Posted on Friday May 22, 2020

Renovating while sheltering: A worthwhile investment

Like it or not, many of us are spending more time than usual contemplating the colour of our ceilings. Time to get on that renovation or decorating project you’ve been dreaming about! Here are a few renos you can handle like a pro, even if you’re anything but.

Energy retrofits: Small adjustments, big savings

Life is unfair: all renos are not created equal. Your roof and windows will always come before that hot tub on the patio, but when it comes to energy efficiency, small and inexpensive tweaks can make all the difference.

Window maintenance: Insulate, maintain and protect

After a few years, your insulation will start to deteriorate, losing efficiency and letting in those nasty drafts that carry the glacial cold of our New Brunswick winters inside. Luckily you can keep most of that cold air from getting in by caulking your windows and doors with a sealant.

First, check to make sure your outside window joints are sealed and caulk them if need be. The caulking should be the same colour as the window frame, of course. If you have wood windows, repainting or varnishing them will keep them in good shape for years to come. It takes a bit of time but is well worth the investment long term. Although it’s technically possible to paint PVC and aluminum windows, it isn’t generally recommended, since it’s hard to get a uniform, long lasting result.

Price: 💰
Level of difficulty: 🔨
Time required: 🕒

Transforming a room with wallpaper

The devil is in the details, they say, and it’s true that finishing touches have the most visual impact on your space. The good news is that pretty much anyone can hang wallpaper and paint. Not that handy? Not to worry. Just take it slow and you’ll be fine.

Creating an optical illusion

Think wallpaper is stuck in the ’70s? These days there are hundreds of fresh, inspired patterns, including wallpapers you can use to create a futuristic 3D effect.

Chic textures

If the sober nobility of stone or brick speaks to you but masonry just isn’t your thing, consider installing faux siding in the living room. It’s a great way to transform your space for a relatively modest sum.

Price: 💰 (or 💰💰 for faux brick or stone)
Level of difficulty: 🔨
Time required: 🕒🕒

Paint your cupboards, get a whole new kitchen

So your kitchen cupboards are still in good shape, but the mahogany red, aging-cigar-lounge look is starting to wear you down. What to do? You could go for a major reno with an interior designer, but it will likely cost more than a small car. Breathing new life into old furniture, on the other hand, is good for the environment and your wallet, and will transform your kitchen just as readily as any other space.

If the cabinets and doors are in good shape, just paint them! The experts at Les peintures de Armond Inc., a Canadian paint store, have written up a step-by-step guide to kitchen makeovers . It does require some skill, but mostly it just takes time. And time is something you have right now!

If your kitchen table suddenly looks old in comparison to your shiny new(ly painted) cupboards, you can give it some love using the same approach.

Price: 💰
Level of difficulty: 🔨🔨
Time required: 🕒🕒🕒

Sanding and varnishing floors: Time-consuming, but totally worth it

It’s hard to be a floor. The surfaces that get the most wear are also the ones most often neglected. Sanding your hardwood floors does take quite a bit of time, but it’s not very costly and will make your home look so much newer! You can rent the necessary equipment at a reasonable price in most places in New Brunswick.

If your bathroom or kitchen tiles look like they were installed in the '50s, know that it’s possible, with a bit of time and care, to paint them.

Price: 💰💰
Level of difficulty: 🔨🔨
Time required: 🕒🕒🕒

Turning  old objects into showpieces

Have an old bike that’s been gathering dust in the garage? With some paint and a few tools, you can turn it into the focal point of your living room. This can be done with any object you find patiently waiting in the wings for its moment in the sun. The idea is to use your imagination to create something unique that reflects your interests and creativity.

Price: 💰
Level of difficulty: 🔨
Time required: 🕒🕒

Using your free time to breathe new life into your home opens up a whole range of possibilities. By pricing out the project before you start, you’ll be able to use those hours wisely to increase the value of your home. It’s also a great way to spend time on a shared project with other members of your family. Time to get out your tools and paintbrushes!