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East Oregonian
EASTERN OREGON MARKETPLACE
Tuesday, October, 10, 2017
FAMILY FEATURES
A
home is often a family’s single largest asset, so making
investments with upgrades and home improvements is
almost always a good idea. However, knowing when
and where to make those improvements isn’t necessarily
a simple decision. Budget and space most often dictate
the direction, but keeping function and your lifestyle needs in
mind can help create a space that makes for an all-around smart
investment.
Add technology in unexpected places.
With the surge in smart devices, it’s becoming increasingly
common to add technology throughout the house, and the bathroom
is no exception. From heated floors to mirrors with embedded TV
screens, the options are plentiful. A bathroom outfitted with the
latest technology can bring function and a whole new level of style
and elegance to your home. When choosing your upgrades, set a
budget and then let your imagination soar to create a spa-like retreat
you can experience without ever leaving home. Keep in mind that
not all smart devices integrate seamlessly, so do your research
before buying to ensure a convenient connected setup.
Go green for the earth and savings.
Appliances and climate control systems are often the first features
homeowners consider when it comes to environmentally friendly
upgrades, but windows and window treatments are another way to
make a big impact. In a similar vein, skylights are a surprisingly
affordable upgrade for the functionality and aesthetic benefits they
provide, especially in the bathroom and kitchen where ventilation
is as important as ample lighting. You can give your lighting and
home value a boost with an Energy Star-qualified option such as
Velux solar-powered fresh-air skylights, which open for air flow,
reducing dependence on electrical lights and fans, with the touch of
a programmable remote control.
For expanded control over the amount of light and warmth that
enters or leaves your rooms, solar-powered skylight blinds are
available in more than 100 designer colors and patterns. Like the
skylights, Velux solar-powered blinds are operated with the remote.
The solar products and installation costs are also eligible for a
30-percent federal tax credit. Learn more at whyskylights.com.
Finish the basement.
Adding finished square footage to your home is nearly always a
way to increase its value. For many homes, the basement is the
most practical place to gain that space. Instead of using it as a
collection ground for dust bunnies and storage, converting it into
usable space can bring meaningful value, not only in dollars and
cents, but in overall enjoyment of your home.
A basement is the perfect location for expanded room to live and
entertain, and if you have egress or other windows, adding extra
bedrooms may also be an option. When making plans for finishing
a basement, keep function first. Adding features like bathrooms can
be costly if the plumbing isn’t already in place, but having ready
access to those facilities may pay off if you plan to spend lots of
time downstairs. Also keep climate in mind; in many parts of the
country basements tend to be damp, so be sure to use materials that
can withstand the conditions during the rainy season.
Create outdoor living space for all year long.
If a basement renovation or addition isn’t practical for your location
or budget, you may be able to create additional living space in an area
you already have – outdoors. Even small patio spaces can become cozy
gathering spots with the right furnishings and decor. For a larger yard,
create destinations that make it comfy to congregate, such as a fire pit
or grouping of chairs with overstuffed cushions.
This is another area where climate will play an important role in
your plans; adding a well-constructed enclosure to a patio can make
it usable during all but the coldest months, while a pergola or other
shading can lend necessary relief to an area that bakes in the summer
sun. Aside from the hardscaping, look at other ways to soften your
outdoor space and enhance livability, such as functional shade trees
and flowering vegetation that attract birds and butterflies.
Add curb appeal.
While you’re considering the upgrade options outdoors, don’t forget
to think about your home’s overall exterior appearance. Not only is
it the first impression guests have of your home, it’s your own view
every time you pull into the drive and it’s one that should make
you proud. Reworking the landscaping to highlight architectural
features and freshening up the paint can make a big impact. Adding
decorative elements like shutters or new lighting or doors can also
update a tired exterior.
Choose the
Right Skylight
Skylights can serve
multiple functions,
depending on your home
and needs. Understanding
the different types of
skylights can help you
choose the right fit.
Fresh Air
Solar-powered fresh-air
skylights rely on the sun’s
energy to open and bring
air and natural light into
your home. Some models,
such as those offered by
Velux, feature a rain sensor
that automatically closes
the skylight at the first sign
of precipitation.
Fixed
An economical choice,
these static skylights are
intended to fill a room with
natural light.
Energy Performance
Adding a solar blind to a
skylight can result in more
savings via potential tax
credits, as well as reduced
energy usage. The blind
blocks heat, but when
open allows warm rays
to supplement the home’s
heating system.