Home Upgrades That Are Worth It
May 27, 2022
Home improvements are worth it, and you can quickly implement them even on a tight budget. Some of these improvements may cost more than if you were building from scratch, but they are definitely worth the investment. These small changes add years to your property and provide great convenience.
The Benefits Of Home Improvement Projects
There are so many benefits when it comes to improving your home. Home upgrades that are worth it can help with many things, including reducing energy use and increasing property value.
For example, adding insulation in your attic will help keep heat out during the winter. It also reduces how much heat has to be absorbed by the walls and floors. When it gets cold in your area, less money is spent on heating those rooms.
There are plenty of minor home renovations that will save you money down the road and improve the quality of your life right now. Here are some of the best home upgrades that are worth it.
1. Window Replacement
New windows improve the appeal and privacy of your home. They also protect your home from air infiltration, heat gain, and other indoor pollutants like dust and pollen. Windows with better insulation and energy efficiency also save money over time.
You may not get the most significant return on your investment immediately. But in six months or a year, you will be surprised at how much you are saving. You can put that extra cash towards something else, like an outdoor kitchen!
2. Cool Roofing
This is also among the home upgrades that are worth it. A roofing contracting company can tell you whether you need a cool roof and what kind of maintenance you should do on your current roof.
Cool roofs reflect solar radiation into space instead of absorbing it. This means your house stays cooler during hot weather and avoids costly air conditioning bills.
A cool roof also has less potential to leak and could last longer than traditional asphalt shingle roofing materials. So long as you get the roof from a reputable roofing contractor, it can help reduce the heating and cooling costs. A cool roof can also help improve the appeal of your home.
3. Debris Removal
If you live near a water body or areas that have experienced high rainfall, you know that tons of leafy branches, twigs, sticks, and other plant debris are always lying outside your home.
Debris buildup attracts pests and insects, making your house dirty and unhealthy. The good news is that it is very easy to hire someone to take care of the problem. Remember that it is cheaper and easier to keep up with debris cleanup throughout the winter season so that it doesn’t pile up as badly by springtime. Most junk removal companies offer seasonal rates, so you don’t have to pay full price for their services year-round.
4. Don’t Forget The Stairs.
For most homeowners, stairs are never a consideration when it comes to home upgrades that are worth it. However, stairs are probably the most important part of your home, especially if you happen to be a senior living in an apartment complex or condo.
Stairs enable you to reach different home areas and thus make daily activities more convenient. If you want a faster response from emergency services and need better access to every room in your home, consider hiring the best stair contractors around.
5. Deck Development
If you have been dreaming of having a backyard oasis for years now but aren’t sure how to accomplish this feat, maybe it is time to start installing a deck. This is a really simple project that provides you with an ideal spot to relax outdoors. It is also among the most important home upgrades that are worth it. On top of that, a deck in your backyard can increase your property value.
Decks come in many shapes and sizes, from small decks that attach to your home’s side to giant decks perfect for entertaining large groups—the options are endless! A deck builder uses pressure-treated lumber, composite wood boards, vinyl plank flooring, aluminum railing, and safety equipment such as guard rails and handrail balusters.
6. Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen will add curb appeal to your home while improving its functionality. It gives you the convenience of cooking meals outside without all the hassle of dealing with indoor plumbing.
Outdoor kitchens are also great for entertaining guests by providing central food preparation and cleanup location. Plus, they give your outdoor area a complete transformation. Some of the things to include in your outdoor kitchen include a barbecue grill, a built-in sink faucet, a refrigeration unit, a microwave oven, and a dishwasher.
7. Individualized Window Treatments
People who live in apartments can comfortably decorate the interiors of their homes, just as those who live in their houses can. There are many advantages to having customized window treatments. Among these benefits are privacy, control over the amount of light entering your home, temperature regulation, and noise reduction. You can find an online dealer that provides cheap, affordable window-covering products, so you won’t have to spend a fortune on them.
8. Lights in the Ceiling
Adding ceiling fans allows you to cool off your home naturally, lowering energy costs and helping to create a comfortable environment during the summer months. The fans work best when mounted low, and the airflow should circulate in the same direction as the air coming through your windows. To ensure proper circulation, avoid placing additional furniture against walls where the fan mounts.
9. Landscaping Services
Landscapers can help you plant shrubs, flowers, and grass to beautify the exterior of your house. While some may think of landscaping simply as adding green space to an already-pretty property, landscapers generally aim to improve drainage, reduce erosion, and build attractive and well-designed gardens.
