8 Little Remodeling Touches That Make a Big Difference

Article by: Samantha Schoech

When we did our remodel, our contractor suggested a thousand things I had never really thought about. They weren't necessarily design considerations; they were more quality-of-life considerations — just little things you didn't know you were missing until you had them. 

Here are eight little touches I didn't know I couldn't live without until I lived with them. What are yours?

1. A built-in dish soap dispenser. Because I don't care how nice the bottle is; it's just one more thing cluttering up your countertop.

2. Soft-close hinges. It is impossible to slam a drawer or cabinet in my kitchen. Each closes with a small whisper. It's calming somehow.

3. Large kitchen drawers. Looking down into a well-lit space is much better than looking deep into a dark cabinet. In this kitchen large drawers have completely replaced cabinets. Just make sure they are all soft close.

4. Undercabinet lighting. I know this seems like no-brainer, but before I had it I never knew how useful it could be for task lighting and mood lighting. But spring for LEDs. We opted for fluorescent to save money, and we regret it.

5. Dimmer switches. Because there are a thousand stops between on and off.

6. A garage keypad. You will never be locked out of your house again.

7. A motion-activated porch light. You will never fumble in the dark for your keys again.

8. An automatic drip system. People told us, they did. But we didn't listen, and because of that we killed a lot of plants over 12 years. Last year we finally had an irrigation system put in. The yard is nicer, the plants are healthier and life is easier.