The current economy and tight credit markets might be causing a down turn in the housing market, but they could end up being a boon for the home improvement industry. Many families that were planning to upgrade to a larger home or move to a new neighborhood are finding that they must put their plans on hold. But in the midst of the current circumstances some are learning a valuable lesson; that they don’t really need a new home. Rather than spend hundreds of thousands to upgrade, it’s possible to simply put a fraction of that money into renovations that will make your home a castle.
One of the hot trends being predicted for this year are projects that make use of the outdoor space. We’ve become a world of automatic garage door openers and high-tech security systems. As a result we spend a lot of time indoors and alone. For one of your first projects consider a covered deck big enough to have your family meals and entertain. If pressure treated wood isn’t your thing, a concrete or natural stone patio can be just as inviting. With good landscaping and proper lighting your deck or patio could be the favorite meeting place for you and your friends.
If your yard is big enough to accommodate it, a gazebo adds a nice touch. It also makes a great project for the whole family to work on, and it will remain a permanent testament to a job well done. You can design your own gazebo or pick up pre-made plans form your home improvement store or online source.
Back inside, another predicted trend for 2009 is to take that cavernous and impractical Great Room and sub-divide into more useful space. Single story Great Rooms can be converted to enlarge the dining room while also providing space for a library, sitting room, or home theater. For the more musically oriented, you can create your own sound studio, perfect for storing your instruments, to download karaoke music, and to hold your own jam sessions with friends at home. If yours is a two-story room, install a ceiling/floor and you’ll create new space upstairs for more bedrooms or a large master suite.
In bigger homes, unused basement space makes for a great home bar dedicated to your favorite team, a studio for the budding musician, a play room for the kids, or just about any kind of room to be used for your favorite hobbies. If your basement has a walk out entrance it might be ideal for someone planning to start a business out of the home. The private entrance makes it easier to keep business separate from the rest of the house, and you’ll never have to worry about your customers seeing how you really live.
The list of things to make your home a castle goes on endlessly, but you get the point. It may not be your time to upgrade to the home of your dreams, so why not make your current home one of your dreams. There’s no better time than now to get started.
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