The Best Exterior Upgrades to Boost Curb Appeal in Central Ohio

When you think about adding more space to your home, you might immediately picture building an addition. But sometimes the space you are looking for is already there, just waiting to be brought to life. If you have an unfinished basement, you have the opportunity to create something truly special — and it can do a lot more than just add square footage. At New Look Home Solutions, we help homeowners in Newark, Heath, Utica, and throughout Central Ohio turn their basements into comfortable, functional spaces they love to use. Finishing your basement is one of the smartest ways to add value to your home and improve your quality of life.  This blog is here to give you ideas and information about basement finishing. Every home is different, and we always recommend reaching out if you would like personal advice on what is possible for your space. Why Basement Finishing is a Smart Investment An unfinished basement is like a blank canvas. It is full of potential but often goes unused. When you finish your basement, you are not just making it look better. You are creating real, livable square footage that can change how you use your entire home. Some of the biggest benefits of a finished basement include More usable living space without the cost of an addition Flexible space that can change with your needs A boost in overall home value Improved energy efficiency with proper insulation A better flow throughout the house by relieving crowded upstairs areas In the Newark housing market and surrounding areas, having a finished basement can also make your home more appealing to future buyers if you ever decide to sell. Ways You Can Use a Finished Basement One of the best parts of finishing your basement is how versatile it can be. No matter what stage of life you are in, you can create a space that works for you right now — and can be adapted down the road. Popular ideas for basement finishing include A family room or media room for movie nights and game days A home gym with plenty of space for equipment A guest suite for visiting friends and family A quiet home office away from the main living spaces A playroom for kids to keep toys organized and contained A hobby room for crafting, woodworking, or music A wet bar or second kitchen for entertaining A private space for teenagers or adult children We work with homeowners across Central Ohio to design basements that fit their goals and lifestyles, not just a one-size-fits-all plan. What to Consider Before Starting a Basement Remodel Before you start picking out paint colors and furniture, it is important to make sure your basement is ready to be finished properly. A high-quality basement remodel in Newark Ohio needs a strong foundation to build on. Here are a few key things to think about Moisture Control: Basements are naturally more prone to moisture. We make sure the space is properly waterproofed and ventilated to prevent problems like mold and mildew. Ceiling Height: Some older homes have lower basement ceilings. We help design layouts that make the most of the available space while keeping everything up to code. Egress Windows: If you plan to add bedrooms or sleeping areas, proper egress windows are required for safety. We can guide you through what is needed. Heating and Cooling: Extending your HVAC system or installing alternative heating and cooling solutions keeps the space comfortable year-round. Electrical and Plumbing: Whether you are adding a bathroom, kitchenette, or just need more outlets, planning the electrical and plumbing early helps avoid surprises later. When you work with New Look Home Solutions, we handle all of these considerations and make sure every step of the process is done the right way. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Basement Remodeling We have seen a lot of basements in our years of remodeling across Central Ohio. One thing we always recommend is taking the time to plan carefully and avoid cutting corners. Some common mistakes we help homeowners avoid include Ignoring moisture problems before starting work Using the wrong types of materials that are not suited for basement environments Overlooking building permits and inspections Underestimating the need for proper lighting and ventilation Creating layouts that feel cramped or disconnected from the rest of the home A finished basement should feel like a natural extension of your home, not an afterthought. Our team makes sure every basement remodel is approached with care, experience, and attention to detail. Choosing the Right Finishes for Your Basement The materials you choose for your basement remodel can make a big difference in the final look and feel of the space. For flooring, we often recommend options like Luxury vinyl plank flooring, which handles moisture well and looks great Tile flooring for bathrooms, laundry areas, or wet bars Carpet squares that can be easily replaced if needed For walls and ceilings, moisture-resistant drywall and finishes are important to help protect your investment over time. Lighting is another important piece. Because basements tend to have less natural light, we incorporate a mix of recessed lighting, wall sconces, and other fixtures to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Every basement finishing project we do is customized based on what the homeowner needs, their budget, and how they plan to use the space. How a Finished Basement Can Change Daily Life It is hard to overstate the difference a finished basement can make. Suddenly, your home feels bigger, more organized, and better suited to your lifestyle. You might find that The kids have their own space to play, leaving your living room cleaner You finally have a quiet home office where you can focus Hosting guests feels easier and more comfortable You have a spot for hobbies and relaxation you never had before Your home feels more functional and less cluttered Finishing a basement is not just about adding rooms. It is about unlocking new ways to enjoy your home every day. How New Look Home Solutions Can Help At New Look Home Solutions, we specialize in helping Newark Ohio homeowners and families across Central Ohio turn unfinished basements into beautiful, usable spaces. When you work with us, you can expect A detailed consultation to talk through your goals and budget Honest advice about what is possible and what to expect Custom design solutions to make the most of your space Professional craftsmanship backed by a bonded and insured team Clear communication from start to finish We do not believe in pushing you toward a project you are not ready for. We are here to listen, offer ideas, and help you make the decision that is right for you. Final Thoughts If you are looking for a way to add value, functionality, and comfort to your home, finishing your basement might be the answer you have been looking for. At New Look Home Solutions, we are proud to be the trusted name for basement finishing in Newark Ohio and throughout Central Ohio. If you are ready to explore what is possible for your space, reach out to us today. We would love to help you bring your basement to life.

