With the new year comes a set of new projects, goals and ideas. Many people plan to make some positive changes in their lives in 2024, and one way to do that is with a home improvement project! In this blog, we will dive into a few popular, beneficial and surprisingly doable home improvement projects. Read on to find some inspiration and take your home to the next level this year!
- Upgrading Windows: Vinyl Windows for Energy Efficiency and Style
- Creative Backyard Deck Ideas on a Budget
- Freshen Things Up With Modern Interior Doors
- Revamping Exteriors with Vinyl Siding
- Start Your 2024 Home Improvement Project at Astro UP in Rock, Michigan!
I. Upgrading Windows: Vinyl Windows for Energy Efficiency and Style
It’s hard to overstate the importance of windows when it comes to the overall appearance, comfort and safety of your home. Nothing can make your house uncomfortable quite as quickly as a draft, and if rain or snow is getting through the cracks of your windows it can lead to serious damage. Windows are of course vital for home security as well–don’t let old or broken ones put you at risk of a break-in. And of course, windows are a key feature of your home’s aesthetic. The right windows can add major curb appeal and improve the value of your property.
So if you’re looking for a home improvement project this year, why not start with your windows? Do a thorough inspection of your current window situation. Look for any leaky, broken or otherwise unsuitable windows. Consider how your current windows look in comparison to the rest of your home. Have you made any recent style changes, such as fresh roofing, paint or siding, that could be complemented by new windows?
Even if your windows check off those basic boxes, you may want to consider new vinyl windows. Upgrading to vinyl windows is a smart move for the cost-conscious homeowner. They’re also great if you strive to keep your home as eco-friendly as possible. That’s because vinyl windows, like those from Alliance Windows, are designed to minimize air leakage and prevent heat loss. By keeping cold weather at bay, they’ll help save you money and energy. There’s no need to crank up the heater when your windows can do the job for you!
II. Creative Backyard Deck Ideas on a Budget
Planning to spend more time outdoors this year? Getting more time in the sun is a great New Year’s Resolution. Whether you’re looking for a place to grill out, host backyard dinner parties, or simply stretch out for a summer tan, a new deck might be just what you need. Or, if you already have a deck, consider upgrading it with some new decking or railings!
When building or upgrading your deck, it’s vital to choose a quality decking material. Here at Astro UP, with our many years of building experience, we recommend composite decking. Composite decking has a number of advantages over traditional wood decking, and it will save you money in the long run.
First and foremost, composite decking has superior weather resistance. While wood decking can fade with UV exposure, mold in wet weather, or contract in cold climates, composite decking is much hardier. They don’t require the sealing, varnishing and maintenance that wood decking needs to remain sturdy and weather-ready. Plus, they’re far more pest resistant, so you can enjoy those backyard barbecues without worrying about bothersome bees trying to burrow into your decking.
In short, building a new deck, or upgrading your decking, is the perfect home improvement project for the warmer months of 2024. The experts at your local building supply store can help you work within your budget to create something amazing. Invest in quality composite decking, such as the products from Timbertech decking, and you’ll be on your way to a perfect deck in no time.
III. Freshen Things Up With Modern Interior Doors
You probably think quite a bit about your exterior doors. After all, there’s nothing more important to home security than a strong door. But if you’re considering a home improvement project this year, don’t overlook your interior doors!
The doors to your rooms have just as much of an impact on your house’s appearance. In fact, you probably look at them more on a day-to-day basis than you look at your exterior doors! If you have made recent improvements or changes to the inside of your house, you can enhance them with new doors. Whether it’s a new paint job, new floors, or some new furniture, it can be complemented beautifully by the right door. Interior doors are simply a vital component for creating a cohesive interior design look.
Even if you don’t currently have any new door styles in mind, it’s always worth heading to your local building supply store to check out available options. Who knows–you may fall in love with something new! When you do invest in an interior door, be sure to choose one that is sturdy and made with fine craftsmanship. The experts at your local building supply store can guide you to the finest interior doors for your home improvement project.
IV. Revamping Exteriors with Vinyl Siding
One of the most visible overhauls you can make to your home is a siding replacement. There’s more than one way to shake up your home’s aesthetic by applying new siding. You can, of course, opt for a new siding color. You can also change the layout of your siding. Three popular siding styles include horizontal vinyl siding, vertical vinyl siding and board-and-batten vinyl siding. Horizontal and vertical siding are pretty self explanatory. Meanwhile, board-and-batten siding features wide planks (boards) laid side-by-side with thin vertical strips (battens) to create a chic, yet rustic, look.
Horizontal siding looks especially nice on wide, low homes like ranch homes. It’s also well suited to larger homes in the Colonial or Victorian styles. Vertical siding has the distinct advantage of making smaller homes look taller. Board-and-batten siding is a currently trendy look that nevertheless offers timeless aesthetic appeal.
When replacing your siding, we recommend investing in vinyl siding. Vinyl siding, such as the quality siding made by CertainTeed, has many benefits that will improve not only the look of your home, but its functionality as well. Another great vinyl siding brand is Mastic. Mastic siding is low maintenance, high durability siding, which comes in a wide variety of designs to suit your home. Vinyl siding offers better weather resistance and better pest resistance. So, avoid pesky infestations and help your house withstand the elements by opting for vinyl siding this year.
V. Start Your 2024 Home Improvement Project at Astro UP in Rock, Michigan!
If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to improve your home, we hope these projects gave you some inspiration! Upgrading your home in terms of safety, appearance and livability is a noble goal. As your local building supplier, the team here at Astro UP would love to help you accomplish your home improvement projects this year. Come pay us a visit in Rock, Michigan to get started.
