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How do you update a yellow house?

By: Author Color With Leo

Updating and renovating a yellow house can seem like a daunting task, but with some planning and elbow grease, you can transform your yellow home into your dream home. Here are some tips on how to update a yellow house.

Assess Your Yellow House

First, take a good look at your existing yellow house. Make a list of what you like and what you would change. Consider the layout, floorplan, size of rooms, flow between rooms, and exterior. Decide which areas need minor updates like paint and fixtures, and which need major renovations like knocking down walls or adding on.

Pay attention to these key areas:

  • Kitchen – Is the kitchen layout efficient? Are the cabinets, countertops, appliances and flooring dated? Does it need more storage or counter space?
  • Bathrooms – Do the bathrooms feel cramped or cluttered? Is the plumbing, tile and fixtures outdated?
  • Flooring – Does your flooring need to be replaced or refinished? Evaluate carpeting, hardwoods, tile, etc.
  • Exterior siding – Is your siding in good shape or does it need repair, power washing or painting?
  • Roof and windows – Identify any issues with leaking, draftiness or energy efficiency.
  • Electrical and lighting – Determine if your wiring needs updating and if lighting could be improved.
  • Insulation and HVAC – Assess if your attic and walls are properly insulated and if your heating/cooling system is efficient.

Creating a home assessment checklist can help you identify and prioritize your yellow house updates.

Set Your Yellow House Update Budget

Once you’ve assessed your needs, it’s time to look at your budget. Home renovations and updates can become very costly, so it’s important to have a budget in place before beginning. Here are some tips for setting your yellow house update budget:

  • Get estimates – Talk to contractors to get estimates on the bigger ticket projects like kitchen remodels or roof replacements.
  • Factor in contingencies – Add an extra 10-20% to cover unforeseen issues that often come up during renovations.
  • Consider financing – Depending on how much you need to spend, you may want to explore financing options like home equity loans, cash-out refinancing, or home improvement loans.
  • Prioritize necessities – Focus first on updates needed for functionality, safety, and energy efficiency.
  • Do some yourself – To save on labor costs, be realistic about what DIY projects you can take on like painting, installing new light fixtures, etc.
  • Order materials yourself – You can often save 20-30% on materials like flooring, cabinets and countertops if you purchase them yourself.
  • Have a ‘wish list’ – Identify less pressing upgrade ‘wishes’ that can wait if they don’t fit into your initial budget.

Having a clear budget before starting your yellow house updates will help the project go smoothly and avoid financial surprises down the road.

Plan Your Yellow House Renovations

Once you know your budget, it’s time to map out the details of your yellow house renovation plan. Here are some tips for planning your updates:

  • Prioritize and schedule – Rank your updates from most important to least and create a timeline for tackling each project.
  • Get required permits – Check what permits are needed from your local municipality for the work being done.
  • Hire contractors – Vet and hire qualified contractors for specialized work like electrical, plumbing or major renovations.
  • Determine layouts – For rooms like kitchens and bathrooms, map out your ideal layout including fixtures, cabinets, and traffic flow.
  • Select materials and finishes – Research and decide on materials for flooring, countertops, tile, paint colors, etc within your budget.
  • Account for mess and disruption – Plan where you’ll eat and sleep if kitchen or bathrooms are under construction.
  • Pack and store belongings – Determine what furniture and belongings should be put into storage during renovations.
  • Have contingency plans – Identify back-up options in case supply chain issues lead to delayed shipment of materials or appliances.

Thorough planning will help your yellow house updates go smoothly and minimize unexpected headaches and delays.

Prep Your Yellow House for Renovations

Preparing your home before starting renovations will help protect your belongings and make the space easier to work in. Here are some tips:

  • Clean thoroughly – Clean all rooms, removing clutter and personal items that could get damaged.
  • Photograph spaces – Take photos of rooms before renovations for reference later.
  • Remove furniture – Move furniture out of rooms being updated to provide clear access.
  • Protect surfaces – Cover floors, countertops and any surfaces that will remain with drop cloths.
  • Patch holes – Fill any holes in walls and patch any damaged areas getting painted.
  • Repair issues – Fix any leaks, electrical issues, etc to prevent further damage during renovations.
  • Add temporary lighting – Provide well-lit temporary work lights in rooms with reduced light access.
  • Turn off breakers – Shut off electricity to rooms being updated at the breaker box.
  • Cut water supply – Turn off water supply to areas having plumbing work done.
  • Have safe air quality – Install HEPA air scrubbers and dehumidifiers to maintain safe air.