Your kitchen is more than just a place to cook meals. It is the heart of your home, the gathering place for family and friends, and often the room that sets the tone for the rest of your space. If your kitchen does not feel comfortable, functional, or inviting anymore, it might be time to consider a remodel. At New Look Home Solutions, we work with homeowners across Newark, Heath, Utica, and the surrounding Central Ohio communities to transform outdated kitchens into spaces they love. We are here to help you spot the signs that it might be time for a kitchen remodel, and what a fresh, new space could mean for you. This blog is for educational purposes only. Every home and situation is different, so we recommend reaching out for a consultation if you would like help deciding what the best next step is for your home. Your Kitchen Feels Cramped or Awkward One of the biggest signs it is time for a kitchen remodel is when the space just does not work for your lifestyle anymore. Maybe you constantly bump into cabinets or appliances. Maybe there is not enough counter space to prepare meals comfortably. Maybe you find yourself wishing for more storage or better flow every time you cook. Older kitchens, especially those built decades ago, often do not match the way modern families live today. If you feel like your kitchen is always getting in the way instead of making life easier, it might be time to reimagine the layout. A remodel could open up the floor plan, add an island, increase cabinet space, or create better sightlines between the kitchen and living areas. Our team at New Look Home Solutions can help design a layout that fits how you actually use your space every day. Your Cabinets, Counters, or Floors Are Showing Major Wear It is natural for kitchens to show some signs of use over the years. After all, it is one of the most heavily used rooms in any house. But there is a difference between normal wear and tear and serious deterioration. If you are seeing issues like: Cabinet doors that will not close properly Cracked or warped countertops Flooring that is scratched, stained, or peeling Water damage around sinks, dishwashers, or refrigerators these are more than just cosmetic problems. They can lead to bigger issues if they are not addressed. Water damage in particular can cause mold, rot, and even structural problems if left untreated. A full kitchen remodel allows you to not only replace worn surfaces but also address any underlying issues before they get worse. Choosing durable, modern materials also means your new kitchen will stay looking great for years to come. Your Appliances Are Outdated or Inefficient Appliances play a huge role in how functional and energy-efficient your kitchen is. If your stove, refrigerator, or dishwasher is more than 10 to 15 years old, it might be costing you more than you realize. Older appliances often use much more electricity and water than newer models. They also lack the convenient features that many homeowners appreciate today, like smart technology, better storage designs, and faster cooking times. If you are already thinking about replacing one or two appliances, it might make sense to look at the bigger picture. A kitchen remodel gives you the opportunity to redesign the space around new appliances so that everything fits and works together seamlessly. At New Look Home Solutions, we can help you plan a kitchen remodel in Newark Ohio that supports new appliances, better energy use, and a smoother workflow. Your Kitchen Style Feels Stuck in the Past Styles change over time, and what once felt modern can eventually start to feel dated. Maybe your kitchen still has laminate countertops from the 1980s, dark oak cabinets from the 1990s, or fluorescent lighting that makes the space feel harsh and unwelcoming. Even if everything still technically works, having a kitchen that feels stuck in another decade can affect how much you enjoy your home. A remodel does not have to mean tearing everything down to the studs, but updating key elements like: Cabinets and hardware Countertops and backsplash Lighting fixtures Paint colors Flooring can completely transform the look and feel of the room. We work with homeowners throughout Central Ohio to create kitchens that feel timeless, welcoming, and a true reflection of their personal style. You Are Planning to Sell Your Home If you are thinking about selling your home in the next few years, remodeling your kitchen could be a smart investment. Kitchens are one of the most important spaces that potential buyers look at when deciding whether to make an offer. A clean, modern, and functional kitchen can help your home stand out in a competitive market. It can also help increase the overall value of your home, making it more appealing and potentially leading to a faster sale. Of course, the right remodeling choices depend on your goals and the local market. At New Look Home Solutions, we help Newark homeowners make smart updates that appeal to buyers without over-investing. Your Family’s Needs Have Changed Life changes, and your kitchen needs can change with it. Maybe you have a growing family and need more space for meal prep and family gatherings. Maybe you are becoming an empty nester and want a kitchen that is easier to navigate and maintain. Maybe you have picked up a love of cooking and need a space that supports your new hobby. Whatever the change is, your kitchen should support your lifestyle, not make it harder. A remodel can help create a kitchen that fits where you are in life today and where you see yourself going in the years ahead. How New Look Home Solutions Can Help If any of these signs sound familiar, it might be time to explore a kitchen remodel. At New Look Home Solutions, we are proud to be one of the trusted kitchen remodeling contractors in Central Ohio. We bring experience, craftsmanship, and personal attention to every project. When you work with us, you can expect A detailed consultation to understand your needs and goals Custom design options tailored to your style and budget Professional installation by a bonded and insured team Clear communication from start to finish We are not here to pressure you into a remodel you do not need. Our goal is to help you make the right decision for your home and your family. If a few small updates are enough, we will tell you. If a full remodel makes more sense, we can guide you through that process too. Final Thoughts Your kitchen should be a space that brings you comfort, joy, and functionality. If it feels cramped, worn out, outdated, or just not right for your lifestyle anymore, it might be time to consider a remodel. At New Look Home Solutions, we are here to help Newark and Central Ohio homeowners create kitchens they love coming home to. If you are thinking about a kitchen remodel in Newark Ohio, or just want to explore your options, reach out to us today. Let’s talk about what is possible for your home.

