As we enter another new year, planning and preparation are underway for home improvement. Every year, American homeowners target a few specific areas of their home that need a touchup.
This year will be no different. According to Statista, the total home improvement sales projected in the US for 2025 are $569 billion. A lot of homeowners think this only has to do with a kitchen or bathroom remodeling.
In the process, other areas (some of them not so glamorous) go neglected. In this article, we will discuss four high-impact areas of home improvement that you should consider taking up in 2025.
Repainting the Interior Walls
How long has it been since your home’s interior walls enjoyed a fresh coat of paint? The general rule of thumb is to have the walls repainted every three to five years.
This is a project that you can undertake by yourself. However, if in doubt, it’s best to take expert help. Choosing the right interior paint color(s) can seem like a daunting task in itself.
Let’s look at a few tips that may help you select the right color for each space –
- Try to color coordinate based on the existing furniture inside the space.
- Consider conducting some independent research on the most trending interior paint colors. For instance, HGTV shares the top trending colors for 2024, which include peach fuzz, mountain sage, and billiard green.
- Before investing in paint cans, consider buying testers in a few different shades. Paint a large area on the wall with these shades. You will get a good idea of which color(s) will work best for that space.
- Also, be careful of the sheen application. The sheen in paints tends to accent any flaws. If you wish to mask them, it’s best to choose as little sheen as possible.
- While it’s good to experiment with different colors, ensure there’s a consistent color theme. You can follow the three-paint color rule, where you limit your palette to just three colors.
Roof Repair
This may not seem to be a glamorous aspect of home improvement, but it is crucial from the perspective of safety. Moreover, there is a way to make this project appealing, and we will get to that in a bit.
Ideally, roofs should last anywhere between 15 and 25 years, depending on the maintenance. However, factors out of our control often play a major role in overturning our plans for roof replacement.
Let’s use a fitting example to understand this. Certain US cities like Los Angeles are heavily polluted. In 2024, this city received a 25th-straight ‘F’ in terms of air quality. The particulate matter circulating in the air is bad news for residential roofs.
They can lead to issues like degradation of materials, compromised structural integrity, and discoloration. Such problems call for the expert services of professional roofers in LA. It may have been just a few years since the new roof was installed.
However, external factors like local pollution and the damage they can cause are often unpredictable. You don’t have to dive head-first into roof repair. Look for some common signs first.
According to LA Roof Masters, the following are giveaways that your roof needs immediate repair –
- Damaged or missing shingles
- Water leaks or stains
- Granule loss in the gutters
- Sagging roof sections
- Light easily passing through the attic
- Unusual spikes in energy costs
If you notice multiple of these, don’t let it slide. Neglected roof repairs now can lead to water damage and precarious structural integrity in the future. The costs then will be even higher than they are now.
As for the aesthetics, you can always add interesting architectural elements like dormers, gables, or skylights. Something as simple as changing the shingles’ color will work wonders in creating visual interest.
Upgrading Lighting Fixtures
Since you’ve embarked on a journey towards home improvement, how about checking whether the existing light values are up to your liking?
Not all homes receive adequate natural light due to their location. One example would be properties that are surrounded by large trees. Usually, those with a north-facing orientation do not get the sunlight they need.
While that is true, it is equally so that the human body needs adequate light for optimal task performance. Our circadian rhythm is designed to respond to light and darkness. If your home is not well-lit, it can not only impact productivity but also mood.
See if all the lighting fixtures are functioning well. If not, this is your golden opportunity to replace them. Keep in mind that certain lights are designed to create a dimly lit ambiance. Then, some contribute to a brighter space.
For instance, LED tube lights are the best choice from the viewpoint of bright, reliable lighting. You can have them installed using a simple plug-and-play installation. Other tips to upgrade lighting fixtures smartly include –
- Place a couple of mirrors strategically, say, facing a window or reflecting a lighting fixture.
- Capitalize on natural light as much as possible. This can be done by using sheer curtains, using light-colored paints on walls, and removing obstructions from windowsills.
- Create a lighting focal point in larger spaces. An example would be a chandelier for the living room.
Caulking and Weatherstripping
Another high-impact home improvement project that you will not regret this year is caulking and weatherstripping. The former involves the use of a flexible material to seal any gaps in window frames.
The latter is all about using a material to seal the moveable parts of doors and windows to prevent air leakage. This home improvement project is essential from the viewpoint of energy efficiency.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) assigns energy scores to determine how energy-efficient homes are. As of 2024, buildings and apartments in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Sacramento had the highest energy-efficiency ratings.
Energy-efficient homes not only benefit the environment but also lower energy bills and provide greater thermal comfort. One way to bring this about is through effective caulking and weatherstripping.
It’s an affordable project that will keep your home sufficiently sealed for the rest of the year. Other ways to improve your home’s energy-efficiency quotient include –
- Using appliances with high-star energy ratings
- Employing smart thermostats
- Switching to LED lighting
- Having solar panels installed
So, based on the list we just discussed, which home improvement project are you planning to take up in 2025? If you’re still straddling the fence, ponder over the compelling reasons to undertake home improvement projects.
These include better property resale value, cost savings, and enhanced living comfort. It’s time to plan your home improvement projects based on your budget and time availability.
