on construction and remodeling, now may be a great time to kickstart your next home improvement project. However, it’s still important to be wise about your investments. Think about which additions make the most sense during these unprecedented times in terms of affordability and practicality.
Are you working from home? Have your children transitioned to remote learning? Do you have a dedicated space for recreational activities? Asking yourself these questions can help you determine which improvements you should prioritize.
Financial Considerations
Cost will likely play a factor in your decision to renovate. As the economy continues to recover, you may be wondering if now’s the right time to renovate or if you’re even able to afford home improvements. However, it may be worth investing in improvements that accommodate your changing needs.
Whether you choose to use your personal savings, finance through your contractor or borrow against your home equity, there are several ways you can invest your funds on improvements that’ll benefit you in the long run. When approaching improvements, think about whether or not they’re necessary and truly enhance the value of your home and life.
While you may want to postpone discretionary projects, there are several sensible and cost-effective upgrades that could better support your needs during these trying times. For inspiration, here are four popular home improvements to consider.
Landscape And Patio
Shelter-in-place orders have caused many to postpone their travel plans and spend more time at home. This has led to an uptick in staycations and home improvement projects that include vacation-like amenities, such as outdoor furniture, a firepit or a covered porch or deck.
Sprucing up the exterior will not only enhance curb appeal but also provide a space where you can spend time with friends and family or host socially-distanced gatherings. If you’re aching to spend more time outside or to gather safely with others, consider landscaping or remodeling your home’s exterior.
Virtual Learning Space
Some schools have already announced their plans to stay remote for the start of the school year. If you have school-aged children who will be engaging in virtual learning, you may want to consider building a classroom space in your home where they can learn effectively.
You could build a small addition to the back of your home or repurpose an existing space that you don’t use often, such as a guest room or quiet nook. Then, when school resumes in-person, you can transition this space back into a home office or its original purpose.
Home Office
At the start of the pandemic, many businesses made the transition to remote work. With many people now working from the comfort of their homes, there’s been a growing demand for home offices. If you plan to stay remote for the foreseeable future, you may benefit from having a formal space to work.
A home office provides you with privacy, comfort and a quiet space where you can focus. With a dedicated workspace, you’ll also avoid working in common rooms like your bedroom or living room, where your work and personal life could become blurred.
Exercise Room
Regular physical activity is crucial for your health. However, with most gyms and studios still closed, you may want to look into building an at-home gym. You could transform your garage or a spare bedroom into a space for exercise.
By building an exercise room in your home, you won’t have to worry about social distancing or sharing your equipment with others. You’ll also have the convenience of having your own equipment at home instead of driving to the workout facility. Plus, you may also be able to save money on a membership once the gyms reopen.
While it might not be practical to update your entire home during quarantine, some home improvements may increase the value of your home as well as your quality of life. As you adjust to a new way of living, consider which renovations make the most sense for you and your needs.