Even a small-scale project may cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you want to renovate on a wider scale, you may pay much more. Since making upgrades is likely to be costly, it’s important to think not only about your family’s current needs, but also about how your requirements and preferences may change in the future.
Consider Your Children’s Needs
If you have or plan to have kids, you want your home to be safe for them. That means they should be able to get around easily and you should be able to keep an eye on them. For a family with young kids, an open floorplan often works well since children have plenty of room to play and parents can see them, even if they’re in a different area.
As your kids get older, they may want more privacy. If you have two young children who currently share a bedroom, you may want to remodel your home or build an addition so they can have their own bedrooms.
Sharing a bathroom may work fine when your kids are young, but it may become a source of conflict when they’re teenagers. You may want to add another full or half bathroom to prevent tension when your kids have to get to go out at the same time.
Think About Your Needs and Preferences
If you have one or more young children, you may like having your bedroom near theirs so you can tend to them, if needed, during the night. When your kids get older and more independent, you may decide that you would like more privacy. You may want to create a master suite, either by remodeling or by building an addition.
If you work from home and your “office” is currently in a high-traffic area, such as the kitchen or living room, you probably find it difficult to concentrate. Creating a separate office space may help you be more productive.
Prepare for the Needs of Older Family Members
As you get older, you may find it harder to get around the house and climb the stairs. You may decide to have an elderly parent move in with you, rather than have him or her move into a nursing home or assisted living facility. Widening doorways can make it easier to navigate with a walker or wheelchair. Installing a stairlift can keep the second floor accessible to a person with limited mobility. Putting grab bars and a shower seat in the bathroom can prevent accidents.
Make an Investment That Will Serve Your Family Well in the Years to Come
If you plan to stay in your house for the next several years, or longer, think about all the ways your family’s lives may change. A home renovation project is an opportunity to create a home that will work for you both now and in the future. If you eventually sell your house, those upgrades may also appeal to potential buyers.
