8 Little Remodeling Touches That Make a Big Difference

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?

by ExpressDecor.com »

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.

by Chang + Sylligardos Architects »

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.

by Echelon Custom Homes »

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.

by Lumens »

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

by site lines architecture inc. »

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

by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design »

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

by Land Design, Inc. »

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.