6 Ideas for Custom Home Renovation for Your Lifetime Home

1. As Needs Change, Design Should Evolve Too

Many homeowners have one or more children, but now that they've grown up and moved out, they feel like they have a lot of unused space. The renovation should aim to utilize and maximize the new possibilities, one way being expanding it. If you previously had two small rooms, you can remove the wall between them and create one large space that is then divided into zones. Installing pocket doors is another way to better separate the space and make it more functional.

Your lifetime home should be both practical and beautiful, so consider your lifestyle needs as well as age. Many people in middle age or retirement need more accessible entrances or larger storage spaces for various tools and equipment, so always include such needs in your renovation design. Needs change even within the house—for example, on the kitchen. Many want a practical, modern and manageable design for their lifetime home that suits an active lifestyle.

2. Open Floor Plans Are Trendy

Open floor plans have been trendy for decades because they are beautiful, offer many decorating opportunities and can be divided into functional zones with smart planning. If you're renovating your small lifetime home, consider knocking down some walls or niches to create an open floor plan. This not only makes the entrance more efficient but also creates a more relaxed and less enclosed feeling, especially with proper lighting.

Custom construction specialists can be hired to learn how to open up the space by removing unnecessary barriers without compromising structural integrity. This type of custom renovation significantly improves accessibility for people with disabilities and offers convenience, allowing easy movement from the living room to the kitchen and so on.

3. Bring the Outside In

The concept of bringing the outside in is present in many designer homes and is a great idea if your home is located in an area with plenty of natural beauty or even in the suburbs. Increase the size of entry windows to open directly into the garden or backyard, or another outdoor relaxation area. This continuous layout is not only stylish and practical but also gives your home a unique character not found in standard homes. Homeowners can choose various window types—from sliding doors to French windows or other finishing options—and the choice of materials allows for a wide range from wood to metal. House painters in Washington, D.C., can be hired to paint windows in different colors depending on the overall home design—for example, art deco-style homes are painted differently than other types.

4. Don't Forget About the Facade

The facade of your lifetime home plays a key role, as it forms the first impression and is the first sign that the house has been renovated. Start with the main facade material—whether brick, stone or simply painted concrete. Conduct professional polishing and repairs, then apply a thick coat of exterior paint if necessary. Fix and repaint windows, and carry out thorough roof cleaning by a professional who not only checks for cracked shingles but also removes dirt or organic materials from the roof.

It's also important to pay attention to the condition and efficiency of drainage systems, so clean all gutters and wash the driveway. Investing in a professional plumbing inspection will be useful and prevent serious problems during extreme weather conditions. Even though you've already hired experienced home renovation specialists, don't forget about the garden or yard and ensure it's properly landscaped. Trees and shrubs should be pruned and shaped, the lawn must be mowed, and creating an aesthetic outdoor relaxation zone increases the home's appeal.

5. Expansion

Lifetime homes may sometimes be outdated or very old, built or purchased during a period of life when your daily needs and financial capabilities were completely different. Now that you're investing in a significant home renovation, work with a designer and architect to plan possible expansions. The possibilities are endless in this regard—even if you don't have free space on acres. Balconies and terraces can be converted into additional rooms or even storage spaces. The backyard space can be used as a barbecue area, reading room, solar terrace, or even a spa room separate from the rest of the house.

Many prefer to build a pool, billiards room or gym depending on their interests. The key is to coordinate expansions with the existing style and structure of the house. The result should be a synergistic and seamless blend, as if new additions have always been part of the house. The rest of the home should also be renovated to match new additions and not appear damaged.

6. Interior Design and Renovation

Interior design is an essential part of the renovation process, so study the type of interior design you like in advance. Suppose you prefer a Scandinavian cozy style or French Renaissance era, or perhaps a rustic country style. In that case, you can create an inspiration board or collect ideas by saving posts and images, then work independently or with an interior designer to bring that style into the new space. Interior design covers everything: from decorative walls such as dog portraits, to carpets, furniture, small decor items and even lighting fixtures. Interior design should also be synergistic with the overall architectural style of the house to appear pre-planned and not chaotic. Additionally, connect the interior concept with practical aspects of daily life and your aspirations for a lifetime home, which usually requires a delicate balance. If you have children or several kids, too many glass tables or decorative items may be inappropriate.