The COVID-19 pandemic has caused all of us to spend more time at home. Even as lockdown measures lift and life creeps back to normal, it’s fairly clear that this summer probably won’t mark a return to the heydays of 2019.
With this in mind, lots of people have taken on home improvement projects. If you’re going to be spending more time at home, you might as well be comfortable and use your time to sort those little jobs you’ve been meaning to get around to.
Here are some of the most popular home improvement projects for homeowners in Brentwood and Billericay – so why not read this guide and get stuck into your own DIY to-do list.
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Painting and Decorating
When our busy everyday lives were in full flow, few people would have paid such close attention to the colour of their walls or the wallpapering job in the spare bedroom. Many are taking a different view now that people are confronted with these sights day in, day out, however.
If you’re going to be spending the majority of your time at home, it’s important for it to be a comforting and inviting space. A lick of paint here and there really could make all the difference, and so it’s no surprise that Essex has seen a decorating boom over the past few months.
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Landscaping
Although ‘stay local’ is the new order of the day, many people are still reluctant to travel too far from home. In place of the parks and open green spaces of previous years, lots of people have taken up gardening to get a daily dose of fresh air.
By re-planning your garden, you could create an altogether more tranquil outdoor space that will look great all year long.
In any case, you’ll want to ensure that your garden is in tip-top condition for any socially distanced gatherings or BBQs you want to host.
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Kitchen Renovations
The kitchen is widely regarded as the heart of any home, so why not take some time to spruce yours up and make it into a truly multi-purpose space.
While kitchen remodelling can be expensive, there are lots of things you can do to bring down the cost without sacrificing style or utility. For one, you could reface your kitchen cabinets rather than replacing them entirely – making it faster and cheaper to get a new look.
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Smart Home Upgrades
Everything seems to be connected to the internet these days, so you might as well make the most out of it.
By investing in a remote-controlled thermostat or even a smart doorbell that allows you to see who’s knocking without moving a muscle, you could bring your home into the 21st century.
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Fencing
Putting up a new garden fence could help you to gain more privacy while also complementing any other landscaping you’ve done.
While good neighbours can quickly become friends, everybody needs their own space – and a quality fence could help you to secure just that.
How to Pay for Home Improvements
As much as we’d all like an unlimited budget to pay for home improvements, many of us are stuck saving up for even the smallest of jobs. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available to help fund your latest tranche of DIY projects – making it possible for anyone to enhance their property.
One option is to take out a quick loan. There are plenty of lenders out there who are willing to extend flexible finance to borrowers, and you could even apply via an online credit broker to make the process more convenient.
There are also government grants available for any environmentally friendly projects you may wish to pursue – for instance purchasing solar panels or buying an air-source heat pump.
Bring Your Home Up to Standard
The majority of people are now looking forward to regaining some of their freedoms and getting outside for more fun with friends – but that doesn’t mean you can’t still take pride in your home.
By starting out with one of the projects listed in this guide, you could bring your home up to standard and get more from your property.
