Thinking about reinvesting into your home? Smart choice. Putting money back into your property can lead to several long-term benefits, including a higher home value, fewer repairs and problems, and—perhaps most importantly—happiness for you and your family. But, there are so many potential projects. How do you know where to start? In this article, we’ll outline the home upgrades that lead to long-term value, as well as why now is the perfect time to get started.
Start with the essentials
Next to a new kitchen or bathroom, spending your home remodeling dollar on a new roof or furnace might initially seem disappointing. While caring for the essentials of your home might not be as cool as many other projects, it’s the best place to start if you want your home to retain its long-term value. Here’s one way to look at it: if your home needs a new roof, furnace, or pipes, you’re going to have to pay for it, anyway. You might as well be proactive.
So, how do you know exactly which of these essentials is in need of repair or replacement? A professional inspection is a great place to start. Consider your HVAC systems. Most experts and manufacturers recommend that homeowners have their air conditioner inspected at least once per year in the spring and their furnace or heat pump looked at annually in the fall. This ensures that your home’s cooling and heating systems are ready for the summer and winter ahead, respectively. This inspection should only be performed by an experienced home inspection company, like Worthy Inspections. We thoroughly examine the HVAC unit, checking for any issues that may impact performance or efficiency. As part of this service, we’ll also run the system to confirm that its cooling or heating output is within normal limits and that the unit is properly communicating with your home’s thermostat.
Schedule similar professional inspections with our experts. We will not only help you better maintain your home, but can point you in the direction of other needed upgrades, improvements, and repairs that will save you a whole lot of money and headache in the future.
Make your home more efficient
Every month of the year, you pay to cool or heat your home. In the coldest months of winter and the hottest months of summer, these costs can balloon to new highs. While you can’t control the weather or your local utility rates, you can impact how efficient your home is. In addition to scheduling the aforementioned annual HVAC inspections, you should also talk to an energy-efficiency specialist in your area about what you can do to cut down on your utility bills.
If you’re looking to make your home more efficient, start with your insulation, windows, and appliances. Many homes have insufficient attic insulation, leading to heated and cooled air being lost through the air ducts, attic, and—ultimately—the roof. Even an upgrade as simple as adding more attic insulation can result in a 20% reduction of your cooling and heating costs. Adding the automation and convenience of a smart thermostat can cut these costs by another 10%. Finally, replacing energy-leaking single-pane windows with dual-pane or triple-pane ones can make your home even more efficient.
Remodel your kitchen or bathroom
In terms of renovations, kitchen and bathroom remodels have a high return on investment. That’s because prospective homebuyers look for—and, ultimately, are willing to pay for—move-in-ready homes with upgraded kitchens and master bathrooms. If you’re planning on renovating your kitchen or bathroom, make sure you start your journey by talking with a licensed remodeling contractor. This expert will be able to help you plan and budget out your project.
Are you ready to make positive changes to your home? This infographic outlines some of the home projects with the best long-term returns. Check it out for inspiration!
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