7 Ways to Bring Your Home into the 21st Century
Feel like your home is outdated? Are you asking yourself, “how can I make my home more modern?” We’ve all been there! Keeping your home up-to-date is a constant battle if you want a home that feels refreshed and retains its value.
In this month’s post, we’ll outline some of the best ways to bring your home into the 21st century.
Structural improvements
While many people think of high-tech gadgets and appliances when considering updates, the best way to increase value and modernize a home is to get back to the basics.
While improving your home through flashier means is nice (we’ll get to that), really the most important part of modernizing your home is making sure things are structurally stable. As time goes on, materials get better and more durable, old materials lose their strength, and the structure of your home is gradually weakened.
This is bad news. Building and “modernizing” your home will all be for naught if your home can’t withstand the daily grind of weather in the Pacific Northwest.
When modernizing your home, consider improving and ensuring the strength of your structure with the following improvements.
Your roof
When your roof is not in good condition, everything else suffers. This is because Water damage can be irreparable.
Holes created by leaking water can be made worse by small critters digging their way in. This makes the problem even worse than it was before and creates a whole new series of issues. Don’t let this happen!
When you invest in a new roof, you’re investing in the longevity of your entire home.
Most homes will need a new roof every 20-25 years. If your home was built within that time or you’ve owned a home that long and never had your roof replaced, it might be time to invest.
Roof issues can happen before then, too. Have you noticed any of the following problems with your roof or home?
- Daylight coming through your roof
- Unexplained wet spots in your home
- Missing shingles
- Shingles in your gutter
- Curled and buckling shingles
- Shiny shingles (exposed fiberglass)
- Excessive moss
Your siding
On a related note, siding does for the side of your home what your roof does for the top. Damaged or ineffective siding will let water or critters into your home.
For instance, water leaks will lead to mold in your walls. Holes could lead to rodents infiltrating your space and causing a straight up infestation. Old siding will lead to chipping paint, creating an ugly home.
Faulty siding, which you’ll notice through cracked, loose, or visibly rotting siding, should be replaced immediately.
Modern siding is advanced and high tech. Our favorite siding material is James Hardie siding, which lasts longer and is more aesthetically pleasing than any other siding we’ve used.
Your windows
Residential windows have come a long way in recent years. No modern home is complete without the features they bring.
Older windows feature a single pane that has trouble keeping cool air out and warm air in. Modern double pane windows insulate your home while still letting in natural light. The result is a more efficiently climate-controlled home.
Since your HVAC system won’t be working quite as hard, you’ll be using less energy, saving money, and being kinder to the environment. It will also lead to a more comfortable, less drafty home.
Updating your home
Not everything has to be about safety. While we recommend modernizing the foundational pieces of your home first, you can then move onto updating other aspects more in line with your 21st century lifestyle.
Outdoor space improvements
What’s better than having outdoor living space to call your very own? Here in the Pacific Northwest, when it’s nice, it’s NICE. With advancements in outdoor living appliances and products, it’s never been easier (or more comfortable) to spend time outside.
Don’t already have a deck or patio? Building a deck is a great option for your home, adding value, beauty, and outdoor square feet to your home and creating a canvas to build the rest of your outdoor living space.
Whether you want to build a deck or already have a space to build on top of, some of our favorite outdoor space features include:
- Outdoor kitchen: Spend time with your family and makes it easy for you to host BBQs or other events.
- Fire pits: Add a fun element to your home’s outdoor space. S’mores anyone?
- Outdoor stereo: Bluetooth and waterproof speakers are great for entertaining.
Smart home integrations
Did you know you can control appliances and basic home features with the sound of your voice? That’s right! The future is now.
A number of smart home assistants are now available to help you more easily and efficiently manage your home. These smart home assistants include:
Some of our favorite features that can be controlled with smart home assistants include:
- Thermostats
- Security cameras
- Lighting
- Blinds, shades, and curtains
- Kitchen appliances
Security systems
There is simply no reason to not install a security system in your home. These systems not only keep you and your family safe, but provide you with peace of mind when away from the home.
There are even systems designed to alert the police when motion is detected in your home while everyone is asleep. Wow!
Security systems also:
- Lower homeowner’s insurance premium
- Provide protection from loss of valuables
- Deter criminals
- Notify in the event of fires and gas leaks
Improve the look of your home
A truly timeless way to bring your home into the modern age is through improving its curb appeal.
A fresh coat of exterior paint helps protect your siding against rain and sunlight. It will make your home look brand new and also allows you to customize the look of your home by choosing a paint color you connect with more.
Are you ready to bring your home to the 21st century
At Cutting Edge Contracting, we’re experts at refreshing homes and bringing them into the 21st century.
Contact us today to learn about how Cutting Edge Contracting can help you improve your home and protect it for decades to come!
Sean Kelly is the COO & President of Cutting Edge Contracting. His background in business, accounting, and the construction industry helped him become the award-winning manager of a nationally-known paint company before joining Cutting Edge.
