SkyFive Properties Blog

When you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s so important for you to approach it in the right way. A home purchase is expensive, and so you want to ensure that you’re spending your money wisely and getting the best possible property. Here are three things to keep in mind to help you to do that.

1. Your Requirements

First of all, you will want to know what your own requirements are for your dream home. Do you know how much space you ideally want or need? Do you know where you want to buy? Or what style of home you want, or design theme? It’s important to be clear with yourself about what you need, so that you can find it.

2. The Potential

However, don’t be too picky and drag your search out because you can’t find something that is an exact fit. Instead, you’ll want to make sure that you’re looking at the potential of the space. Can you extend and add more space? Can you change the design to make it more to your taste? Can you adapt the landscaping? If so, then you could be in luck!

3. Safety Checks

And finally, when you do find somewhere that is suitable, or that you’re interested in buying, you’ll then want to make sure that it’s safe. You can’t always take a home on face value. Instead, there are key checks that you need to carry out, as in the infographic below, or that a professional will need to carry out for you – just to make sure that you’re buying something reliable.

Infographic Design By SPI Home Checklist

We all have dreams. Some of us will want to get to a certain point in our careers. Some of us will want to travel. And then, whether we realize it or not, most of us will dream of the kind of homes we want too.

However, sometimes, you keep that as a dream. It stays in your mind, and you don’t overly do much about it. But you should. Because unless you actively look to bring your dream home into fruition, it’s just going to stay a dream.

And if you end up living in a place that you don’t necessarily like, then you may resent it. When really, you need to be thinking about that dream, and the home that you’ve always wanted.

Because then, it’s much easier for you to go after what you want than sit and sulk, even if it doesn’t seem like it at first.

So, the burning question for you may be – how do you do it? How are you going to be able to get the home that you want? Well, there are many different approaches that you can use for this.

But either way, you’ll find that you do need to put some work in. Yes, you may even need to move to a new home to do it. But you could also work with what you’ve got. But you are going to find that the very first part of this list is going to help you determine which.

Then, you’ll want to use each point and see how you can finally get your dream home. Let’s take a look.

Know What You Want

First of all, you are going to want to make sure that you know what you want. It’s often hard to do this, because you’ll find that you know what you don’t like, but you don’t overly know what you do. However, you do need to know the kind of home you want in order to begin this journey. And if you already know, it’s time to get started.

Do Some Research

Then, you’re going to want to do some research. This is particularly useful if you don’t really know what style of home you want. Maybe you know that you want a certain size, or what features you want, but you don’t overly know about the look or design? Then research can help you. It’s also handy for you to see what’s on the market, to take a look at

Move Or Improve

From here, you’ve then got the decision to make of where. And this can be difficult if you do love where you are now – or if it has potential. If not, you then need to think about finding a home that you are going to love. Again, if you are doing this, then you need to think about the potential. Because you’ll want it to be the right home for you.

Speak To The Experts

When you’ve decided whether you want to move or you want to stay where you are, you’ll know that you need to bring in experts. Because if you try to do this all by yourself, it can take a long time – and you may not get the finish you want. From here, you’ll want to find an architect or a contractor that you like and get some estimates. Because if you’re creating your dream home, you’ll want it done right.

Create A Plan

Then you need a plan. When are you going to do what? In what order? And how long will it take? It’s always handy for you to know the ins and outs so that you’re able to set the right expectations for yourself.

Extend

One of the bigger jobs that you might want to do, is extending the home. And this can be something that really does transform what you have. Whether it’s your current home or somewhere else that you buy, you’ll find that you can extend to get the right amount of space that you need. When this is the case, you’ll want to make sure that it fits within your plan, and that you’ve budgeting the right amount for it.

Improve The Layout

Another thing you might want to do here is improve the layout a little. Sometimes, you can love a place but you’re not all that sold on the layout or some of the internal pieces. But instead you can actually make changes to that too. Sometimes, there will be walls that you can’t move. But, if there are changes that you do want to make, you can think about doing this, so speak to your contractor.

