Make Your Old Home Feel Brand New

At John Owens Services, we have more than 30 years of experience specializing in Eichler homes. These homes were built back in the 1950s, so we understand that they require a lot of work to be functional, comfortable, and energy-efficient. We’ve also come to respect the character that comes with an older home, which is why we do everything we can to preserve it when we work on one. Today, we’re offering six tips to spruce up an older home and address any issues while bringing out the best of its rich past.

Give your walls a new paint job

Don’t feel like you need to be committed to that peach wall that came with the house when you first moved in. One of the easiest and cheapest ways to spruce up your home is by painting the walls. After years of wear and tear, it’s time to cover up those scuffs with a new color. Even if you want to keep it the same shade, a touch-up is still a good idea to hide any imperfections. You might also want to consider a printed accent wall that you can accomplish with wallpaper.

Rearrange the furniture

Sometimes all you need to do is rearrange furniture to make a room feel dramatically different. Before going out and purchasing an expensive piece, “shop” the rest of your house first. Perhaps there’s something in another room that would fit better somewhere else. Maybe you’re experiencing the opposite situation, and your home overflows with sofas, chairs, tables, and other accessories. In this case, hold a yard sale or donate the extra furniture to someone in need.

Give the entrance a makeover

First impressions matter, so why don’t you make it last?

• Add some gloss to your front door to add vibrancy and touch up any peeling paint that has weathered away.
• Upgrade the technology and install outdoor lights with timers and a video doorbell.
• Wipe away any watermarks or stains on your windows.
• Get new landscaping in front of your home and add new plants and flowers. If you don’t have a green thumb, there are many low-maintenance options to consider!
• Finalize the touches with a new welcoming doormat!

Light up your home

An affordable way to give your home an instant upgrade is with new light fixtures. Replace outdated chandeliers with recessed lights to clear up space and get a sleek modern look. If you’re comfortable with the fixtures in place, consider switching to LED bulbs. These bulbs are 90% more efficient than incandescent lights and last 50 times longer.

Clean up the floors

Picture all the beating your floors receive daily, not to mention all the germs brought in from your shoes and pets. Safe to say, these are dirty areas that are in dire need of a deep clean. For the maximum results, we recommend getting them professionally serviced. If you’re looking for your next DIY project, then follow these steps:

• Clean up any debris, dust, or dirt with a broom or vacuum.
• If you have hardwood floors, then mop it with a cleaner to remove any lingering grime then dry the area with a towel.
• Get wood polish and pour it on the floor and disperse it with a flat-surface mop.

Now your floors should look fresh and clean! You can also purchase rugs to give the space a new feel.

Schedule maintenance

Your plumbing, heating, and air conditioning are critical systems that make your home habitable. A mishap from any one of these could cost you and fatally damage the structure of your home. That’s why we recommend regular maintenance and inspections to make sure everything is working at peak performance.

At John Owens, there’s no need to vet several different contractors for your home projects. Call us, and we can handle all your plumbing, boiler, HVAC, electrical, and general construction needs. If you have any questions about the services we offer, contact us online or give us a call.