Going from starter property to forever home isn’t always a smooth journey and can be fraught with trial and error. However, once you find a space you love, making it your own is a must. From managing associated finances to future-proofing the place, here are some ideas.
Expand Functional Space
When making upgrades to a property, most people look for the ones that offer the biggest emotional ROI. Not many can offer this than more functional space, such as a patio or decking, an extension, or a finished basement. There is so much potential for happy memories with any of these. However, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) separate from the main home can also add plenty of space. JDB Builders is a trusted ADU builder offering the expertise you need.
Get to Grips with the Finances
A home costs a lot of money, as you know. However, people often get into financial trouble after finding their forever home. Even if the mortgage has been paid off, there are still numerous costs, such as the 1% annual maintenance costs often associated with a house. Then there are property taxes, the cost of utilities, and even bad weather insurance! Managing the finances becomes a must, or you could face penalties, potentially higher costs, or even foreclosure.
Starter Property to Forever Home with Personal Touches
So, what makes a house a home? This is pretty subjective, and everyone has different ideas. You can turn any home into a luxury home with certain additions, but there is more to it than that. Most people move home an average of between 5 and 8 times in their lives, and you might get lucky with the first property, or it can take a while to find somewhere you love. But once you do, personal touches like photos, artwork, and a satisfactory decor project make it yours!
Future-Proof and Adapt the Home
Once you find the home you want to stay in forever, or at least a few years, you may need to make some changes. Future-proofing the home is a good start. Perhaps the property is old, and Wi-Fi signals are blocked by thicker walls! In this case, renovation and remodeling will help keep you connected, which is helpful if you work from home. Older properties may also need some space, more light, and updated kitchen and bathroom spaces for an improved quality of life.
Don’t Forget About Maintenance
There’s nothing sadder than what was once a beautiful house falling into disrepair. Home maintenance isn’t easy, and it costs some money. Most experts agree that setting aside 1% of a home’s value should be enough for annual maintenance. However, this doesn’t take into account major repairs such as roof and foundation issues. So, before you buy a house, consider how much it is likely to realistically cost to live there, in terms of maintenance, after moving in!
Creating more functional space to play, relax or work will help you go from starter property to forever home when you address personal and family needs. Of course, the personal touches make the house your own, but this also depends on how well-maintained a property is.
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