Upgrade

From here, you’ll then need to think about the different upgrades that you may need to bring into your home. Whether you move or not, there’s a high chance that you will need to upgrade the fitting and fixtures. But that’s not a bad thing. Because you’re going to find that you’re going to want to put your own spin on things anyway. So a kitchen remodel or changes to the bathroom are going to be a lot of fun.

Landscape

And don’t forget about the landscaping. When you’re focusing on creating a home that you love, it’s so easy to concentrate on the interiors. When really, you do need to make sure that you’re creating a landscape that you love too. So ensure that you complete the front yard and gardens at the end.

Enjoy

Finally, you’re then going to want to make sure that you can enjoy your dream home too. Sometimes we focus too much on the process. And as much as it can drive you crazy, it’s all part of the fun. But then, you actually need to be able to enjoy the property too. So, make it your own, start to use the rooms, and make some memories in the house. Don’t worry so much about perfecting it, just live in it and enjoy!

Hardwood flooring is quite popular in the United States due to the proximity of hardwoods in the country.

Installing hardwood floors has many benefits for your home. They provide your home with timeless elegance and a beautiful living surrounding. Also, hardwood floors make your home a solid investment in case you decide to sell it.

There are various factors that you should consider when deciding on the best hardwood floor for your home. These will help you achieve the maximum value for your home as an investment.

Below are five key tips for choosing hardwood flooring that fits your style.

1. Style of Your Home

Consider all the interior features of your home when choosing a hardwood floor. Some elements that should match the floor include trim work and cabinets. It’s important to note that when going for a traditional style, you should mix hardwood shades that combine lighter and darker pieces.

You may opt to choose from the combinations provided by various designers. You can also come up with your own designs to be unique.

2. Finishing and Staining Options

Normally, hardwood floors are appealing in their original form. However, you can choose to enhance the aesthetic appearance by highlighting the pattern in the interior hardwood or add some color or stain to the wood.

The importance of finishing is to prevent the floor from getting dirty and enhance its maintenance. You can choose the style you prefer since all finishes and stains go well with most kinds of wood.

You may consider hiring Blue Ridge Floors for finishing services and others that involve hardwood flooring.

3. Your Everyday Lifestyle

If you have pets and kids in your home, it’s possible for your hardwood floor to wear and tear easily. Thus, you should go for the type of wood that is long-lasting compared to others. For instance, you can choose Red Oak since it is more pocket-friendly and very heavy-duty.

4. The extent of Natural Daylight

Many homeowners tend to forget this factor when choosing the best hardwood floor. The colors painted on your walls together with natural daylight have a great effect on the appearance of your hardwood floor.

For instance, in a setting with a lot of natural light, choose darker shades of hardwood floors so as to create contrast. However, brighter shades of hardwood floors go well with rooms with less natural light.

5. Type Of Subfloor in Your Home

Various homes have different subfloors such as a concrete slab, particle board, or plywood. Engineered and solid hardwood floors go well with a plywood subfloor.

You need to install concrete slab floors on plywood subfloors, before adding solid wood floors.

Enhance Your Style by Following the Above Tips for Choosing Hardwood Flooring

If you need your home to be more appealing, you need to install hardwood flooring. Selecting a product for hardwood flooring doesn’t only involve choosing your preferred color. There are other factors that can affect performance and aesthetics.

Some of the tips for choosing hardwood flooring include natural daylight, staining and finishing, subfloors, and your style. Increase the value of your home and its general appearance by going for the right type of hardwood flooring.

There comes a time when you’re looking to add value to your home in so many different ways. And whether you are considering moving on, or maximizing your resale value, it’s all about timing. Downsizing is one of the crucial components to consider. Whether you are getting older, or your home isn’t fit for purpose anymore, it’s about doing it for the right reasons. But is downsizing always the right option?

Why Do You Want To Do It?

Making sure you are doing it for the right reasons is paramount. It’s not just about ensuring you can save a bit more money. Making sure that you are downsizing for the right reasons, in a personal and financial sense, is essential. You always need to make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.

Sure, a smaller home can benefit you in so many ways. A smaller home results in lower utility bills, decreased consumption, as well as more time to yourself and fewer house duties. But in terms of property, this is only one piece of the puzzle.

Do You Have An Idea Of Where You Want To Go To?

