Happy New Year! Whether you're looking for a new custom home or trying to give your current house a facelift, resolve to make this the year of "home sweet home"! Our custom home design team has compiled a new year's resolution for every month of the year. Let's see how many you can get checked off by this time in 2017. And without further ado...
2016 – New Year, New Home, New You!
January: Hardware Upgrades
What better way to ring in the New Year than with a new doorbell cover? Consider updating the knobs on your cabinets, your door hinges, and even the face of your doorbell. Give your guests a shiny first impression when they visit your home.
February: New Floors Galore
It's amazing what a new floor will do for the overall look of your house. Hardwood flooring adds value to the home because it can withstand years of wear without any tear (or scuffs, or discoloration).
March: Wash The Windows
Ideally, you should wash your windows twice a year - once in the spring and again in the fall. You can use an old toothbrush to loosen dirt in the crevices and along the sill. To clean the window tracks, a Q-tip dipped in white vinegar is the best solution. If your home has oversized windows, you may want to hire a professional who can get the job done properly and safely.
April: April Showers, Anyone?
When's the last time you updated your bathroom fixtures? The bathroom tends to get overlooked when it comes to home improvement, but not this month! Go pick out a new showerhead from Ferguson, like this Moen Rothbury™ Single-Function Standard Showerhead in Oil Rubbed Bronze. Change out the cabinet knobs, replace the faucet and mount a new towel rack. Who says you can't have a spa at home? Not us!
May: Spruce Up The Yard
As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. Spend this month sprucing up your yard so that it's ready for your summer entertaining. Plant a new rose bush, clean up the footpath, switch out your garden flag and get some new throw pillows for the outdoor furniture!
June: More Shizzle for Your Shutters
The shutters don't get enough credit for their part in making the exterior of a house come together. If you haven't replaced your shutters in a while, head to Home Depot and pick out a new set that will liven up the outside of your home. Or, if your current shutters are in great condition, give them a fresh coat of paint!
July: Organize the Pantry
Cookouts, and birthdays, and bonfires, oh my! July is the peak time of year for entertaining. The Fourth of July is on a Monday this year, which means you have a whole weekend to dedicate to getting your pantry in order. Thanksgiving was 8 months ago, so you can finally get rid of the canned pumpkin and make room for s'mores!
August: Organize the Garage
August is the last month of summer and your chance to clear out the garage. Pull everything out and get rid of whatever is taking up unnecessary space (mismatched shoes? Be gone!). Consider adding some shelves or racks along the wall for easy access to winter essentials like your snow shovel, rake, and ice scraper. Who knows? You may actually have room to pull your car in when the rainy season comes!
September: Paint The Walls
If your walls could talk, what would you want them to say? Pick your colors accordingly. Fresh paint is like a new haircut - it makes you wonder why you waited so long to make the change, or why you picked that original color in the first place.... The design team at WeldenField and Rowe Custom Homes uses Sherwin Williams as our preferred paint brand, not just for the quality and durability of the paint, but also the amazing color selection!
October: Get Your Mind Out Of The Gutters
By October, you should start thinking about the condition of your home's exterior and whether it's ready for winter weather. In addition to getting your gutters cleaned out, you can get them inspected for problems such as debris buildup or interior deterioration. Gutter inspections are fairly inexpensive and can save you the headache of dealing with serious issues in the colder months.
November: Accents, Accents, Accents
November is your time to switch things up with your interior decor. Take a nice, long look at your wall art and decide what can be replaced (or switched out for the holidays). If the weather permits, why not work on your exterior accents as well? Replace the bench on your porch, add a new doormat and pick out a festive wreath to give your home some holiday cheer!
December: Farewell, Clutter!
December is the month where your household inventory increases significantly, whether or not you want it to (“Thanks for the 5 ft. teddy bear, Cousin Eddie!”). Before the gifts are unwrapped, take the first part of this month to clean out your closets and get rid of anything that just adds clutter. For more on this topic, check out our blog post on 5 Golden Rules of a Clutter-Free Christmas.
If you follow this home improvement plan, you'll have a fresh, updated and improved home in no time. We can’t wait to see the results!
Contact Us
If you aren't interested in updating your house and would rather start from the ground up, contact WeldenField and Rowe Custom Homes today to discuss your custom home project with our design experts.