Whether you built your home or bought a house from a prior owner, eventually, you’ll consider investing in upgrades. Home improvements can increase the amount of space in your home or change how the existing space functions. You could hire contractors to tear down a wall to create an open kitchen, replace outdated cabinets, or install new windows.
Identifying the home improvements worth investing in begins with identifying your goal. Perhaps you plan to sell your house and want to increase your property value. Alternatively, you may want to alter the way your house functions or adapt your home to changing needs. Whatever your reasons for considering upgrades, the improvements outlined here are some of the best options for home upgrades.
Install replacement windows and doors
Drafty doors and windows allow unwanted airflow. People who live in regions with cold winters may struggle to maintain a consistent internal temperature if they have old windows. In some cases, homeowners may even arrange their furniture to stay away from drafty windows and doors. Unwanted airflow causes a home’s heating system to run frequently and increases your energy costs. Energy costs are also affected by drafty windows in warm regions because the home’s air conditioner will have to work harder to maintain cool indoor spaces. Replacement windows also increase your home’s value.
Investing in new windows is a great way to preserve your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and eliminate drafts. Residents of states such as Florida may benefit from installing hurricane impact windows. Investing in hurricane windows with SolarMax® Glass ensures you have Energy Star windows that block out most of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. These windows are also impact-resistant and won’t shatter if they’re struck by debris. Hurricane windows can withstand winds of up to 100 mph. Investing in windows with a Florida impact window warranty ensures your peace of mind during the next tropical storm or hurricane to hit your state. The warranty covers parts and labor, ensuring if your windows don’t hold up to the storm, you won’t have to worry about the cost of replacement windows.
New doors can also reduce unwanted airflow, eliminate drafts, and protect your home from storm damage.
Maintain your HVAC system and update your thermostat
Your home’s HVAC unit maintains a desirable internal temperature throughout your home. Maintaining your HVAC system ensures it operates when you need it most, which is why it’s a good idea to have your air conditioner inspected in the spring, and your furnace inspected in the fall. Routine maintenance will extend the life of your HVAC system and keep it from running more than it should, helping you control energy costs.
You can also extend your HVAC system’s life by installing a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats have machine learning capabilities. They identify household patterns to determine when to adjust the temperature. When you invest in a new smart thermostat, you’re investing in a system that can anticipate your needs and save you money by adjusting your home’s temperature when the home’s unoccupied, preventing your HVAC system from running unnecessarily. Smart thermostats also have WiFi, enabling them to connect to the Internet. Smart thermostats use this capability to access weather information, which they can display for homeowners.
Adjusting your home’s temperature will help you reduce electricity costs, enabling you to recoup the cost of investing in a smart thermostat and extend your HVAC system’s life simultaneously.
Invest in your curb appeal
When people think about home improvements, they often think about the space inside their homes. Your outdoor space is also essential and can have a significant impact on how your home functions. Curb appeal can also increase your property value.
Suppose you plan to sell your home. A property that’s overgrown and appears to be in disrepair may deter potential buyers from even touring the house. Landscaping can transform outdoor spaces. Extend your living room with a screened-in porch or an outdoor living room with a fire pit. Use a flowerbed to add pops of color to your yard. Make sure you wash your home’s exterior to prevent mold from growing on the siding and trim back branches to prevent them from damaging your roof or siding.
There are multiple home improvement projects you can invest in, but some improvements have a better payoff than others. Investing in replacement windows and doors can help you manage your energy costs and protect your family during storms. Installing a thermostat can help you lower your energy bills and extend the life of your HVAC unit. You can also increase your home’s value and extend your usable space by investing in your outdoor space.