Sometimes the signs are obvious, you’re getting older, and it’s time to go to a smaller property, like a condo. But it’s about ensuring you have all of the options at your disposal. Sometimes, we struggle to find a suitable option, as such, we need to think about the reasons we didn’t think of before.  For help with more money-saving ideas, this article is quite helpful with the handling of fixed expenses like utility bills.

We could look at blogs, like Leland Cherry, to get a more informed opinion. Because we can sell a property and only think of the money we will gain from it, this could prove to be our downfall. Selling up and going to a smaller property isn’t always a good idea. As such, think about the next stage of the process. This is not just in terms of your own financial needs, but your personal ones as well.

Is It The Right Time?

Your real estate value will change over the years. Perhaps you made alterations to your property recently, as such, are you going to get the maximum value from it? You also have to look at your immediate area. If you live in an area that’s up-and-coming, maybe it’s worth hanging on for a few more years? Also, look at your family situation. If you have dependents that are struggling financially, will the home prove to be a worthy investment for them? Timing is everything.

Downsizing your property can seem like the right decision. It’s not always the appropriate option. When looking to downsize, it isn’t just about putting more money in our purses. But we may have worked so hard at making the property work for us, but we’re not getting significant returns.

As such, does this mean that downsizing is the best option? It usually appears to be a good option as we get older, but don’t get blindsided with the financial aspects. After all, if you want to move to a new home, you’ve got to live in it so you can get the most out of life.

Are you thinking about investing in a commercial property? This can be a solid investment. That’s true whether you are buying for yourself or to sell on. However, there are variables that you need to consider. These factors determine whether a commercial property will be a good choice or not. You need to consider everything from security to location. Check the factors below and you’ll know how to choose the right commercial space.

Location Location Location

Location is key when you choose a commercial property. You need to think about transport links. That’s important if you are operating a logistics company. Transport links close by provide the option for quick deliveries.

It keeps turnaround times low and efficiency rates high. A business close to transport links will be attractive and valuable. As such, it will be a great investment for you. You need to consider the traffic levels as well.

That’s true for commercial and industrial space. You don’t want to be in a situation where traffic stops employees from getting in on time. Or, where it stops trucks from arriving on schedule at their destination.

Security

Make security a top priority when you buy commercial space. Industrial property to buy should have security features built in. If not, you should be able to easily add them yourself. You need to think about everything from CCTV to gates and access codes.

Alarm systems are a must too and lighting is also useful. Lighting ensures that your property is safe at night. It acts as a deterrent against people thinking about breaking in. Some businesses will benefit from hiring guards. However, this is not typically needed with the right physical security systems.

Curb Appeal

While not important for industrial businesses, curb appeal for office space is a must. Curb appeal ensures the property looks great from the outside. Without this, you will struggle to sell the property on or attract new customers to your company.

A property with curb appeal will look modern, clean and well maintained. You might be able to save money by purchasing an office that has seen better days. But you will lose money in the long term. You will see lower levels of foot traffic and reduce profitability for your business.

You can alter curb appeal with a variety of features including lighting. Add lighting to your property and you will make it look more attractive. Alternatively, unique sculptures and exterior marketing can also add to the aesthetic.

Space

Finally, consider the level of space a particular property provides. You should buy a property with room for expansion. Always keep in mind the future of your business. Make sure that you have plenty of room for additional staff and vehicles.

This is why it can be smart to buy in the suburbs. That way you will have room to expand and should find permits for building easier to access. Take this advice and you will be able to find a great commercial property. That’s true whether you’re investing or buying for use.

The average American home has ten doors inside. This doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you think about how often the person living in a house uses any given one of these doors each day, their importance becomes clear.

If you’re looking to choose a new door for anywhere in your home, there are a lot of factors to consider. What sorts of materials, styles, or door types do you want? There’s a lot of variety out there, and the search can become overwhelming.

Different kinds of doors have different benefits, both practical and aesthetic. Here we’re going to help you choose the type of door that will work best with your specific needs so it’s easy for you to keep your house feeling like your home.

Choosing a Material

The first thing to consider in choosing the right type of door for your home is the material that you want it to be made of. While there are a lot of different materials to choose from, we’re going to give you the pros and cons to some of the most common ones below.

