Sometimes it’s the little things that really make a difference in a home renovation project. Sure, a large home addition or major kitchen remodel will give a boost to the look of your home but it's important not to overlook the small details as they can go a long way in achieving the “wow” factor. These details can be as intricate as a modern backsplash or as simple as a good dusting. Here are a few of our favorite finishing touches we recommend for any home renovation or remodel.
Clean Up
This one is an easy one that often makes a bigger difference than most people think. Sweeping, dusting and a general cleanup can make your new finishes shine, literally. And this doesn’t stop at the inside of the home, pick up around the outside of the home as well. Power wash your siding, trim your hedges, and make any cosmetic repairs to your home’s exterior. The outside of your home is the first thing your visitors see and these details enhance your curb appeal and make a great first impression. Our lead carpenter, Eric Tilghman, shares his favorite finishing touch for home renovations below.
“My final touch on every job is hosing down the driveway. It's one of my favorite things to do. I put my headphones on and listen to some reggae or something motivational. It's mindless and it really goes a long way. It's all about the finishing touches and that's what we're all about. You know, the big jobs are the big jobs and it's nice to do a wonderful job, but it's the little things that seal the deal and set us apart from other contractors.”
-Eric Tilghman
Paint Touch-Up
A fresh coat of paint is key for any polished space, especially after a home renovation. Something that can be overlooked in a paint job or touch-up is the ceiling, so be sure to give that area some love when you are painting. You may even want a change from the previous color. For instance, to add a more open and airy feel to the space, go with a lighter, neutral color - or for a more dramatic, regal look you may want to go darker. A fun option is to paint an accent wall in your space to add a touch of personality. We typically do a paint touch-up as part of the final steps in our renovation projects to ensure your walls and ceilings look flawless.
Front Door Upgrade
As the main focal point of your home’s exterior, your front door should look just as nice if not nicer than the rest of the house. Many make the mistake of paying too much attention to the exterior walls of the home and forget to replace or update their front door. While you may not need a brand-new front door, it is always good practice to assess its state and update if needed. After all, a front door should not only look appealing, it should function properly too and an older door may not be as efficient when it comes to insulation and security. This is another area where a fresh coat of paint would do much good, especially if you want to make a statement.
New Windows
Windows add great aesthetic appeal to a house. You can completely change the look of your home by replacing your current windows with a different style. For instance, replacing an ordinary window in your living room with a bay window would drastically change the look of both the inside and outside of the home. Look at different window designs to find the perfect fit for your style. While a new window design can be fun, sometimes older windows just need a simple replacement to improve your home’s functionality. While this is not as noticeable of a change, it will still give your home the pristine look you crave.
Lighting
We all know that lighting sets the mood and ambiance of the home which is why it is one of the key finishing details in a home renovation. While you may immediately think of bold statement pendants and chandeliers in your foyer or dining room, don’t forget about the less obvious lighting throughout your home. Recessed lighting is a highly popular option for many of our projects and can look great in almost any room without taking much focus away from the interior.
Backsplashes
A backsplash is typically an area to showcase your style and personality in a kitchen or bathroom, especially in modern home designs. While a backsplash is often included in our renovations, it does not have to be decided upon immediately or even during the main renovation. If you are wavering on what kind of backsplash would look best in your space, then you are in luck as a backsplash can be one of the last things you add to your home. You can install a backsplash even after living in your kitchen for a while, giving you plenty of time to find the perfect design.
Hardware
Your hardware acts as small accessories throughout your home and can cast a nuanced influence over your space. Something as simple as switching out white light switches to metallic grey ones can do wonders in reflecting your preferred style without going overboard. While we certainly consider updating door knobs and other hardware for a renovation project, it may also be wise to update your furniture knobs and pulls for overall consistency in your new living space.
Decorate
Last but not least, decorate! Perhaps you’ve added stronger architectural details to your home and need decor to match? Or maybe you simply need more decor and furniture if you’ve added square footage to your home. Look at different interior design styles to get ideas for your renovated space. If you are feeling overwhelmed with selecting decor, you can always enlist the help of an interior designer or decorator to ensure your space reflects the style you want.
Final Touches at Tilghman Builders
Here at Tilghman Builders, we believe that the final touches and small details make a huge difference in our quality of work. When we take on a job, we are attentive and make sure we have a strong understanding of what our clients are looking for in a space. As an integral part of the Tilghman Builders experience, this not only helps us implement these minor details to complete your space, but also allows us to make the right recommendations if you need a little guidance. If you are interested in a contracting partner that will work with you closely on your home renovation in Bucks County PA, then please give us a call!
