Looking for ways to improve your home? Included below are five unexpected New Year’s resolutions to consider for your home. Typically not found on lists, these suggestions are for those looking for new ideas and take an unconventional route to making their home an even better place to live in 2016. Whether you live in a townhome, terrace flat, or condo in Ottawa, you can adapt these tips to suit your home.
Treat All Water
Does your home have hard water? Mineral rich, hard water can mess with your hair, taste foul, and weather pots, pans, and showerheads far faster. Consider treating your water. If you want full treatment, then you can install a filter that connects to the primary water intake for the home. Far cheaper is buying filters for showerheads and faucets. Improve your quality of life by improving the condition of your water.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are expensive. That being said, there are a number of rebates and deals available for you through the federal and provincial governments to help subsidize the cost. Solar panels have tremendous environmental and financial benefits, and you can expect to make back the cost within about ten years and watch the savings continue to grow with each passing day. If solar panels are unrealistic right now, even small changes like solar-powered lights, fans, and small appliances can be a step in the right direction.
Compost Pile
Compost piles are a great way to discard food scraps without creating excess waste. Even though we now have “green bin” recycling in Ottawa, a backyard compost pile is still a great idea for the avid gardener. Versatile, good for the environment, and an excellent source of soil, compost piles can create nutrient rich dirt for landscaping or gardening. With a little bit of research, you can create a compost pile that works for your needs.
Carpet Removal
If your home originally had carpet or laminate flooring, consider upgrading to hardwood flooring! Consider removing the carpet, restoring the wood, and putting in a rug. While it is an expensive New Year’s resolution option, it can dramatically improve how a room looks and lead you to enjoy it far more then you are currently. If you do decide to sell your townhome in the future, this change will have a positive effect on the resale value of your home.
Cooking Challenge
If you’re the kind of homeowner who brings home a pizza every night or even a delicious pre-made meal from Farm Boy, we understand. But if it means your beautiful stainless steel appliances, granite countertop, and tasteful Cherrywood cabinets are only there for direction, it’s a bit of a waste. In 2016, challenge yourself to cook at home and make use of the beautiful kitchen in your Theberge townhome.
If you don’t yet live in the home of your dreams, how’s that for a New Year’s Resolution? Whether you want to live in a condo, Huntclub Towns or Alta Vista Ridge townhome, or even a stunning custom home developed by the talented team at Theberge Homes, you could have your life transformed by the time the clock ticks into 2017. What are you waiting for?