Metal

Metal is a fairly common material that architects use in the making of doors. The most common one is galvanized stainless steel, which is a thick and durable metal that can withstand a lot of weather conditions. There are also doors made out of aluminum, bronze, and brass.

One of the best things about metal doors is the insulation. If you want to keep out the cold, these just might be the doors for you.

Wood

Whether you like oak or maple, there’s a wooden door out there to suit your home’s aesthetic. There are a lot of different colors and grains to choose from. Whether you want dark wood or tan, smooth or defined grain, there’s a wood out there for you.

Wooden doors are welcoming and homey. They come in a lot of varieties, so go check them out!

PVC

A rising trend in doors today is the use of PVC. PVC is a type of thick plastic that can be either rigid or flexible depending on what you want. This is great because not only does it come in a lot of colors, but it can be easily modified to fit the shape of any doorway.

Choosing a Door Type

There are an endless array of ways that a door can open. Most of them are hinged, but sliding and rolling doors are definitely becoming more popular with each passing year. There are advantages to all of these styles, so let’s unpack them!

Hinged Doors

Doors that swing open and closed on hinges are by far the most common type of door out there. With good reason, too- they’re easy to open and shut, and even easier to install locks on for privacy.

You might worry that getting a hinged door is too basic and uninteresting, but this isn’t the case at all! They’re a classic for a reason. Look into styles like these composite doors for ideas on how to put a new spin on your classic hinged door.

Sliding and Rolling Doors

Even if a hinged door is the first thing that comes to mind when you start looking for a new door, don’t fool yourself into thinking it’s the only option. Have you ever gone out on a patio by sliding open a plastic door horizontally? That’s a rolling door, and they’re pretty cool.

Rolling doors are unique and aesthetically pleasing. They’re great for use anywhere in your home that you want to look modern and funky.

Choosing a Style

Of course, no door is perfect for your house if it doesn’t go with your aesthetic. If things in your home don’t match, you and guests may feel awkward. By making sure that your door has a consistent color and pattern with the rest of your home, you’ll be ensuring that the space is more comfortable for all who enter it.

Colors

Never underestimate the color of a door. It’s the first thing people see when they enter a room, so its decor sets the tone for how people think about the space behind it.

This is even more the case when it’s the front door leading into your home. Luckily, there are a ton of options to choose from. If you prefer, you can also color your door in any way you like to give your home the feel that you want it to have.

Textures

There are also a variety of textures you can use for your door. Of course, this is heavily reliant on the material you use- of course, a PVC door will be more smooth than a wooden one, and of course, wood will have a somewhat grainy texture.

Still, you have some control over the situation.

Patterns

In addition to the texture of your door, think about the type of pattern you want. For wooden doors, this might just be the way that the grain looks or is sanded, but you can also consider the ways that you want it carved.

For any kind of door, consider how you want it to be painted. Add in different colors to give your home’s entrance a unique flair.

What Type of Door is Best for You?

There are a lot of different door types out there, and finding the perfect one for your home can be rough. Luckily, it’s because of this variety that you can look into new styles and find a door that matches your vision for any room of your house.

Now that you know how to choose the best type of door for your house, check out this article to learn the most secure locks to put on that door. Locking up can go a long way in protecting your items.

Have fun redecorating!

Swimming pools are a pretty popular fixture for Florida homeowners — there are more than 392,000 pools throughout the state! In fact, the only state with more swimming pools that Florida is California.

Are you considering installing a pool in your backyard? If so, you may have a lot of questions about the installation process.

If you’re confused about what you need to do for a successful pool installation, we’re here to help.

Read on to learn more about the best time of year to install a pool. You’ll also learn some other tips for installing pools in Florida.

The Best Time to Install Pools in Florida

You can technically install a pool at any time of the year in Florida. Some times are better than others, though, depending on your goals and priorities.

Fall/Winter Installations

If you install a pool during the fall or winter, you get to enjoy lower prices than if you had it installed during the spring or summer.

The cost of goods tends to spike at the beginning of each year. Because of this, installing your pool during the fall or winter will allow you to take advantage of lower supply costs.