Taking time to properly prepare your yellow house before starting renovations will provide the best experience and outcome.

Update Your Yellow House Exterior

Improving your home’s exterior curb appeal and protection from the elements may be part of your yellow house update plans. Here are some common exterior renovation projects:

Exterior Painting

  • Power wash siding – Clean siding thoroughly before painting.
  • Scrape and sand – Remove loose paint and create an even surface.
  • Caulk gaps – Seal any cracks and seams with exterior caulk.
  • Prime – Apply exterior primer to siding and trim.
  • Paint – Paint with high quality exterior paint in your chosen colors.
  • Add details – Paint or replace exterior railings, shutters, front doors.

New Roof

  • Tear off old roof – Remove all old shingles and felt paper.
  • Replace any rotted wood – Fix underlying roof deck issues.
  • Install ice and water shield – Provide a protective membrane at roof edges.
  • Install synthetic felt paper
  • Install new architectural shingles
  • Replace flashing – Update any worn metal drip edge and vent flashing.
  • Seal and inspect – Seal shingles and inspect final roof for any flaws.

New Siding

  • Remove old siding – Take off existing siding fully down to sheathing.
  • Install house wrap – Wrap house in protective membrane.
  • Install new siding – Re-side home with new siding like vinyl, wood, etc.
  • Replace trim – Put in new window, door and corner trim.
  • Prime and paint – Follow paint process above.

Focusing on exterior updates can greatly improve your home’s curb appeal and comfort.

Update Interior Spaces

Updating the interior rooms of your yellow home can give it a fresh new look and improve livability. Here are some ideas:

Kitchen

  • Replace cabinets – Install new shaker-style wood or modern white cabinets.
  • New countertops – Upgrade to granite, quartz or butcher block countertops.
  • Update appliances – Get new stainless steel appliances like fridge, stove, dishwasher.
  • Improve lighting – Add pendant lights over island, under cabinet lighting.
  • Install tile backsplash – Use trendy tile or glass mosaic backsplash.
  • Replace fixtures – Get new modern faucet, drawer pulls and handles.
  • Fresh paint – Paint cabinets and walls with updated colors.

Bathrooms

  • New tile – Replace old floor and wall tile with new ceramic or stone.
  • Improved shower/tub – Install a frameless glass shower or soaking tub.
  • Add vanities – Install double sink or furniture-style vanities.
  • New toilets – Upgrade to dual flush and bidet features.
  • Improved ventilation – Add ventilation fans to reduce humidity.
  • Fresh paint – Paint walls and ceilings an updated color.

Living Spaces

  • Take down walls – Knock down walls to open up space.
  • Add new lighting – Install recessed lighting and update fixtures.
  • Paint walls and ceilings – Paint with modern, neutral colors.
  • Refinish floors – Sand and refinish hardwood floors.
  • Update trim – Add new crown molding and baseboard trim.
  • Upgrade fireplace – Convert to gas fireplace or update mantel.

Renovating interior rooms can help modernize the whole feel of your yellow home.

Make Energy Efficient Updates

Improving your yellow home’s energy efficiency is good for both your comfort and wallet. Here are some tips:

Increase Insulation

  • Attic insulation – Add additional blown-in or batt insulation to attic floor.
  • Wall insulation – Use injection foam to insulate exterior walls without removing drywall.
  • Basement/crawlspace – Seal and insulate any crawlspaces or exposed foundation.

Seal Air Leaks

  • Caulk and add weatherstripping – Seal gaps around windows, doors, pipes and wires.
  • Insulate attic hatches – Weatherstrip and insulate attic access holes.
  • Seal ductwork – Repair and insulate forced air ducts.

