Home renovation can be a time-consuming process. It will take time to study all the possibilities and perform each task correctly. Roofing Contractor, Painter, Plumber or Electrician, you’ll either need them or perhaps you can do it yourself. If you are tired of your home’s appearance or want to upgrade its energy efficiency, here is a guide that will help you renovate your house correctly.
1) Exterior walls
The exterior walls have to be renovated when they are in bad shape, have cracks or leaks that damage the interior fabric of the house, or when you want to increase insulation. You should replace old windows with insulated double glazed units, improve insulation (increase thermal resistance), add rigid foam boards over existing insulation, and add sidings such as masonite or fiber cement panels such as Trex Transcendent Boards. These panels are water-resistant and require little maintenance.
2) Roof
A roof is a critical part of your house. It protects you from rain, snow, and sunlight, so it’s essential to choose a suitable material depending on your needs. You can install an asphalt shingle roof or a metal roof. Still, you can also consider using a green roof that will help insulate your home while providing natural thermal mass that absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night, thus reducing temperatures inside your house by up to 50%. However, if you prefer a green lawn on the top of your home, make sure it does not contain any plants that emit pollen or toxic fumes such as catnip.
3 Flooring
The materials used to build a house’s flooring have changed over time, but the goal of keeping you warm and comfortable is still the same. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose from several types of flooring, including carpet, vinyl plank, or ceramic tile. However, if you want to reduce heating costs in winter and air conditioning costs in summer, replace your existing floor with a radiant barrier system, which will stop hot or cold air from seeping into the living space.
4) Interior walls
Interior walls need renovation when they are outdated (light switch coverings), damaged (holes due to nails), or too thin (single layer drywall). This is because old materials and paints are off-gas and could cause health issues such as nausea and respiratory problems, while new products are extremely low emitting. However, don’t forget to remove the old paint before applying the new one! You can improve insulation by using rigid foam boards such as those above for exterior walls; however, you can also consider installing drywall to improve indoor air quality.
5) Windows
New windows are an effective way to increase energy efficiency in your home while changing its overall appearance. When replacing older single-pane windows with modern high-efficiency models, you will reduce heat transfer, which means heating or cooling systems will not have to work as hard. You also gain more control over the ventilation of your house since new windows are often large, allowing for natural airflow throughout your home even when it’s raining outside. Existing window installation is also costly and usually requires a replacement of the entire wall structure.
Worth it
Depending on how many walls you plan to reface, a renovation project will probably take several weeks or months, but the results are worth it. Your roofing, flooring, and windows will be more comfortable as well as energy-efficient. Just remember that home renovation projects come with a steep learning curve, so be sure to consult experts for advice before embarking on your own. And don’t forget to plan, budget carefully, and consider hiring a professional if needed!