A fall or winter installation can be better for your landscaping, too. Some damage to the yard will always occur during the installation process.

If you have the pool installed in the fall or winter, though, you’ll have more time to repair the damage and allow the grass to regrow before spring and summer rolls around. This way, your backyard will be more pool party-ready.

Often, the interest spent financing the pool can actually be a tax write-off, too. Who doesn’t want that?

Spring/Summer Installations

There are plenty of benefits that come with a fall or winter installation. For most people, this is the best time to install a pool.

There are benefits to waiting for the spring and summer, too, though.

Sometimes, pool installation companies will run specials during these seasons, so you can still find a good deal if you look carefully. This is especially true if you’re shopping during the early spring.

You also don’t have to spend months staring longingly at the pool before you can use it.

Winters in Florida are nowhere near as cold as they are in the rest of the country. You still might not be feeling up to an outdoor swim in the middle of December, though.

If you want to be able to splash in your pool from day one, waiting till spring or summer will allow you to do that.

Bonus Tips for Installing Pools

In addition to choosing the right time to install your pool, there are lots of other things you need to think about before you invest in one. Here are some bonus tips that will help you choose the best pool and ensure the installation goes as smoothly as possible:

Choose the Right Contractor

As with any home improvement project, the right contractor can make the job much easier.

Do plenty of research to ensure you’re working with an experienced, reliable contractor. Talk to friends or family members who have recently installed pools, or do some online research to find out which contractors in your area have the best reputation.

Remember, the more work you do up front to find the right contractor, the less work you’ll have to do later on.

Choose the Right Style

Look at lots of different pool styles before you choose one for your backyard.

From tile options and colors to shapes and depths, there’s a lot to consider when you’re investing in a pool.

Think carefully about all these factors to ensure you get a pool that you love and will enjoy floating in regularly.

Think About the Location

Use extra care when thinking about the location of your pool. It’s going to be there for a long time, so it ought to be in a place that you love, and that makes sense for your yard.

Think about the areas in your backyard where digging will be easiest. Consider the pool’s proximity to other fixtures, too.

For example, will you have trees that hang overhead? If so, you’ll have to do more cleaning to get rid of leaves. Do you want your pool in the shade, or will that impede your sunbathing plans?

Expect Increased Power Consumption

There’s no getting around it. When you install a pool in your backyard, your power consumption will increase. It takes a lot of extra power to heat and filter that pool.

Plan for increased power bills and make sure there’s room in your budget to pay those bills before you invest in a pool.

Plan for Maintenance Costs

Remember, there’s more money involved in having a pool than just the initial installation cost.

You’ll have to pay for maintenance, too. This includes chemicals, cleaning products, and repairs if it breaks down.

Keep these costs in mind and budget for them, so you don’t get an unpleasant surprise if something goes wrong with your pool.

Invest in a Fence and Cover

Every homeowner who has a pool ought to invest in a cover and fence for it, too. The cover will help to keep your pool clean and minimize maintenance costs.

The fence will keep children away from your pool and save you from the potential of having a tragic accident on your hands.

Update Your Insurance Policy

Be sure to update your homeowners’ insurance policy, too. Pools can be a liability, and it’s a good idea to invest in extra coverage to protect yourself if an accident occurs in the future.

Install Your Pool in Florida Today

As you can see, there’s a lot to take into account when it comes to installing pools in Florida.

If you remember these tips, though, it’ll be much easier for you to get your pool installed and have the backyard of your dreams.

Are you looking for more home renovation advice? Whether you want to update your house for yourself or make it more appealing to future buyers or renters, we’ve got tips for you.

Check out some of our other home renovation blog posts today to learn more.

If you want to add value to your property, but don’t have a massive budget, then fear not. There are some simple things you can do yourself that won’t cost the earth, but could offer a good return on investment should you decide to sell.