Upgrade Systems

  • New HVAC system – Install high efficiency furnace, heat pump or A/C.
  • Ductless mini-splits – Use these localized units instead of central HVAC.
  • Smart thermostat – Install a programmable or smart WiFi-enabled thermostat.
  • New windows – Replace with energy efficient models.
  • Insulated doors – Improve efficiency of exterior doors.

Focusing on insulation, sealing and HVAC can help reduce your energy costs and improve comfort.

Incorporate Universal Design

Making your yellow home accessible and livable for all ages is smart long-term planning. Here are some universal design features to incorporate:

  • Zero-step entrances – Have at least one no-step entryway to the home.
  • Wide doorways – Minimum 36-inch wide doorways for maneuverability.
  • Lever handles – Install lever-style handles instead of knobs on doors.
  • Taller toilets – Use ADA height toilets around 17-19 inches high.
  • Walk-in showers – Install a curbless and doorless walk-in shower.
  • Front control ranges – Position controls on the front rather than the back of stoves.
  • Higher outlets – Place electrical outlets 18-24 inches up from the floor.
  • Bright lighting – Use motion sensor lights, night lights and lighting in all closets.
  • Easy to reach storage – Keep everyday items in easy to access cabinets and drawers.

Incorporating universal design elements creates convenience for all ages from young children to seniors.

Improve Home Safety

Updating your yellow home to increase safety is a wise investment. Here are some ideas to improve safety:

  • Smoke detectors – Install interconnected smoke detectors on every level and in bedrooms.
  • Carbon monoxide detectors – Put CO detectors on every floor near bedrooms.
  • Fire extinguishers – Have small extinguishers in kitchen, garage and basement.
  • GFCI outlets – Use ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets in wet areas like kitchen, bath and laundry.
  • Handrails – Add handrails on both sides of stairways.
  • Improved lighting – Upgrade lighting in dark areas both inside and outside the home.
  • Secured garage – Install automatic garage door openers and keypads for access.
  • Reinforced entryways – Install solid core doors, high quality locks and a security system.
  • Window locks – Improve window security with dual-action locking mechanisms.

Improving safety gives you valuable peace of mind and protects your family’s well-being.

Create an Efficient Floorplan

Reconfiguring your yellow home’s layout can improve livability and function. Consider these floorplan updates:

  • Open concept first floor – Knock down walls to combine kitchen, dining and living.
  • Defined living spaces – Add architectural elements like columns or arches to define spaces.
  • Mudroom entry – Create a dedicated entry space for coats, shoes and bags.
  • Main floor master – Move master suite to main floor for convenience.
  • Home office space – Add a dedicated office or flex room for work and hobbies.
  • Large island and open shelving – Create spacious kitchen prep space and display shelving.
  • Walk-in pantry – Turn a closet into a walk-in pantry for storage.
  • Dual vanities – Add his and hers vanities in bathrooms.
  • Main floor laundry – Relocate laundry upstairs for ease.

Strategic floorplan updates can really optimize your yellow home’s functionality.

Add Special Finishes

Selecting special finishes can turn a basic yellow house into a custom dream home. Consider these ideas:

  • Statement backsplash – Use an artistic tile or glass mosaic backsplash in kitchens or baths.
  • Exposed brick accent walls – Highlight original or faux brick walls as an accent.
  • Wood accent walls – Apply reclaimed wood planks to walls or ceilings.
  • Wallpaper accent wall – Add bold wallpaper prints to dining rooms or bedrooms.
  • Crown molding – Install crown molding with extra height and detail.
  • Built-in bookshelves and cabinetry – Add custom built-ins wherever needed like offices, family rooms, etc.
  • Natural stone vanities – Select marble or granite for bathroom vanities.
  • Hardwood floor patterns – Install hardwoods on a diagonal or herringbone pattern.

Special finishes provide charming character and customize your yellow home.

Smart Home Technology

Integrating smart home technology improves convenience, security and efficiency. Here are some must-have smart upgrades:

  • Smart doorbells – Get notifications and see who is at your door with video doorbells.
  • Smart door locks – Unlock doors remotely or create virtual keys with phone apps.
  • Smart thermostats – Control your home’s temperature remotely from your phone.
  • Smart light bulbs – Program, dim and control lights remotely.
  • Smart switches – Use voice controls or apps to control lights and fans.