Many people want to improve the quality of their lives. By prioritizing the health of your home, you can make positive changes that benefit you and your family. Whether living healthier is your New Year’s Resolution or simply a goal, here are some tips that can help, courtesy of Alternative Health Tools.
Choosing Improvements
When you’re deciding which projects to take on, you want to consider more than just your needs. By choosing the right improvements, you can increase the value of your home. If you might sell soon, that’s a boon. As a result, you’ll want to research buyer trends before you get started. Additionally, take before and after photos and keep your receipts, allowing you to easily showcase the upgrades' value.
Simple DIY Projects
There are many DIY projects that can help you have the healthy home of your dreams. One great place to start is by decluttering. Clutter can actually lead to stress and increase anxiety levels. By using strategies like the KonMari Method, you can get rid of excess stuff quickly.
Another wonderful place to start is replacing your HVAC air filters. The air filters remove contaminants from your air, but they can only do a good job if they’re changed out regularly.
Adding plants is another simple DIY project for a healthier home. Along with potential air-related benefits, having greenery around can have mental health benefits, including boosting your mood.
Updating your lighting can also work wonders. Make sure that you’re welcoming in as much natural light as possible. Not only can that make your space feel more pleasant, but being able to watch the lighting levels shift outside may help balance your circadian rhythms, leading to higher quality sleep.
Projects for Professionals
Certain projects that can help you prioritize the health of your home are best left to professionals. One prime example is adding UV for your HVAC. With UV, you get extra germ-killing power, making your air healthier. However, it isn’t something you can usually install on your own, so you’ll want to talk to a specialist.
Working with pros is also best if you want to remodel your kitchen to create a functional, beautiful space for creating healthy meals. If you’re ready to get started, hire a competent plumber if you’re repairing or replacing pipes. In most cases, you’ll owe around $45 to $150 per hour, so read reviews and ratings and make sure they're licensed and insured to ensure you’re working with the right professional.
Another great project if you’re working from home is to create separation between your professional and personal lives. Converting a garage or adding an addition could give you enough room for a private home office. Since this can be a major construction project, find a reputable contractor to manage the work.
Funding Your Improvements
When it comes to paying for home improvements, cash savings is usually best. However, if that isn’t an option, going with cash-out refinancing is a solid alternative. With cash-out refinancing, you get a new mortgage that covers your current loan balance and a bit more, allowing you to tap the equity. You’ll get the difference between your existing mortgage and the new one in cash, allowing you to pay for your updates. A personal loan and a HELOC could also work. With a HELOC, you’re also tapping your home’s equity, helping you get a lower rate. With a personal loan, there’s no collateral, which may be better in your eyes.
Another way to generate cash for home improvements is with a side gig. Choose something convenient that you enjoy so it's not a stress to your home life. Protect your personal belongings with an LLC. The process is a bit technical; luckily, there are plenty of resources out there to help you.
If you’re looking to improve your home, that’s also a great way to positively impact both you and your family. So take advantage of these opportunities, roll up your sleeves, and see what you can do to make sure you’re living your best life.
Co-hosts Lisa Thorp, John Biethan, Lisa Victoria, Kim Shea, Dr. Leslie Kasanoff, and Angie Ates share Alternative Health Tools and explore integrative healing philosophies for both individuals and practitioners. Call 573-204-1111.