Give your garden a makeover

Your garden is the first thing that people see when they approach your house. Whether you have a small yard or a flower-bordered patch of grass, how it looks matters. You don’t even have to be particularly green-fingered. The following points are great starters for ten:

• Mow your lawn
• Trim back any bushes
• Pull up weeds and apply weed killer
• Pressure wash your path, decking or any paving stones
• Fix any broken fence panels
• Repaint any fence panels
• Clear any rubbish

Give your home some Curb appeal

Your garden/outside area is important, but it’s only one part of increasing your property’s curb appeal. You also need to think of the exterior of your actual property. Some things you might want to address are:

• Re-painting your front door
• Repainting window frames
• Repointing brickwork
• Replacing cracked or broken cladding
• Repairing a broken or damaged garage door

Let the light in

Letting natural light into your home is really important. Not only will it make you feel less claustrophobic, it will create the illusion of space. Making sure that your windows are clean sounds like an obvious suggestion. However, lots of people don’t realise how dirty their windows are until they actually come to clean them. You can do this yourself for free or you can hire a professional to come on a regular basis to do it for you. Ask neighbours if they can recommend anyone or look online for companies with good reviews.

Install bright energy efficient lights for the winter months as these are the closest thing to natural light when the nights become darker earlier.

If you have any friends who are builders then you could ask them to install either a skylight or sliding doors for a relatively cheap price. These will add that all-important feeling of space and will enable more natural light to filter into your property.

Odd jobs

We all have jobs around the house that we have put off doing til another day. Make that day now by tackling the following:

• Replace any missing or broken door handles
• Re-paint walls, skirting boards and doors/door frames
• Replace any missing tiles in the bathroom or kitchen
• Re-grout tiles
• Plaster over any surface cracks
• Fix leaking taps

If you have carpets then it might be worth hiring a carpet cleaner to freshen them up slightly especially if you have pets. Alternatively, if you have wooden floors then it might be time to give them a fresh lick of varnish to bring them back to life. If there are any nails poking out or loose bits of carpet then tack these down so they are neater and safer.

Lofty heights

You can buy rolls of loft insulation from most larger DIY stores and install it yourself easily enough. Although getting a professional to do the job for you can be a longer-term solution for insulating your property effectively, this racks the cost up significantly. Some home owners are eligible for grants that enable you to make your home more energy efficient without it costing you a lot. The Energy Saving Trust will let you know if you’re eligible and what you need to do to apply. Energy efficient properties will not only have reduced energy bills, but will be much more appealing if you decide to sell your property.

Space saving

A lack of storage space can make your home seem more cluttered. As well as de-cluttering on a regular basis, try to make use of the space you have and incorporate clever storage solutions to keep things tidy. You can build shelving units, add under-bed storage or fit doors to create cupboards. There are all sorts of clever ideas these days. Now is the time to get inventive and look for the following:

• Cellar space – this can be a really useful storage area for items you don’t use very often. If there are any damp issues then make sure that the items you’re storing are protected
• Under the stairs – this is ideal for storing hoovers, linens or even incorporating coat hooks and shoe racks
• Chimney breast dead space – these are great for incorporating fitted wardrobes or dressers as they are out of the way

Looking carefully at the layout of your home will throw up some great storage solution ideas. Once you start looking, you’ll be surprised.

By starting with little to no budget, you’ll soon realise how capable you are of making some big changes to your home that will add value. If you decide to sell your house quickly then a cash buyer like The Property Buying Company could help. They’ll factor in any work you’ve done to your property in order to offer you a fair price.

Some people move home when they grow tired of a house, but that isn’t always an option. Perhaps you don’t have the money to move right now, or perhaps you’re simply not ready to give up on your humble abode. Whatever the case, it’s always worth trying to spark life back into a tired old home if you can. Often, the problems with a household aren’t as major as they might seem. Let’s talk about the changes that could massively rejuvenate your home.

A conversion project

A conversion project is a change that could massively rejuvenate your home. Essentially, the goal is to repurpose existing space in your household. You might be wasting a room that could be turned into something so much more. For instance, your attic or your garage might be used as storage space for your belongings, but these rooms could be converted into guest bedrooms or perhaps even family rooms for games and other activities. You might even want to seek help from an architect to turn them into something exciting. With the right design, your household could be converted into something brand new and vibrant.

Some personal touches

If your home feels a little bare then it might just be missing some personal touches. No matter how stylish a house might be, it’ll feel devoid of any character or personality if it doesn’t reflect the preferences of you and your family. It should be decorated in a way that accurately portrays your characteristics.

