There are many sound reasons for enhancing your living space, from a desire to boost your property’s value to wanting to adapt it to suit your household’s shifting needs. After all, your home should change as your family and circumstances do.
You might, for example, need an extra bedroom or bathroom to accommodate elderly parents, or to use a space differently if a child is moving out.
With home improvements, you dodge the sheer hassle and expense of moving, protect the investment that you’ve made in where you live, and potentially improve energy efficiency, which can save money on bills while reducing your impact on the environment.
Equally, these schemes allow you to make your space more truly your own, so that it reflects your lifestyle and personality.
Sometimes, though, the thought of committing to a major project can seem overwhelming. It can be easy to put off or dismiss as ‘nice to have’ rather than something you absolutely have to do.
Where to begin
Here are some pointers if you’re wondering how to overcome this reluctance:
- Know your limits when it comes to DIY and when to give the professionals a call.
- Understand that you won’t always need planning permission, even for some seemingly significant projects.
- Access the right funding options and plan properly so that your dream scheme becomes a reality without placing undue pressure on your household finances.
- Choose the right contractor and ensure they have the correct experience, insurance and references. Get in-depth quotes from three or more operators before making an informed decision.
Start small
As with anything else, sometimes the best start is to make a modest beginning on improving your home. So rather than an ambitious garden remodel, for example, consider some glorious items of teak furniture to upgrade its look. There’s so much choice, plus this luxurious material can solve all your garden furniture needs, allowing you to enjoy it in style for years or even decades. Teak suits any shape or size of garden, and you could choose a full set of items or build you own with individual pieces.
And with its longevity, elegance and ability to withstand the weather, moisture, insects, rotting and warping, teak is always a worthwhile investment. What’s more, it’s low-maintenance and doesn’t need constant painting, sealing or otherwise treating.
Your dream car could also be a reality
Thinking about upgrading your drive in 2025 as well as your home? Again, there are many reasons for doing so, from safety and performance to fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Many of us have daydreamed about being behind the wheel of a Porsche thanks to this iconic marque’s unrivalled reputation for performance, reliability and ride quality, not to mention its driving dynamics and use of the latest technology. It’s a reputation that’s been built over decades.
But this dream can become a reality with used Porsche finance. There are many more options than you may have realised, from straightforward hire purchase to lease purchasing.
Other solutions include a personal contract purchase, including an optional final payment guaranteeing your car’s future value, or a conditional sale arrangement. This simple option means you pay for all or part of the motor in instalments. The vehicle remains the property of your finance provider.
So, when it comes to home and car upgrades, these are more within your reach than you may have thought. Why not make 2025 the year you do both?