When you own a home, it seems like you are constantly working on it. Just when you complete one project, it looks as though another one pops up. The good news is, if you work on upgrading systems within your house, you may find that you spend less time making repairs. But, before you get started, review these tips on ways to save money on home upgrades.
Roof
When looking for a way to save money on home upgrades, it is critical to understand that upgrades do not always mean replacements. Sometimes, you will have to replace the original system or item. When it comes to roofing upgrades, it may require a total replacement. It is expensive to replace your roof; however, it can save you money in other areas. When you have a brand new roof, it may reduce your homeowner’s insurance premium. A new roof can help you save money on your energy bills because it protects your house from extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Roofs have improved tremendously over the past few years, and there is technology such as higher wind ratings on shingles. These advancements mean the shingles can better stand up to strong winds and protect your home. Depending on where you live, you may want to consider a cool roof to help save energy.
Some other considerations when you want to save money on home upgrades are adding insulation to your attic. Proper insulation keeps your house warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. Adding more insulation to your attic is an affordable way to upgrade your home. Also, consider gutter installation as a way to upgrade your home. Adding or repairing gutters on your home is inexpensive and can protect your home, foundation, and landscaping from pooling water.
Windows
Windows are an ideal place to save money on home upgrades. If you notice that your windows are foggy or have condensation on them, it is a sign that your windows are not effective. You are losing money on energy costs when your windows are not functioning correctly. The windows do not keep outside air out and inside air in. While looking at a total window replacement that comes with a hefty bill, you will see a return on that investment in your energy bills. If you are going to replace your windows, you may want to consider low-emissivity windows. These windows are constructed to keep out the heat in the summer and keep the heat in during the winter.
You do not always need a complete window replacement. However, you could consider adding a film to your windows. This film helps provide a tint to the window so it can provide shade from the sun. In many cases, this tint adds some color to the windows, and some homeowners do not like them. You want to ensure that you re-caulk your windows and doors. Finally, you want to add weather stripping around the windows and doors. Both caulk and weather stripping help provide a seal for the windows and doors to keep out wind and extreme temperatures. Window shutter installation is a great way to block the sun on hot summer days. It also provides some security as you can prevent people from seeing into your home. Window shades and shutters are affordable, and you can install them yourself. In addition, they improve the look and value of your house.
Siding
Siding and stucco repair are among the items that you need to repair or replace as a homeowner. It is reasonable that you will look for ways to save money on home upgrades, especially for siding. While it can be expensive, there are some steps you can take to lower the cost. One of the first steps you should consider is to shop around for contractors. Research the contractors in your area and narrow it down to the top three. Referrals may help you when narrowing the list down to just three. Next, contact those contracts and get a detailed estimate from them. You may find you get a high, low, and middle-range estimate. In general, you want to go with the contractor that comes in the middle, but it is critical that you ensure they are providing the exact same services for the price.
Another way to reduce the cost of your siding is to have the work done during the off-season. Many homeowners choose to have the siding replaced in spring and summer. It would be best if you stayed away from those seasons. If you wait until late fall, you may find that the contractors are not that busy and are able to purchase materials on sale. It would be best if you considered doing as much work as you can yourself. When it comes to siding, removing it is relatively simple. This is something you can most likely do. You do not have to have any actual knowledge or expertise. You can easily remove any broken pieces with a zip tool. As the pieces loosen, they become easier to remove. You can then remove all the nails from the siding. It takes time but is not difficult. It can shave off some of the contractor’s hours, which saves you money.
Kitchen
A kitchen renovation can be an expensive undertaking. This is where you spend a significant amount of time, and there are so many ways to upgrade it. Those items add up quickly. The good news is there are some simple ways to save money on home upgrades in your kitchen. An easy and affordable upgrade is to replace all of the hardware in your kitchen. Hardware often looks dated, and replacing them is a great way to modernize them. When your kitchen cabinets are in relatively good shape, you can resurface or paint them instead of replacing them. If it is possible for your cabinets, this is a fantastic way to save money while entirely changing the look of your kitchen. Another affordable upgrade to your cabinets is the trim. You can update the trim and make a drastic change to the look of your cabinets. Finally, if there is a large amount of space between the top of your cabinet and ceiling, you can add crown molding. Not only is this a classy look, but it draws the eye and makes your kitchen looks bigger.
