Do you dream of a beautiful home without the hassle of constant upkeep? A low-maintenance home is the perfect solution. By selecting durable materials and incorporating smart design choices, you can create a living space that not only looks fantastic but also requires minimal effort to maintain. Let's explore some practical strategies to achieve a low-maintenance home.
Select Easy-to-Maintain Materials
Invest in long-lasting materials to save time, money, and effort. Many common household materials require frequent maintenance. However, there's a wide range of beautiful, low-maintenance options to choose from. Here are three ideas to consider for your home remodeling project:
1. Quartz Countertops
While natural stones, such as marble, have a classic and timeless look, they are much harder to maintain than an engineered product like quartz. When it comes down to choosing a stone material for your countertops, quartz is more manageable to upkeep than natural stone. Many natural stones, like marble and granite, require yearly resealing; quartz does not. If you spill a glass of red wine on marble and leave it overnight, it is a stain for life. Whereas quartz, you can wipe it up, and the stain vanishes. For families with young children, this is a great feature. Not only does quartz not stain, but it also has antimicrobial properties, which many people appreciate.
2. Engineered Wood Siding
Many people love the look of cedar siding but are concerned about its high maintenance and its attraction to insects. Engineered wood siding, such as LP Smartside, creates a natural wood look without the drawbacks and maintenance of cedar. If you want the traditional look of wood without the time (and money) consuming maintenance, LP Smartside is a great consideration. Their product offering includes lap siding, shingles, trim & fascia, soffit, and panel siding.
3. Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles are increasingly popular among homeowners because of their durability. These shingles have fiberglass and asphalt to withstand weather and storms and resist the growth of organic material. Additionally, the installation progress is quick and efficient. They are an excellent choice for keeping your home low maintenance and allow homeowners to enjoy the benefits of a quality roof while saving time and money on repairs. Architectural shingles should last around 30 years before they need to be replaced.
Let Design Take Function into Account
Inevitably, owning a home means you will have some maintenance. If you're undergoing a home remodel with a design-build firm, be sure to share your maintenance concerns with your designer. A good designer will help you consider your home's functional needs during the remodeling process to ensure you end up with a beautiful home.
Keep the Design Tailored to Your Lifestyle
Opt for a simple design that makes the space easy to clean. While a unique design is what we all strive for, clutter and the need for excess cleaning are not. Keep your layouts functional for your lifestyle. For example, if you have young children who love to play outside, a mudroom is something you may want to consider in your design- maybe even one with a washer and dryer. A designated place to drop backpacks, snowy boots, and sports uniforms is going to make your daily routines much easier. Not only that, but they will help your family avoid tracking dirt through your home. If you have the space, a cubby system is a great way to keep your mudroom organized and stylish. The more tailored the design, the more you will be able to keep up with your home.
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Install a Central Vacuum
Central vacuum cleaning systems are a dream for those who despise vacuuming. A central vacuum has a system of tubes behind your walls with ports in each room for you to plug the vacuum into. The tube system typically ends at the garage. Central vacuums are easier to use because you don’t have to carry a whole vacuum from room to room in search of an outlet only to realize you need to empty the vacuum bag. If you’re installing a central vacuum, you may also consider a toe-kick option under your cabinets. This allows you to simply brush debris into an opening in the toe-kick, which connects to the tube system. Central vacuums are easiest to install during the building phase of your home, but they can be installed during a major remodel as well.
Use High-Quality Materials
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are an excellent option for homeowners who want a stunning, low-maintenance home. They are durable, easy to clean, and can be refinished instead of having to be replaced entirely. Not only that, but they add an undeniable warmth to your home. Hardwood floors should last as long as you are in the home. If you have existing hardwood floors, talk to your design-build team about how to ensure they are well-stained and finished as a part of your remodel process to keep maintenance to a minimum.
Copper Gutters
Copper can add value to your home because of its unique aesthetic, but it also is the better choice for gutters when it comes to keeping a low-maintenance home. Copper is a durable material that will last for years to come. It is resistant to corrosion, rust, and weather damage. Copper gutters are less likely to be replaced as often as standard aluminum gutters, saving you money in the long run. Copper patinas nicely over time to continue giving your home character. If the patina look isn’t for you, the copper can be cleaned to return to its original color and shine.
The Role of Design-Build Teams in Low-Maintenance Homes
Investing in a low-maintenance home is an investment in your peace of mind. By working with an experienced design-build team, you can ensure that your home is not only beautiful but also practical and easy to care for. Their expertise in selecting the right materials and finishes will save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. With a low-maintenance home, you'll have more time to enjoy the things you love, knowing that your living space always looks its best.
Are you ready to transform your home into a low-maintenance dream space? Our free eBook, "The Ultimate Step-by-Step Home Renovation Transformation Guide," provides actionable advice to create a functional and beautiful home.
