The start of a new year symbolizes a time of change and improvement for lots of people. Many make resolutions or plans at the beginning of the year to enhance their lives like spending more time with family, eating healthier, exercising more or making better money decisions. While great places to start, sometimes, the first and best change is closer to home than you think.

Believe it or not, when trying to make life improvements, where you live plays a big role. Your house is where you spend a great deal of your time. It is where you eat, sleep, bathe and much more. When the home isn’t taken care of or has lost its function, efficiency, appeal and value, it can make everything from spending time with family to getting a good night’s sleep difficult. Improving your home, therefore, enhances your overall quality of life.

Install New Windows and Doors

How old are the windows and doors in your home? If they’ve been there for some time, investing in new ones is worthwhile. As windows and doors get older they become less secure and efficient. This increases your energy bill, reduces the comfort level in your home, and poses safety and security risks. Shop for energy-efficient windows and security doors to give your home a new look, better comfort, and increased safety.

Renovate Your Backyard

The temperatures are cold and the snow may be falling now, but it won’t be long before the sun is shining and the outdoors are calling. Start planning backyard renovations now so you can enjoy an awesome spring and summer. Begin with safety first. You’ll need to have all debris cleaned and removed from the yard. You should also have trees pruned or chopped down if they’re badly damaged. Then you can consider fun ideas like a pool, deck, swing or whatever else you’d like to enjoy. If you’re designing an outdoor kitchen, you can look at reputable sites online for design tips and ideas to create the perfect outdoor oasis. This makes spending quality time with your family a lot easier – and pretty cool.

Roofing and Siding

The exterior of your home is constantly taking a beating from the extremes of the weather. The weight and water damage from rain and snow coupled with the paint and structural damage from the sun can really eat away at your roof and siding. If you step outside and the house looks rundown, a makeover is a solution. Have a new roof installed or repaired and siding installed. This not only counts for curb appeal but provides more insulation, stops roof leakage, reduces your energy bill and increases your property value.

Painting

Here’s a home improvement project that’s affordable and simple in nature, but it has a huge impact on appeal and your mood. Painting your home’s interior is a great way to make it look brand new from the inside out. You can brighten up the space with lighter colors or go with earth tones or grays to modernize the home. As you choose your paint colors, consider the vibe of the room or the mood you’d like to feel as the right color choice can do wonders for your psyche.

New Decor

Another simple, yet affordable home improvement idea would be to invest in new decor. With newly painted walls, a few additional items can really transform each room. For comfortable sleep, you might buy something like a room in a bag which is a full comforter set. If you have bare walls, new paintings or pictures would fill them in nicely. Other decor items like new curtains, linens, sculptures, throw pillows, area rugs, and more can bring style, comfort, and personality to your house.

The New Year is just around the corner and changes are bound to happen. As you work on personal goals in your life, don’t forget to start at home. A home that is appealing, entertaining, efficient, and comfortable is certainly a great way to enhance your life.