Category: Renovation

2019 will be ending very soon, and a new decade will start. As the new year draws near, you may be thinking about how you can refresh your home for 2020. It’s going to get busy for contractors at the start of the year, so it’s helpful to think about what you want to add to your home as soon as now. Don’t know where to start? Here’s a shortlist of home upgrades you can add to your home this 2020. 

The road to sustainability and self-sufficiency is long, and the first step is renewable energy. Arizona has plenty of sun, so harvesting its power for your own use only makes sense. Solar panels can help significantly cut your utility costs. It also serves as a backup when grid power is down. Most solar panels don’t require much maintenance too, so it basically pays for itself. It’s definitely worth looking into if you want a more self-sufficient home.

If you have an extra room that’s been gathering dust, one good way to make use of it is to transform it into an entertainment or gaming room. While it’s okay to keep your entertainment appliances in the living room, an entertainment room sets an exclusive ambiance, where you can binge-watch Netflix films, watch sports, or play your favorite video games. Having a separate room also lets other people in your home relax in the living room without getting bothered by what’s on the TV.

Home automation is undoubtedly a suitable addition to a modern home. It lets you control almost anything in your home. And you don't need to buy a huge system right off the bat, either. You can start with small upgrades like lighting and climate control using readily-available devices like Google Home or Amazon Echo/Alexa. You can also install sensors for your patio shades and awnings, so it retracts or opens automatically depending on the sunlight and windspeed. Having a smart HVAC system can help you save up on utility costs by increasing the energy efficiency your HVAC appliances. With home automation, the possibilities are endless!

Already have a pool but can’t use it during the summer because of the intense heat from the sun? Poolside awnings can add some much-needed shade to your pool. While using sunblock is recommended, it’s not advisable to expose yourself to the sun for extended periods of time. With some shade, you can extend your swimming time without worrying about getting sunburned. Awnings can also expand your outdoor entertainment space. Patio shades, on the other hand, can reduce the glare and heat coming into your patio, so you can enjoy cooler afternoons.