{"id":27808,"date":"2018-02-06T16:30:24","date_gmt":"2018-02-06T16:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/?p=27808"},"modified":"2021-04-27T13:27:47","modified_gmt":"2021-04-27T12:27:47","slug":"five-small-home-improvement-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/five-small-home-improvement-ideas","title":{"rendered":"Five small home improvement ideas"},"content":{"rendered":"

Extensions and conversions are popular home improvement projects but not the only ones to put on your wish list. Whether you\u2019re on a budget, have limited space or don\u2019t fancy the dust and disruption from a large renovation, there\u2019s several smaller projects that deliver big results. Even if you live in a flat, you can try some of these easy, stylish ways to overhaul your home.<\/p>\n

Shake up your staircase<\/h3>\n

We often focus on rooms when we\u2019re planning a revamp but renovating the bits between them, such as hallways and landing areas, can make just as much of an impact. Replacing a staircase completely is a large project but if the existing stairs are structurally sound, there\u2019s no reason why you can\u2019t swap balustrades for glass sides and a sleek handrail for a banister, or add a feature tread at the bottom. Cladding with laminate, vinyl or timber stairparts is another option, which is perfect for creating a more uniform look. It\u2019s something I\u2019ve done in my own home, adding grip tape cut-out shapes to prevent slips.<\/p>\n

If your stairs aren\u2019t in quite the right place, aren\u2019t structurally sound or have awkward access, a replacement is probably best. Building regulations apply, and you\u2019ll need to find a specialist, such as a builder<\/a> or joiner\/carpenter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"glass<\/p>\n

Image source: Quick-Step<\/a><\/p>\n

Read more: staircase safety<\/a><\/p>\n

Add a pre-fab loft<\/h3>\n

A loft conversion is one of my bucket-list projects, yet my own loft is just over a metre tall at the highest point, making any kind of useable space impossible. However, it\u2019s a prime candidate for a prefabricated loft \u2013 where the roof is replaced with a factory-built room that can be installed in a matter of weeks, compared to the months that a standard conversion can take. Inside, the prefab loft can be anything you want it to be, from an extra bathroom or bedroom, to a hobby space. The project requires planning permission if you\u2019re raising the roofline but most companies will handle it on your behalf.<\/p>\n

\"prefabricated<\/p>\n

Image source: Moduloft<\/a><\/p>\n

Replace your front door<\/h3>\n

Your front door is the first thing guests see when they arrive and is a project that will pay dividends whether you have a house or a flat. Coloured composite doors are increasingly on-trend, with some available in up to 200 shades, from bright pink to cool blue and a whole range of period hues in-between. It\u2019s a great opportunity to add personality and kerb appeal to your home. You can also swap the door\u2019s solid panels for glass to let more daylight in \u2013 find a door and window installer<\/a> who\u2019ll be able to explain your options.<\/p>\n

\"pink<\/p>\n

Image source: Evolution Windows<\/a><\/p>\n

Read more: choosing a new front door design<\/a><\/p>\n

Lay a fuss-free floor<\/h3>\n

If the idea of adhesives and prying up tiles has been putting you off replacing your floor, look for easy-fit flooring that can be laid without needing to be fixed in place. Even easier than laminate or vinyl planks that click together, Karndean\u2019s LooseLay Longboard vinyl can be fitted over an existing hard floor and comes in a range of sleek wood and stone effects. Each plank is simply laid and its friction backing combined with its weight holds it in place.<\/p>\n

\"oak<\/p>\n

Image source: Karndean<\/a><\/p>\n

Read more: family friendly flooring ideas<\/a><\/p>\n

Make it yours with mouldings<\/h3>\n

Modern homes can lack the sort of character that period properties have in spades, so if you love the look, add some extra features. For example, you could fix a dado rail to divide your wall, painting the lower half in a bold colour, or find a plasterer<\/a> to introduce decorative cornicing or coving to ceilings. Similarly, try switching plain white painted skirting and architraves around doors for boards with an elegant ogee edge or extra depth \u2013 they look great in classic wood or timber-effect finishes but also painted in dramatically dark shades or an accent colour.<\/p>\n

\"shaker<\/p>\n

Image source: Cheshire Mouldings<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Extensions and conversions are popular home improvement projects but not the only ones to put on your wish list. Whether you\u2019re on a budget, have limited space or don\u2019t fancy the dust and disruption from a large renovation, there\u2019s several smaller projects that deliver big results. Even if you live in a flat, you can …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":27867,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2942,3108],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27808","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inspiration","category-using-your-space"],"yoast_head":"\nFive small home improvement ideas - Rated People Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Extensions and conversions are popular home improvement projects but not the only ones to put on your wish list. 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