7 Home Improvement Projects For Your Tucson Home
Tucson is a city rich in history and culture, with homes reflecting the area’s diverse architectural influences. In historic neighborhoods, Adobe and Spanish Colonial styles are common, while Mid-Century Modern designs emerged in the 1950s and 60s.
Today, Tucson residents continue to put their own stamp on local architecture. With the average Tucson home over 30 years old, many homeowners are eager to update and upgrade. According to a 2022 study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, expenditures on home improvements in Tucson increased 23% in 2022, the highest rate among major U.S. metro areas. The study cites strong home sales, price appreciation, and high incomes as factors driving remodeling activity. Popular upgrades help modernize homes while preserving southwestern charm.
This article will explore some of the best home improvement projects to enhance the livability and style of Tucson homes.
1. Upgrade the Bathroom
Bathrooms are one of the most popular remodeling projects in Tucson homes. Even modest upgrades like new fixtures and lighting can make bathrooms feel fresh and modern.
Replace outdated tile, surrounds, and vanities to update the look. Consider walk-in showers with built-in seating and frameless glass doors for an elegant spa-like feel. Soaking tubs and separate showers also provide flexibility for families. Look for quality faucets, shower systems, and hardware in brushed metals or oil-rubbed bronze for durability and style. Stylish vessel sinks and unique vanities transform even the smallest baths.
Use textured tiles, Mexican tile accents, and hand-carved wood details for a southwestern vibe. With so many fixtures, finishes, and accessories options, you can create a custom bathroom retreat. Just be sure to work with qualified bathroom remodeling experts in Tucson that are experienced in local building codes and permits.
2. Update Lighting Fixtures
Many Tucson homes, especially older ones, could benefit from updated lighting fixtures. Swapping outdated ceiling fans, overhead lights, sconces, and chandeliers for new fixtures can make a dramatic difference.
For a true southwest style, consider hand-forged iron or tin lighting fixtures. Wrought iron chandeliers and sconces complement Tuscon’s Spanish architectural roots. Try mid-century-inspired pendant lights over kitchen islands or dining tables for a sleek, modern look.
Updating exterior lighting enhances curb appeal and safety. Stylish path lights and attractive porch lanterns showcase your home’s architecture while improving visibility.
3. Install High-Efficiency Windows
With Tucson’s abundant sunshine and hot climate, inefficient windows can send cooling costs soaring. Replacing outdated windows with new high-performance options can significantly improve energy efficiency.
To reduce sunlight, look for double or triple-pane windows, argon gas-filled, and low-emissivity coatings. For older homes, select windows that maintain the original architectural style – wood frames, divided lights, etc. Also, consider solar control and low-E coatings to reduce heat gain further. Tinting films can also be applied to existing windows.
With cooler indoor temperatures in summer, high-efficiency windows quickly pay for themselves in energy savings.
4. Upgrade the Roof
Older roofs allow heat gain and can leak over time. Replacing a dated roof can lower roof surface temperature significantly.
Tile roofs are a classic Tucson choice that handles heat well when properly installed. Look for lighter tile colors or coatings to increase solar reflectance. If you have an existing tile roof, inspect it to identify any needed repairs before leaks occur. For flat roofs, light-colored thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membranes are an efficient option. They can lower rooftop temperatures by up to 50F degrees compared to dark membranes.
A new roof can help reduce indoor temperatures and cut air conditioning costs.
5. Open Up the Floor Plan
Many older Tucson homes have compartmentalized floor plans with small, closed-off rooms. Opening the floor plan creates a lighter, more modern feel. For example, removing walls between a kitchen, dining room, and living room can create a spacious room.
Consider installing large sliding glass doors to connect indoor and outdoor living spaces. Removing dated room dividers and opening up interior spaces enhances livability and flexibility. Just be sure to integrate style elements like archways or built-ins so the home still feels connected rather than chopped up.
6. Create an Outdoor Living Area
Creating an outdoor living space expands your home’s livable footprint. Start with a cozy seating area on a back patio or deck for an intimate feel. Section it off with potted plants, a trellis, or a privacy wall. Consider weather-resistant furnishings like rattan, teak, or all-weather wicker. Add creature comforts like ceiling fans, heaters, a fire pit for evening gatherings, and a landscape with native plants like mesquite trees for shade.
For more extensive projects, build a covered patio addition or extended porch. Integrate features like a stone fireplace, built-in barbecue grill, and dining area. Install fans and misters to stay cool in summer.
7. Upgrade the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so upgrading it pays dividends in enhanced function and livability. Even simple changes like adding a fresh coat of paint in a trendy color, replacing hardware and light fixtures, or installing new countertops can rejuvenate a dated kitchen.
For a more extensive remodel, rearrange the layout for better workflow and replace cabinets and appliances. Frameless cabinetry with glass doors, soft-close hinges, and pull-out shelves increase storage and accessibility. Luxury appliances like pro-style ranges, built-in espresso machines, and wine refrigerators add modern convenience.
Consider opting for easy-clean quartz or granite countertops. Multi-level islands with bar seating promote conversation and connection while cooking. Or embrace the mid-century modern aesthetic popular in Tucson with sleek lines, light wood cabinetry, and retro-inspired appliances.
Conclusion
Tucson homes offer great potential for upgrades that enhance comfort, functionality, and style. With a blend of southwestern and contemporary design, you can modernize your Tucson home while preserving its connection to the region’s rich architectural history. Consider projects like interior spaces or creating outdoor living areas, each promising to bring a fresh perspective to your home.
Additionally, consider exploring the benefits of integrating eco-friendly elements such as solar panels for home energy efficiency, which can save you money and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for your household.
Home improvement projects boost livability and increase your home’s value. With the help of qualified local contractors, you can complete projects that make your Tucson house more comfortable, stylish, and perfectly tailored to your lifestyle.
