Most people grew up in a house with a basement that is dark, dank, and unfinished. A lot of homeowners have toyed with the idea of finishing their basement at some point, but didn’t push through with it. Most people grew up in a house with a basement that is dark, dank, and unfinished. A lot of homeowners have toyed with the idea of finishing their basement at some point, but didn’t push through with it. 

A finished basement can be a great addition to any home. Not only will it increase the value of your home, you can also enjoy the extra living space. There are some things, however, that you need to know before getting started on this project. Here are some of them. 

You may need a permit

Most states will require you to acquire a permit before you get started on the renovation, so we suggest that you check with your town or municipality first before you get started with this project. If you fail to acquire the needed permit, you are likely to face some fines, delay in construction or legal action. 

Be on the lookout for moisture problems 

Basements are notorious for having moisture problems. Since most homeowners don’t spend much time in the basement, many of them aren’t even aware of the problem. To prevent water damage in the future, make sure that the problem is identified and rectified before renovations take place. Sometimes, moisture problems occur even if there is no sign of leak or standing water. 

Set aside an extra 10-15% 

Your contractor may have given you an estimate, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the final cost. During the remodelling process, you may come across some problems such as termites, wood decaying or faulty wiring that may cause you to blow your budget. The last thing you want is to run out of money halfway through the project. 

Make sure that you set aside an extra 10-15% of your budget for any unforeseen issues that may crop up. 

Figure out the layout 

An unfinished basement is like a blank canvas. You have the freedom to decide how you’re going to use the space. You may create a bedroom, a bathroom, and a small kitchen if you intend to use it as a rental apartment. You can also opt for an open space if you want to use it as a leisure or entertainment room. Keep in mind, though, that the water heater and the furnace cannot be moved, so you need to work around these areas. 

Is your home looking old and dingy? Do you want to give your home a makeover, but you don’t have enough budget for it? The good news is that you don’t have to completely renovate the spaces in your home to give them a refreshed look. In fact, there are easy home improvement projects you can tackle on your own. Some can even be completed over the weekend. 

Here are 4 easy home improvement projects that will make your home look amazing. 

Replace bathroom or kitchen hardware 

This may be one of the easiest projects you can take on, but you’d be surprised how much of a design impact changing the hardware can have.  

When purchasing hardware for your cabinets, consider practicality over style. Also, try to look for handles that are of the same size and shape as your current ones. This will allow you to place them over the holes from your previous hardware. No filling and drilling required. 

Repaint the walls

We all know how a fresh coat of paint can give your space a new lease of life. It can give your drab, washed-out walls a burst of brilliant depth. Plus, it’s simple enough to do on your own. 

White is a great color for most spaces. It is excellent at reflecting light, which makes the room look bigger and more spacious. Plus, decorating is easier with white walls. Be sure to add some color with accessories, so the room doesn’t look clinical. 

Install kitchen backsplash

The area behind the stove is subject to heat and food splatter, while the wall behind the countertop and sink is prone to moisture. Protect your kitchen wall by installing backsplash. 

For many homeowners, installing a traditional tile backsplash may seem overwhelming. In this case, a sheet backsplash may just be your saving grace. All you have to do is to cut and glue the material. 

It’s an incredibly easy task that even amateurs can conquer with confidence. Plus, it will impart a premium look to an ordinary-looking kitchen. 

Update light fixtures 

Updating your lighting fixtures can have a significant effect on your home’s interior design without putting a dent on your budget.  

While the minimalist trend is on the rise, sometimes it’s fun to upgrade to bold and big in some areas. A large pendant fixture over your dining table or kitchen island would give the space a wow factor. 

People prefer to live in a space that capitalizes on natural light. In fact, most homebuyers search for homes that are spacious and have adequate lighting. Not only will it make the house look bright, it will also affect one’s mood in a positive way.

Unfortunately, not all rooms have adequate day lighting. Insufficient natural light is common in rooms that face north, basement, hallways and powder rooms. The absence of natural light makes these rooms look dark and cramped. Luckily, there are things you can do to brighten up a dark room.

Whether you live in a small apartment with only one window or a large home with a dark interior, these tips will help brighten up your space.  

Here are 4 simple ways to brighten up a dark room.

Choose paint colors wisely 

Choosing a paint color for your walls can be a daunting task. It becomes even more challenging when choosing paint for spaces that lack natural lighting.

Light, neutral colors like white, ivory, taupe, and soft gray can brighten up a dark room. They provide a contrast if you have dark wood furnitures, doors or wood floors. They reflect artificial light luminously without the risk of overpowering the space.

Clean windows 

This is one of the simplest ways to brighten up a dark room. If your windows are extra dirty, you may want to use a diluted vinegar solution to clean your windows.

Combine an equal part of water and vinegar and transfer it in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto your window and wipe with a clean cloth. This is an easy and inexpensive solution to a lack of natural light in your home. Always keep your windows clean to let natural light shine through your home.

Rethink window treatments

Heavy, light-blocking window treatments often absorb precious natural light. Let light pass through more easily with sheer or translucent window treatments. They’ll provide privacy during the day while allowing natural light to enter your home.

Place mirrors strategically 

Placing mirrors will not make a room brighter on its own. What they do is, they reflect more natural light into your space. When placed strategically, mirrors can really brighten up a space. To maximize the light, place a mirror directly across the window. Not only will it radiate light around a room, it will also visually expand a room so that it appears bigger.

The sun is shining brightly and the warm sunlight is reflecting through your windows. Spring is upon us! That means it’s time to break out of your winter rut and update your house for warmer days. Put away those bulky area rugs, thick throws and blankets, and transform your home with bright accents, colorful paint and fresh decorating ideas.

Here are some simple ways to refresh your home for the new season. 

Create a colorful entryway

A gallon of paint is among the easiest tools for updating a space. Not only is it easy, it’s also affordable and impactful. Your home’s exterior says a lot about you. That said, you want to keep the outside clean and organized. Give your home a fresh look by painting your front door with a bold color.

Natural elements

Incorporate little bits of nature into your home by decorating your home with flowers, branches, fruits or vegetables. You can also bring the outside in by framing photos and artwork of natural landscapes. Floral wallpaper or floral-printed accessories will also freshen up your room.

Switch to sheers

Sometimes, all it takes to update a room for the new season is to change your window treatment. During the spring and summer months, there is no need for thick curtains. Swap thick draperies with sheer curtains to bring in sunshine and fresh air into your home.

Sunshine hues

Spring is a perfect time to bring new colors into your home. Pack up dark tones and swap them with lighter or neutral tones.

This spring, decorate the room with subdued shades of your favorite color. Liberal dashes of white will also keep everything light and airy. If you want something bold and bright, yellow and orange is your best bet.

Update your pillows

Just as you change your wardrobe for various seasons, you should also update your pillows this spring. While silk, velvet and tweed looks great all year round, they can feel a bit heavy during the warmer months. That said, you may want to lighten things up a bit. This spring, bring in pillows with breezy fabrics like cotton or linen.