We’ve been remodeling bathrooms in Newark, OH and surrounding areas for years, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned—it’s that even the most excited homeowners can run into trouble when they don’t have the right guidance. A bathroom renovation is a big investment, and the last thing you want is to end up with regrets or costly redos. So today, we’re pulling back the curtain and sharing seven of the most common mistakes we see during bathroom remodels—and how you can avoid them like a pro. Mistake #1: Not Planning Enough Storage Sure, floating vanities and sleek designs look great on Pinterest, but where are you going to keep your extra towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies? Lack of storage is one of the biggest complaints we hear after a DIY remodel. How to avoid it: Before we touch a single tile, we help you think through what you actually need to store in your space. That means finding creative storage solutions like recessed shelves, vertical cabinets, or double-drawer vanities that make the most of every inch. Mistake #2: Prioritizing Looks Over Durability We love a beautiful bathroom as much as anyone—but it’s not just about what looks good. Bathrooms deal with daily moisture, fluctuating temps, and heavy use. Choosing the wrong materials can lead to headaches down the line. How to avoid it: We only recommend materials that we know hold up in real-world bathrooms—like water-resistant flooring, mold-resistant paint, and sealed grout. Our goal is to make sure your space stays looking brand-new for years, not just the first six months. Mistake #3: Forgetting About Ventilation You’d be amazed how many older homes in Newark either don’t have bathroom fans or have ones that barely work. That might not seem like a big deal… until you start seeing mold spots or peeling paint. How to avoid it: Every bathroom we remodel gets proper ventilation. We make sure there’s a fan that’s sized right for your space, and we vent it to the outside (not your attic). It’s one of those small things that makes a huge difference in the long run. Mistake #4: Underestimating the Budget You don’t want to get halfway through a remodel and realize you’ve run out of money—or worse, have to cut corners. It happens more often than you’d think. How to avoid it: We walk you through a realistic, transparent estimate from the beginning. We also recommend setting aside a small cushion (usually around 10–15%) for the unexpected, so you’re never caught off guard. Mistake #5: Skimping on Lighting Bad lighting can ruin even the most beautiful bathroom. Too dim, and you’re squinting in the mirror. Too harsh, and it feels like a hospital. How to avoid it: We use layered lighting—meaning ambient (ceiling), task (around the vanity), and accent lighting to create a warm, balanced space. And yes, we always recommend dimmers. Because nobody wants overhead lighting at 6 AM. Mistake #6: Getting Too Trendy We get it—bold tile, statement tubs, and black fixtures are everywhere right now. And we love incorporating fresh styles. But going all-in on a trend without thinking about the long-term can date your bathroom fast. How to avoid it: We help you strike the right balance. That means using trend-forward touches in places that are easy to update (like mirrors or wall colors), while keeping your foundation—tile, fixtures, cabinets—timeless. Mistake #7: Trying to DIY the Whole Thing Some projects are perfect for DIY. Others… not so much. Bathrooms involve plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, and layout planning. And if any of that goes sideways, the fixes can be expensive. How to avoid it: We take the stress off your shoulders by handling everything from start to finish. You don’t have to juggle five different contractors or figure out how to install a shower valve. We’ve got it all covered—efficiently and professionally. At the end of the day, a bathroom remodel should make your life easier. It should reflect your style, meet your needs, and feel good every time you step inside. That’s exactly what we aim to deliver on every project. If you’re ready to start planning, let’s talk. We’ll walk you through your options, help you avoid the headaches, and bring your dream bathroom to life—without the guesswork. Because this isn’t just what we do. It’s what we do well .