A good landscaper will help you decide what plants will flourish in your specific climate zone before he begins working on your lawn. The goal should be a lush landscape that looks natural and doesn’t interfere with your ability to enjoy your yard. So keep this in mind when picking out ideas.
Also, remember that landscaping projects last much longer than typical home improvement jobs because they require ongoing care and maintenance.
10. Gutters And Downspouts
If you want to keep the exterior of your house looking nice throughout the year, consider investing in metal or plastic gutter guards. These protect your gutters from heavy debris and snow buildup. In most cases, gutters become clogged within an hour after rainstorms, so these guards prevent leaves, twigs, branches, and other matter from going into your gutters and damaging them further.
11. Upgrading the HVAC System
You can save money by hiring a reputable heating and cooling repair service to maintain your existing heating and cooling equipment. Many older systems aren’t very efficient, but if yours has been running fine for several years, there may be no reason to replace it.
Look for a HVAC service contractor who can perform regular repairs and replacements, and make sure your new unit is Energy Star certified. Today, most units come standard with options and features not found on older models, making it easy to upgrade your current system. An air conditioning contractor will also ensure your entire system runs efficiently.
12. Adding windows
During extremely hot days. This is important since even small changes like installing light switches can cause problems with your AC unit. Your air conditioner contractor should be able to tell if your air conditioner is malfunctioning. You can use a few simple tests to determine whether your air conditioner is working correctly.
13. Upgrades To Kitchen Cabinets
Do you have outdated kitchen cabinets that are yearning for an upgrade? Or do you have old appliances sitting on your countertops that could be replaced with more modern ones? Is your kitchen layout limited due to cabinets, and would expanding the design be beneficial? If yes, then you should consider some of the home upgrades that are worth it in your kitchen. There is a wide range of models to consider if you need kitchen remodeling. You only need to find a reliable contractor to help you with the remodeling.
Six Home Upgrades That Are a Huge Waste of Money
It is easy to see why some people spend lots of money on remodeling their homes. Most home upgrades that are worth it tend to be fun as well. The best thing about them is that they can help increase the value of your property!
If you are planning on doing any major renovations on your own, here are four things that you might not realize you are wasting your time on
1. Replace all your windows.
This is not among the home upgrades that are worth it. Replacing multiple windows requires significant cash outlay and even more time. This may not be necessary if your old windows are still functional. Your biggest savings would come by maintaining your old windows instead of investing in new ones. It saves money, but it also saves time since you don’t need to remove existing frames.
2. Do-it-yourself painting projects
Painting rooms white may seem pretty straightforward, but it takes a skilled professional. Trying to do it yourself could lead to a costly mess. Instead, hire a painter who knows how to prep floors, ceilings, trim, and walls first. This way, you won’t make any unsightly mistakes that you won’t notice until it’s too late.
3. Extending without permission
Extending a roofline by at least 2 inches is considered illegal in most states. You have to get written authorization from your local building inspector. If you extend your roofline without permission, you are likely to get a jail sentence. It might also cost you dearly since it can take years to repair damaged asphalt shingles.
4. Investing in too much technology
A modern home is almost non-functional without technology. However, too much of something is not always a good thing. And investing in the latest gadgets doesn’t necessarily translate into having a well-equipped home. You don’t need a smart thermostat if your furnace isn’t too advanced to use, nor do you need a high-end air purifier. You also need to go through a list of the advantages and disadvantages of having a smart home. This will at least give you an idea of how far you should go when it comes to implementing technology in your home.
Living room redesign
Living rooms should serve many purposes. A large and expensive living room might look cool and give you and your guests extra space. But it rarely makes sense for a smaller family. If you have a small family, you don’t necessarily need extra space in your living room. You can save time and resources for other home upgrades that are worth it!
6. Replacing your sink with an under-counter model
Undercounter sinks are designed for smaller spaces and tend to be less expensive than full-size sinks. They also look nicer, and they usually include features like pull-down faucets or built-in soap dispensers. However, these models aren’t ideal for every kitchen design. For example, they create a lot of noise when you pour liquid into them, and they can be hard to access when cleaning dishes.
Bottom line
Home renovation can be awesome, and there are dozens of benefits that accompany some home upgrades. The trick is knowing what kind of project best suits your needs, budget, and skillset–and then getting started ASAP. It is also possible to renovate your home even if you are on a tight budget. You don’t need to break the bank to spruce up your house. Just follow the above tips for home upgrades that are worth it.