You might want to start by adding some artwork. This is a great way to add some life to bare walls in your home, but you could even create the art yourselves to really make the decor feel personal. You and your family don’t have to be seasoned artists to do this; the point is that it’ll be something you’ve created yourselves. That’ll make it feel special to you and your loved ones. It’ll make the design of your humble abode feel unique.

An updated exterior design

Another change that could massively rejuvenate your home is an updated exterior design. Remember that your outdoor area is as much a part of your home as your indoor area. There’s no point in redecorating your household’s interior if you’re going to neglect its exterior.

First impressions are everything, and you’ll still feel as if you’re approaching the same old house if you do nothing to improve the front of your property. Start off by repainting your front door; a fresh coat of paint will make it bright and appealing, but it’ll also protect your door from the elements. Planting some flowers in your front yard could also help to lift the appearance of this outdoor area. Don’t forget your back garden either.

You might want to create a hidden patio area so that you have a cozy little retreat from the world. A patio should feel like an outdoor living room. Get some cushioned seats and perhaps even an awning for shelter.

Home theaters are truly awesome because you can enjoy your favorite movies from the comfort of your home and get a theater–quality experience. Now, with that being said, not everybody has a massive house or even a full spare room to dedicate to a home theater.  

You might have a small space that you are working with, and yes, this might cause some problems for you when it comes to setting up your home theater and fitting all of the equipment in there. The guys at Ultimate Home Centre definitely have some good tips when it comes to this kind of thing. For now, let’s go over 6 tips for building an awesome home theater is a small space. The space might not be huge, but making the most of it is what you need to go for.  

1. Always Measure First

The first and maybe the most important tip here is to always measure out the room you are planning to use before you get started. Measure the length, width, and even the height of the walls to get an accurate reading. You want to know how much space you have to work with, and this goes for seating arrangements as well as setting up all of the equipment.  

There is nothing worse than buying all of your home theater gear, only to come back home and realize that you don’t have enough room to fit everything comfortably in there.  

2. Go With a Projector

If you are tight on space, getting a massive HD television might not be the best way to go. Sure, technology has come a long way and televisions are definitely smaller than they used to be, but they do still take up a fair amount of space. A good tip here is to go with a projector, and more so, go with a ceiling–mounted projector. This way, the projector is not in the way and you don’t have a television taking up space.  

A projector can be a space–saving and cost–effective option if you don’t have much room to work with, not to mention that the image you get can be very large still, plus of a good quality too.  

3. Get a Sound Bar or Bookshelf Speakers

Now, you might be considering getting a massive surround–sound setup for your new home theater, but this might just not be very realistic. You might be looking at a dozen separate speakers, and some can be quite large, and that’s going to take up some serious space.  

Some bookshelf speakers or a simple sound bar might not provide you with quite the same audio quality as a big–time surround sound system, but there are still good options out there, ones with good sound quality for a decent price, ones that won’t eat up a ton of space.  

4. Pay Attention to Lighting

Also, when you are working with a small room, chances are that you might not actually have a room dedicated solely for the home theater setup. You might be using a small home office or just your living room, and this means that you do want to plan things out.  

You definitely do not want to have the TV facing toward or away from a window, because that is going to cause glare and lighting issues. However, you might just have to deal with windows in a small space, in which case getting some decent blackout curtains might be the best way to go.  

5. Don’t Crowd the Space

Perhaps one of the most important tips for creating a home theater in a small space is to not overcrowd the room. Sure, 4 seats might be better than 2, but if everything is going to be cramped, there is simply no point. 

6. Map it All Out First

You absolutely want to map everything out before you get to purchasing the home theater equipment and setting it up. You might want to create a floorplan or a blueprint, so you can get organized before you have all of the gear in the room. It’s a lot easier to be able to place all of the items in the right place right away, instead of having to shuffle stuff around with everything else in the way.  

Conclusion  

There you have it folks, 6 vital tips for building the best home theater you can manage in a small space. Be sure to measure twice and map everything out, don’t overcrowd the room, and buy equipment that is space–friendly. Sure, you might want a huge home theater setup, but sometimes the space you have to work with is limited, so your only option is to simply make the best of it.