Belize is a popular country for retirees who want to enjoy their golden years in a tranquil, beautiful, and peaceful place. That makes it a hot market for real estate catering to the whims of these people.
Suppose you’re planning on selling your home, or you’ve just invested in a property in this paradisiacal place. In that case, you’re likely interested in some home improvement ideas to increase its value and appeal.
Perhaps you simply feel like it’s time for a refresh, or you’re looking for something to keep you busy in your spare time. Read on to explore some suggestions for upgrading your Belize residence.
1. Create an Inviting Entrance
Your home’s entrance can set the mood for all who visit, so it must create a good impression. There are many ways to create a welcoming facade for your home to boost its curb appeal and delight all who visit.
Consider replacing an old front door with something lighter and brighter, or paint your existing door a shade of red, blue, or pink. New hardware can create a pleasing contrast and lift the look of your entryway, and don’t forget a colorful welcome mat to greet your friends when they pop in.
Plants are an excellent way to liven up the front of your house. Move your lawn and plant some colorful blooms, or place potted plants around your entryway.
Consider installing outdoor lighting to highlight these new features, enhance your home’s architecture, and light the way to the door. You can find garden lights powered by solar energy at most major hardware stores, so you don’t need to worry about complicated wiring.
2. Upgrade Your Outdoor Entertainment Area
The wonderful, mild climate of Belize is wasted on you if you don’t spend as much time as you can outdoors. Maximize those sunny days and balmy nights by setting aside some space in your yard for relaxing with friends.
It’s easy to make an outdoor patio with flagstone or cement pavers and a few potted plants dotted around. You can add a pergola if you please, but a shady tree will do just fine, too.
Fairy lights add extra sparkle and a charming, magical ambiance. Add some seating and tables, plus a portable grill, and you’re all set for an evening of casual socializing.
3. Upgrade Your Kitchen
When you’re not outside enjoying your gorgeous environment, your kitchen is probably the place where you spend most of your time. In most homes, the kitchen is a hub for cooking, eating, and catching up on the day’s news.
As such, it’s one of the most important rooms in any house, whether you’re buying, selling, or staying put. An extensive upgrade can set you back several thousand dollars, but a few small fixes can take your kitchen to the next level.
These are some of the quick fixes we recommend:
- Switching out your kitchen island surface
- Painting your cabinets
- Installing a new backsplash
- Adding pops of color in contrasting paint
- Upgrading your lighting fixtures
Installing a new sink and modern faucet adds convenience and style to any kitchen and gives it a modern look.
4. Switch to Solar
With the abundant sun hours available in Belize, you’d be crazy not to be maximizing solar power in your home. Solar panels are an excellent way to add value to your home.
A solar installation also has several other benefits for homeowners, such as reduced energy bills and an uninterrupted power supply. By far the biggest benefit of installing solar is knowing that you’re doing your bit to reduce carbon emissions and preserve this beautiful place you call home.
5. Add a Few Unique Touches
Small things can make all the difference in your daily life and make your home more appealing to buyers.
A feature wall is a nice touch. You can use peel-and-stick wallpaper or contrasting paint to highlight a nook or a large space in your living room.
Installing a mirror makes your room look larger and lighter and also creates a focal point.
A beaded board adds classic style to a bathroom or kitchen. Be sure to accommodate outlets and other wall features with cutouts in the boards. You must finish your beaded board with a waterproof sealant to ensure it can go the distance in these humid spaces.
6. Improve Your Storage Options
Take a look around your home and identify areas where clutter tends to congregate. Are their sunhats and sandals clustered in the doorway? Do beach towels gravitate toward the railing of your deck?
Neaten things up by placing storage units in these key areas. Refashion an old, narrow table to create shelving for your entryway, which can double as a drop zone for wayward items.
A shelf or basket placed alongside the door is another convenient option for storing outdoor items like shoes and sunhats.
If you’d prefer a more extensive shelving solution, you can create extra storage quickly and easily using shelving kits. Try a combination of cabinets, open shelves, and under-counter shelves to create alternating storage and display areas.
7. Upgrade Your Flooring
Your home’s floor takes up a lot of visual space, and changes in this area can have a major impact on your home’s look and feel. Consider light-colored vinyl planks for a modern take on the hardwood look, or install light tiles to brighten up your living spaces.
If you prefer a classic, elegant look, darker colors can add dramatic appeal to your space. Vinyl sheeting is a good option for a quick fix, and you can install it over most other types of flooring.
Make the Most of Your Island Paradise
Belize is a delight for both residents and visitors, with so much to see, experience, and enjoy. If you’re lucky enough to live here or are considering the move, you’ll find no shortage of relaxing amusements on offer.For those days when you’d like to indulge in a little DIY, we’ve got you covered. Browse our blog for more of the best home improvement ideas and tips for making the most of life in Belize.
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