How to Introduce Natural Light Into Your Home

You can never change the direction of a house. Whether your home has southern exposure or northern, you’re stuck with it. But if you crave natural light, there are still ways you can introduce natural light into your home.

Clear Some Trees

Trees are effective for shade, but sometimes they can be oppressive, especially if they are blocking the sun’s rays from ever reaching your house. Hire a tree company to come out and trim branches and fell some of the trees on your property. The difference will be noticeable immediately.

Install a Custom Cupola

An architect can design a custom cupola for your house. This will allow natural light to enter from the top. Install the custom cupola in a location that will get the most sun, such as on the roof slope that faces east or west. Custom cupolas have the added benefit of increasing the charm of your house.

Add a Sun Room

If you can afford an addition, a sunroom is a great choice for getting natural light. A sunroom would typically have at least half the wall space as windows on three sides, with possibly a door to the outside on one end. Sun rooms make great reading rooms because of all the natural light that pours in. An architect or builder can design and construct your sunroom.

Install a Solar Light

A solar light, sometimes called a sun tunnel, is a large round tube that installs from the top of your roof to the top of your interior ceiling. These are equipped with special solar glass and mirrors that attract and transfer the light of the sun downward through the tube. The affect can be dramatic and your houseguests may mistake it for a ceiling light. Solar lights need to be installed by certified contractors.

Construct Transom Windows

If you have high ceilings, such as nine-feet high or more, transom windows are a great way to bring natural light into your home. Transom windows are windows that are installed in a wall above regular windows and doors. They can be in plain rectangle shapes or extremely decorative shapes, such as in the shape of a half moon. They can be made with plain glass or full-frosted, or etched with intricate designs. The beauty of transom windows is that they don’t reduce your privacy. You can close your curtains on the lower windows, while still letting natural light in through the transoms. An installer who does custom windows Walnut Creek can install transom windows for you.

After you decide which option you’ll choose to introduce natural light in your home, you’ll be able to enjoy your altered surroundings for years to come. 

High-Impact Exterior Remodeling Ideas

Maintaining a house also maintains its desirability, but remodeling will actively increase it in a variety of ways. A remodeled house, done with a good plan, is certain to look better – but that's just the start. It'll also be more efficient, its features will be easy to use, and it will be free of physical trouble for years to come. Here are some of the projects that will give the most all-around benefit.

Putting in New Windows Adding custom windows Walnut Creek homes freshens up the entire exterior by giving viewers something beautiful and interesting to see. Simply adding a curved portion above a rectangular window can pump up the attractiveness a surprising amount. If all of the houses around already have that, though, it may be a good idea to go with something different. Try an octagonal upper window to stand out in a positive way. New windows also improve the house's efficiency, and the results can be seen as soon as the next power bill comes. This is because they are made with more-efficient methods than before. New windows also are less drafty, so the heat and air conditioning stay where they belong.

Adding New Doors The same companies that sell windows usually sell custom doors as well, and this is because the two things are perfect go-togethers. A new door should tie into the shape or style of the new windows so that everything looks well-designed. Doors that are made of insulation-filled steel panels will grant improved efficiency and security as well as a better appearance. Don't forget about the garage door when doing a remodeling project. These doors are so big that nobody can miss it if the current one looks worn, so if it does, replace it with a bright new one. Insulated options are available for this type of door as well.

Put in a Sunroom Basic sunrooms look something like attached greenhouses only with tinted glass, but there's no reason to stick with the basic. By using a series of small-paned windows with attractive frames, remodelers can obtain a properly-residential look that still lets in plenty of sunlight. Modern window glass doesn't even need to be visibly tinted to keep the room from overheating – clear anti-UV coatings do the job while letting the light shine in. These are just some of the high-impact renovations that can be done to freshen up a house. Talk to a window company or home designer for even more ideas!