Choosing new flooring is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make in your home—but with so many materials, styles, and price points out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re building from scratch, remodeling, or just looking to freshen things up, the right flooring can completely change the look, feel, and functionality of your space. If you’re living in Newark, Ohio or the surrounding area, it helps to think about your home’s style, how you use each room, and even the local climate. From warm summers to wet winters, your floors need to stand up to all four seasons—and your lifestyle too. Let’s break down the most popular flooring options and help you figure out what makes the most sense for your home. Start by thinking about how each room is used on a daily basis. Do you have pets or kids running around? Is it a high-traffic space like a kitchen or hallway, or a quiet, cozy spot like a bedroom? For example, a bathroom or basement may need waterproof flooring, while a bedroom might benefit from something soft and quiet underfoot. The best flooring choice is one that balances function, comfort, and style. Luxury vinyl plank, or LVP, has become one of the top flooring options for homeowners in Newark—and for good reason. It mimics the look of real hardwood or stone but is more budget-friendly and more resistant to water and wear. It’s especially great for families, pet owners, and anyone who doesn’t want to spend time stressing over spills. LVP is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and super easy to maintain. Plus, the design options are impressive—from rustic wood tones to sleek modern finishes, you can find something that fits any décor style. Hardwood flooring continues to be a classic favorite, especially in living rooms, dining areas, and even bedrooms. There’s something about the natural grain, warmth, and character of real wood that just can’t be replicated. That said, hardwood requires a bit more maintenance than other options. It’s not ideal in areas where moisture or heavy traffic is an issue. In a place like Newark, where we see a fair amount of rain and snow throughout the year, you’ll want to make sure wood floors are sealed properly, and you might even consider engineered hardwood for added durability. If you love the timeless look of wood but want something a little easier to maintain, engineered wood is a smart alternative. Laminate flooring is another solid choice, especially if you’re on a tighter budget but still want a wood-look finish. Laminate has come a long way in recent years and now offers surprisingly realistic designs and textures. It’s easy to install, clean, and maintain. However, it’s not quite as durable as vinyl or wood, and it doesn’t handle moisture well. For that reason, you’ll want to avoid using it in bathrooms or basements unless it's specifically designed to be water-resistant. Tile is a popular pick for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways because of its durability and water resistance. Ceramic and porcelain tiles come in a huge range of styles, from classic subway tile to bold patterned looks. In Ohio, tile also pairs well with radiant heating systems—something to consider if you want warm floors during those chilly Newark winters. While tile is incredibly tough and long-lasting, it can feel cold and hard underfoot, so it’s not always the best choice for living areas or bedrooms unless you layer in some rugs or underfloor heating. Carpet still holds a place in many homes, especially in bedrooms, playrooms, and finished basements. It adds comfort, warmth, and sound insulation that hard flooring can’t match. Today’s carpets are available in more stain-resistant, durable fibers than ever, making them a practical option even for families with kids or pets. Just keep in mind that carpet can be trickier to keep clean in high-traffic areas and isn’t the best option if you’re concerned about allergens. For basements, consider going with a moisture-resistant option like vinyl, tile, or sealed concrete. Basements in the Newark area can be prone to dampness, especially in spring or after a heavy rain. Using the wrong flooring down there can lead to warping, mold, or costly repairs later on. Once you’ve narrowed down your flooring type, think about the finish and color. Lighter tones can make small rooms feel bigger, while darker tones add richness and depth. Matte finishes tend to hide dust and scratches better, whereas glossy finishes can give your space a sleek, modern look. Also, consider how the new flooring will look next to the rest of your home—consistency between rooms can help everything feel more connected. Another big factor to keep in mind is installation. Some flooring types are perfect for DIY projects, while others should really be handled by professionals. If you’re replacing flooring throughout your home or dealing with tricky spaces like stairs, uneven subfloors, or tight corners, hiring a pro can save you time, frustration, and even money in the long run. That’s where a local expert like New Look Home Solutions can make all the difference. They understand how Newark homes are built and what types of flooring perform best in this area. Whether you’re looking for a full-flooring overhaul or just need help choosing the right material for one room, their team can walk you through every step of the process—from picking styles and samples to handling installation with precision. Plus, working with a local team means better accountability, faster service, and a crew that’s just a short drive away if you ever have questions or need follow-up support. They’ve worked on all kinds of homes around Newark, from historic houses to brand-new builds, and they know how to deliver quality results that last. At the end of the day, choosing the right flooring for your home is all about finding the perfect mix of style, practicality, and comfort. It’s not just about what looks good—it’s about what works for you and your everyday life. With the right material, a thoughtful design, and help from a skilled team, your new floors can completely transform how your home looks and feels.  So if you’re ready to start your flooring project or just want to explore your options, reach out to a local expert who knows how to bring your vision to life. Your dream floor is closer than you think—and the right team can help you walk all over it, in the best possible way.