It’s fun to think about all the ways you could make your home bigger and better. Maybe you’ve always wanted a sunroom or you’re thinking about adding an extra bedroom for your growing family. Whatever the reason, adding on to your house can often be more cost-effective than buying a new home. That’s not to say additions are easy. It’s more complicated than adding a genie garage door or smart locking system to your home, so you should be prepared for a few things.

Will It Add Value?

Additions cost less than a new home, but this doesn’t mean they’re cheap. An important question to ask yourself is “Will this addition add value to my home overall?” When an addition adds value to your house, that means you could eventually recoup the costs if you ever sell. If it doesn’t add value, then you’re spending money with no chance of a return.

This question does depend on if you plan to sell in the future, though. If you’re happy in your forever home and just need a little more space or added features, then you won’t have to worry so much about a return on your investment.

Can You Be More Cost-Effective?

Sometimes what we want can come with a big price tag. It’s hard to widdle down your dreams, but in some situations, it can help to reevaluate what’s truly a necessity. Maybe you can renovate an existing room instead of adding one on or use less expensive materials to keep your costs to a realistic budget. It’s tough to make these kinds of judgment calls, so it helps to have a budget set beforehand that you can attempt to work with instead of simply using things you like most at first glance.

Adding on to your home can be fun, but remember to consider the costs and the reasons for an addition before you get started.

Becoming a foster parent is a wonderful thing to do. Not only will it enrich your life, but you will be providing love and support for children who are going through a difficult time. The bonds you make with your foster children are for life, and they will be forever a part of your family. However, it can be challenging at times, especially as your foster child adjusts to their new home and family. This is why doing whatever you can to make them feel as settled as possible in your home is key. Preparing a bedroom for them is one of the first things that you’ll need to do, and here are some tips on how you can create the perfect space for them to feel right at home.

Do Your Research

Try to find out as much as you can about your foster child’s likes and dislikes before they move in with you. You can use this information to help you decorate their new bedroom in a style they like, whether that’s their favorite color, or purchasing some other decorative items that suit their taste. You can also make sure you include any toys, books, music, posters, etc., that they have expressed an interest in to put in their bedroom and make it feel homier for them. You can get tips on how to talk to your foster child and get them to tell you what they like at thefca.co.uk.

Quality Mattress and Bedding

Having a quality mattress is important for everyone, as it can help to aid a good night’s sleep. Your foster child might find it hard to drift off as they get used to their new surroundings, as it’s always a little unsettling when you’re somewhere you’re not used to. This is why having quality bedding is important as it will help them to feel more comfortable and get better rest as they settle into their new home.

Provide a Desk

If you have space in their bedroom, consider getting them a desk that they can use for their homework, writing a journal, drawing, etc. This way, they will have a quiet space to study, and it could also help them to keep their textbooks, notepads, and stationery organized more efficiently. You’ll also need to get them a desk lamp so that they can see what they are doing more clearly without straining their eyes, especially during the winter months or later in the evening.

Storage Space

If you want to encourage your foster child to keep their bedroom tidy, you’ll need to provide adequate storage space for their belongings. A chest of drawers and a wardrobe will be necessary for all of their clothes, and wall shelves can be great for books, magazines, and other items. If they are a younger child, get them a toy chest so that they can keep their bedroom tidy after playtime.

If you are excited about welcoming a foster child into your home, make sure you have created the perfect bedroom for them so that they have a private space that they will feel comfortable in.

Much of the tourism in Missouri focuses on the big cities. However, there are also many opportunities to participate in outdoor activities. Here are some interesting things to do in the Show-Me State during the summer.

1. Go Swimming

There are lots of opportunities to swim in Missouri fiberglass shell pools at hotels, waterparks, and (by invitation) private properties. However, there are also opportunities to go swimming at the Lake of the Ozarks, one of the Midwest’s most popular destinations. Of course, there is a wide array of other aquatic activities you can participate in at Lake of the Ozarks, including fishing and boating. A manmade reservoir, Land of the Ozarks boasts a longer shoreline than the entire state of California.

2. Go to the Zoo

Seeing animals from around the world is always a fun family activity. The St. Louis Zoo is organized into six major regions by ecosystem and is free to the public. The Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield is a modest-sized collection of animals from all over the world organized by continent.

3. Go Underground

Summer in Missouri can be hot and muggy. One way to cool off is by visiting Fantastic Caverns outside of Springfield. Usually, a visit to a cave involves an extensive walking tour. At Fantastic Caverns, you ride through the cave system on a Jeep-pulled tram. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful rock formations as the tour guide tells you about the cave’s history. This makes for a fun and relaxing summer outing.

4. Go for a Stroll

Missouri has many scenic outdoor areas perfect for just taking a leisurely stroll. The Missouri Botanical Gardens is a National Historic Landmark in St. Louis, while the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is located in Springfield.

Other popular attractions in Missouri include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, and the entertainment center of Branson.