Spring Renovations

After the snow finally melts, it’s that season again. Yes, Spring renovation season! And it’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about crafting a home that supports your family’s lifestyle. Here are some ideas that go beyond surface-level changes to focus on how each space can be transformed into a vital component of your daily life. And some of these renovation ideas are not really renovations, but do the job admirably.

Doing a kitchen, which is a major project in terms of planning and shopping, is one of the most exciting projects you can undertake, and there’s a reason for that. More than just a place to cook, the kitchen is the heart of our daily nourishment and creativity. We want that space to reflect that, despite the fact that doing a kitchen involves many hours of work, which involves stripping out the old kitchen and installing a new one, which could mean being without a kitchen for around 2-4 weeks.

To make the job easier, try refacing existing cabinets instead of replacing them. Install peel-and-stick backsplash tiles for an affordable update. Shop for appliances during sales. Streamline your kitchen for efficient meal prep and invest in quality tools and appliances. And for that window ledge, create a small herb garden for fresh flavors.

For the bathroom, transform it into a spa retreat: a space for daily self-care and rejuvenation. Purchase some luxurious towels and bath products. Create a calming atmosphere with soft lighting and natural scents. Also, update fixtures with affordable, water-saving models. Try new shower curtains and bath mats to add color and style without expensive tiling.

When it’s time for new windows for better insulation, homeowners don’t think of this project as a “renovation” since all the banging, wood chips flying, noise, and workmen trampling back and forth takes place outside, which is not such a terrible inconvenience, but the results of new windows is worth every cent.

Another easy renovation is the entryway. To create a new entrance to your home, declutter ruthlessly! Create space for calm as people enter your home. Introduce a stylish console for keys and mail, and a mirror to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. A subtle, inviting scent can create an immediate sense of home. But most people would not consider this a “renovation.”

I think what it comes down to is people feel that in order for a job to classify as a “renovation” it must include breaking. That is, breaking walls, breaking floors, breaking cabinets or fixtures, breaking the budget. If something’s not broken, a person feels they’re not truly renovating even though what they’re doing could be classified as an upgrade.

So, if “breaking” is considered necessary towards whatever renovation project you’re doing, what is the story with fixing sidewalks? Don’t you need to break the cement in order to replace the old broken sidewalk with a new freshly-mixed cement sidewalk?

Why is it that homeowners, who are so eager to renovate kitchens and bathrooms, upgrade their windows, or add a fresh coat of paint, are so hesitant when it comes to replacing the sidewalk, will procrastinate forever. Actually, most people hate the idea of having to replace their old sidewalk, which in the scheme of things, really enhances the house overall and adds a touch of elegance to it.

I have yet to meet a homeowner who says, “I’m having my sidewalks re-done and I’m so excited!” Usually, what I hear is “I have to do my sidewalks; I have no choice!” or “The insurance company is making me re-do my sidewalks!”

What is it about sidewalks that causes homeowners to cringe and make a face when they need to do some renovations or repairs? It’s also part of the entire picture of a house when someone walks up your front walk. Yet, for some reason, homeowners look at fixing their sidewalks pretty much the same way as people who have to make an appointment with the dentist to have a tooth pulled!

Spring is the best season for renewal and growth. Remodeling and renovating during this time offer multiple benefits to the homeowner, including increased property value, functionality, and improved energy efficiency, resulting in enhanced comfort and long-term savings. nAnessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker (Anessa V Cohen Realty) with over 20 years of experience offering residential, commercial and management real estate services. You are invited to visit AVCRealty.com. She can be reached at 516-569-5007 or readers are encouraged to send any questions or comments by email to [email protected]