Best improvement projects to prepare your home for the holidays

If there are changes you want made to your home in time for the holidays, now is a good time to start the process. It may seem a little early for holiday preparation. However, because the fall and winter seasons are especially busy times for home remodeling companies, it’s never a bad idea to begin the consultation and planning process as soon as possible.

The holidays can be stressful as is – let alone when you are planning to have guests over and host parties. Nothing is worse than having people over to your home when you are less than proud of it. Whether it is the kitchen, bathroom or entire home, making even minor upgrades and improvements is always a good idea. Not only can it improve the aesthetic appeal and function, but it can also increase the value of your property.

Below are some of the best home improvement projects you can invest in when preparing for the holidays.

Kitchen renovation
For holiday parties, most people tend to congregate in the kitchen. This is where you will spend ample time preparing food for your guests and where people tend to migrate to talk. It’s important to design the space to be visually appealing, comfortable and spacious.

“If you’re the house that has the family over for the holidays, then you want to keep an open concept so both hosts and guests can interact with each other,” explained Alure Designer Ken Gold.

Installing an island is a great kitchen remodeling project because not only does it offer your guests a place to gather around, but it also provides an added surface for you to put food and dishes on.

Another valuable renovation would be to replace the countertops or cabinetry. This can make the space look like an entirely different room. Choosing bright color schemes and shiny, reflective surfaces can make the space appear bigger than it actually is.

Bathroom remodel
If you are deciding between home improvement projects to prepare for the holiday season, you should consider bathroom upgrades. Nothing can hurt the appeal of a home quite like an outdated bathroom. This is one of the easiest yet most impactful areas of the home to improve because, aside from the kitchen, it is a room you can guarantee guests will frequent. Having the shower retiled, replacing the light and sink fixtures, or upgrading the countertops are all projects that can be completed in a reasonable timeframe.

However, you should still give yourself as much time as possible to begin this process.

“For the kitchen or the bathroom, most semi-custom cabinetry and custom countertops take up to eight weeks to order,” added Gold. “So the preplanning process is an important part of a remodel.”

Appliance upgrades
If you are already satisfied with the design of your kitchen or bathroom, but still think it could use some sprucing up, consider upgrading your appliances. Investing in energy efficient equipment for your kitchen will not only make cooking easier, but it can even help you save on monthly utility bills. Think of it as a holiday present to yourself – the kind of gift that keeps on giving!

Siding replacement
Another way to prepare your home for the holidays is to replace the siding. The exterior is one of the first things people notice about your home. If the siding is cracking or deteriorating, it can make your house look tired, worn or outdated. However, another reason to consider upgrading your home’s siding before the holidays is to enhance its functionality. Siding can play an important role in the efficiency of your home when using material that incorporates a good quality insulation. There are many great choices that your siding professional can demonstrate that will help make your home more comfortable as well as more beautiful. Additionally, you can decrease some of your energy costs; a nice ancillary benefit!

Bathroom upgrades are some of the quickest yet most effective home remodeling services.

As we have already mentioned, it is critical that you start the planning process as soon as possible. Doing so will ensure that you are able to leave wiggle room for unexpected delays, such as late deliveries on parts and materials. Living in New York, you already know that extreme weather conditions can impede business operations and deter plans. By padding in some room for unanticipated disruptions, you won’t have to panic that the home won’t be done in time to have your guests over.

Also, it is highly recommended that before beginning a home improvement project, you consult with an expert.

“The holidays can be a stressful time in their own right,” said Gold. “So be sure to choose a designer and contractor that can help you every step of the way and take the stress of remodeling off of you. Qualified remodelers and certified designers are here to help.”

Beginning as soon as possible ensures you will be able to work with a credible, skilled and experienced company. It also reduces the chances of you having to rush through the project last minute, which can often lead to unnecessary costs. By tackling the home improvement project now, you will get it out of the way and make your life that much easier come the holiday season. Plus, you’ll find comfort in knowing you have carved out enough time to ensure every detail of the project will be up to your standards, and you won’t have to cut corners or glaze over the details.