With more Americans working remotely, the pandemic has sparked an unprecedented wave of home improvement projects, with three out of four homeowners reporting having completed a major upgrade since the start of 2020. People are spending more time in their homes and are thinking differently about how every available space can help them live, work and play at home. Looking for a project? Here are some spaces worth considering:
- The garage: More than just a place to park your car, the garage is home to your tools, sports equipment and toys. And, for most (47.5 million Americans), a bustling passageway to the home. Smarten up your garage with myQ® smart access and ensure your family and prized possessions are safe and secure. With myQ you never have to worry if the garage door was left open. You can check the status of your garage door, plus open and close the garage door from your smartphone — no matter where you are. Plus, myQ’s live video streaming and two-way communication lets you see when the kids get home from school or tell your neighbor where to find the ladder, even when you’re not home. With myQ you can control multiple home entrances all from your phone within the same app. Another added bonus, specifically for Amazon Prime members, is convenient In-Garage Delivery for your Amazon packages and groceries when you link to Amazon Key in the myQ app. Make your garage work for you.
- Outdoor space: Spending time outside comes with an abundance of mental and physical health benefits and has been linked to reducing stress and boosting overall immune system health. By adding a functional, beautiful outdoor living space to your yard, you can take advantage of nature and all its perks whenever you want. Refreshed landscaping, a patio upgrade, a firepit area, and even an outdoor kitchen can help transform your yard into your own personal oasis and improve your quality of life at home. If you’re one of the 70 million households with a pet, you might want to take them into consideration when thinking about your outdoor space. Pet-friendly plants, sturdy grass and dog toys can help your pet feel at home. Add a water station or fun water feature so your pet can hydrate and cool off after playing.
- The laundry room: The average American family does 8-10 loads of laundry a week. Like it or not, you probably spend a lot of time in your laundry area. Updating this space can be easy and budget friendly. Consider installing items that will help you work more efficiently and make use of the existing space such as a utility sink, drying racks and storage. Homeowners with a front-loading washer and dryer can make use of the space on top by adding a butcher block to create a folding station. If you have a basement, garage or detached laundry area, consider adding white paint to the walls and ceiling to brighten up the space.