For many Canadian families, winter is a time to take a step back from the usual hustle and bustle of life and do some long-term planning about dreams and goals.
As the old year comes to an end and the new one begins, it’s natural to reflect on where you are in relation to where you’d like to be. While 2020 has brought challenges few could have predicted a year ago, that is even more reason to reimagine what 2021 could look like.
One of the things that will be on many people’s minds is renovation. Canadians have spent more time at home over the past nine months than they have during any other nine-month period in recent memory, and in that time, many have noticed a thing or two they’d like to change about their current living space.
Planning a big, exciting renovation project you can look forward to in the coming year is a great way to keep your spirits up during the difficult months ahead, so here are three ideas that can make your home larger, more livable, and more efficient.
1. Install a Flat Roof Deck
If you live in a big Canadian city like Toronto or Vancouver, you’ve probably already noticed that many multi-story homes in older neighbourhoods are getting major facelifts. In place of the steep pitches and heavy gables of the early twentieth century, many homeowners are choosing to install flat roofs with built-in decks.
These roofs are attractive for a number of reasons. Not only do they look great, they also:
- Reduce energy bills
- Provide easier access for maintenance
- Expand living space during the warmer months
While installing a flat roof deck is a major project, when you’re through you’ll have a more comfortable living space and a property that will appeal to future buyers. If you’re interested in learning more about flat roofing options, get in touch with roofers in Pickering today who can help advise you about materials and styles.
2. Transform Your House with a Green Roof
Green roofs are one of the hottest urban design trends, and with concerns about the environment becoming ever more pressing they are only likely to become more popular in the years to come.
Green roofs can take many forms, but they are generally designed to decrease the energy use of the home through the use of superior materials, reflect heat to create cooler cities, or incorporate organic matter like earth, grass, or gardens.
A green roof can take careful planning if it is to be installed correctly, but the long-term benefits are well-documented.
3. Install Skylights
If you don’t have a budget for a total overhaul, that doesn’t mean you can’t still make small changes that will have a big impact, especially if you live in an older house in a built-up area.
Adding skylights is an affordable, relatively straightforward reno that will flood your rooms with natural light, improving your mood and even enhancing your physical wellbeing. Best of all, they’re an upgrade that can add real value to your home, making them a smart long-term investment.
Spending the winter cooped up at home is no one’s idea of a good time, and that’s why having things to occupy yourself with and plans that keep you focussed on the future is essential. If you think your shingles were due for a replacement anyway, why not take this time to dream big and imagine a roof you can really get excited about.
