THE EMPLOYEE – your home should be your valued employee
When purchasing a home, buyers quickly learn that no home is perfect from the start, and expecting it to be can lead to disappointment. Instead, focus on the essential must-haves, let your home evolve with you, and budget for necessary updates. Your home is not just an investment; think of it as an employee who should work hard for you. As a responsible employer, it’s crucial to maintain your home, address minor issues as they arise, and ensure that any significant improvements add value. Do not let a minor repair turn into a huge expense.
Your home should adapt to meet your lifestyle needs and evolve as circumstances change. Some homeowners are fortunate to have a clear vision of how they live from the start, knowing exactly how they’ll arrange furniture and paint rooms. For others, like myself, it takes time—even years—to fine-tune each space to work just right.
A few guiding principles help my home serve me efficiently: I keep and store items in the room they are used, no exceptions… I keep kitchen items stored in the kitchen—no hunting in the garage for a favorite pot! Adding extra shelves to upper cabinets can create valuable space, and sliding shelves in lower kitchen cabinets are a must-have….it avoids getting frustrated hunting for an item and is easy access for use and efficient storage. I have a dedicated bread drawer, inspired by the tiny kitchen of my childhood, and a pantry, which does not need to be large, that I can customize to fit our needs. I store our fancy china in the pantry so when I would like to use it it is very accessible… Since I prefer not to see trash cans in the kitchen, a designated cabinet for trash and recycling is essential—they’re not accessories, after all!
Outdoor spaces matter, too. A fenced yard is crucial for security and creates “outdoor rooms” like a potting area, a BBQ zone with a working sink, and organized spots for well supplies and trash. Keep up with maintaining your yard and curb appeal. If you are not into gardening, keep it simple. Do not make yard work a chore; make it as simple or as complicated as you enjoy taking care of it. You should have a feeling of pride when you pull into your driveway.
Letting your home “talk” to you fosters personal pride in the thought and effort you’ve put into making it work for you. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to maintain a home when you consider how each room is used. When your home functions well, it becomes a valuable asset and a trusted “employee.” By making thoughtful adjustments and maintaining it diligently, your home will provide comfort and convenience and grow in value…..all good employees make their employer money… Treat your home like the valued employee it is, and it will work hard for you—rewarding you with cherished memories and, if you decide to sell, a profit. Like any good employer, staying on top of maintenance and making strategic improvements will ensure your home continues serving you well!