Deciding to add a backsplash to your kitchen is a beautiful upgrade. It is a great way to change the look. It is possible for you to add a backsplash yourself to save a large amount of money. First, you would have to buy the materials, and then you can install them all yourself. There are a lot of options available that are sure to suit your style. You can also change your countertops yourself. A granite countertop is a popular option for kitchens. If you have some do-it-yourself experience, you can possibly take on replacing your countertops. You may need to purchase some equipment and determine the amount of time it may take you. This should go into your decision about doing it yourself.
Plumbing
Plumbing is a large area of consideration when you are making an upgrade to your home. The good news is that there is a lot of room to save money on home upgrades. There are a number of upgrades you can do yourself without ever having to call a plumber. For example, you can consider installing low-flow showerheads and sink fixtures. More modern showerheads reduce the flow of water without you even noticing the difference. Changing your showerhead could save you a good amount of money on your water bill. Depending on the brand and type you purchase, you may not be able to feel the difference in the amount of water coming out of it.
You can install a water filter on your kitchen sink to help filter your drinking water. A water filter reduces the amount you spend on water and decreases plastic bottle use. Some models fit under the sink and are installed in less than an hour. When you have an old water heater, you can consider putting a blanket on it. If it feels hot to the touch, you can spend a small amount of money to buy a water heater blanket. A water heater blanket helps save money because it reduces the amount of heat your water heater loses. When your water heater comes to the end of its life, you need to contact a water heater company to invest in a new water heater. You may want to consider a tankless water heater. A tankless water heater can save energy, money, and water in the long term. It may be a more significant cost upfront, but it pays for itself long term.
Flooring
Adding new flooring to your home is a great way to update it. There are some great ways to save money on home upgrades when it comes to floors. You can shop around to find the various cost of all the different types of flooring. If you are looking for a floor type that is going to be the most cost effective and increase the value of your home, consider engineered hardwood floor. They are most expensive to install than traditional carpets. However, wood floors save you money over the long term. Hardwood floors last much longer than carpet. They are attractive to potential home buyers and help you sell your home faster. A great way to save money on new flooring is to remove the old flooring yourself. You can save time for the contractors, and depending on the type of flooring you currently have; it is easy to do. If you have carpeting, tearing out your existing material does not require much experience or knowledge.
Landscaping
Your landscaping and yard are great areas to save money on home upgrades. It is also an area that requires constant care and maintenance. The best way for you to maintain your yard is with a landscaping service. That may not be the most cost effective. However, you can request your landscaper to add features that may save you money in the long run. Trees are an ideal way to add shade to your house. When the trees are large enough, they can block the sun from baking your roof or coming into the windows. Adding trees to your landscape can save you money on your cooling bill. In the winter, trees can secure your house from the cold wind, which allows you to save money on your heating bill. In addition, trees add to the curb appeal of your home. Having established trees in the yard is a selling feature when you sell it. You can consider adding an intelligent sprinkler to your lawn. Smart sprinklers can assess the needs of the lawn and provide it with water only when it needs it. This is different than a sprinkler that comes on with a timer regardless of the ground is already soaked.
There are some great suggestions for ways to save money on home upgrades. As a homeowner, you are not going to be able to avoid updates to your home. It is a necessary part of being a homeowner. You can, however, find the most cost-effective ways to handle the upgrade. In addition, you can select upgrades that pay for themselves with a return on your investment. If you consider getting your hands dirty and doing some of the work yourself, you can save a tremendous amount of money. You want to select the items you do yourself carefully; otherwise, you could spend more money when you have to hire someone to fix your work.
