It is quite common for homeowners to have a list of home improvements they wish to complete. From adding a new coat of paint to installing new flooring, there is always something to do. However, when it comes to improving your home, there’s no denying that the costs can be a bit much. With careful consideration of your household budget and a little research, you may find that there are some home improvements that are affordable and will ultimately help you save money around the house.
1. Getting Rid of the Draft
Do you live in an older model home that gets drafty from time to time? Getting rid of that draft will save you money on your energy costs each year. While you may not have the means to invest in energy efficient windows and doors, there are more affordable options available to you.
· Energy Audits
You’ll want to start by checking out a website that lists and compares energy service providers in your area. Getting an energy audit is pretty affordable and helps to make you aware of just how inefficient your home is.
· Weather Stripping
Take a look at your windows and doors. Do you notice cracks where drafts could be coming in? If so, you’ll want to secure those areas with weather stripping to keep the heat in and the cool air out.
· Insulation
Insulation can be purchased for just pennies on the dollar and it can work wonders for improving the efficiency of your home. If you can’t add insulation throughout the entire home, adding it to your attic and basement will suffice.
2. Service the Heating/Cooling System
When’s the last time you had your heating and cooling system serviced? It’s probably a good idea to have this completed so that you don’t run into expensive issues later on. The cost of replacing an air conditioner or heating system can be upwards of thousands of dollars. However, having them serviced is a lot more affordable. If you can’t afford to have a professional come out, at the very least you should change your air filters and clean out the air ducts so that air can flow freely through the home.
3. Clean the Gutters
If it’s been a while since you’ve climbed the ladder and cleaned out those gutters, you’re doing your property a serious injustice. Though cleaning the gutters might seem like nothing more than just a chore nobody wants to do, the gutter system is actually very important. It is essentially what keeps the rainwaters from creating a puddle outside of your home (which could lead to foundation issues). Remove any debris from the gutter system and replace any defective parts so that the water can flow smoothly off the roof and into the municipal draining system.
4. Service the Plumbing
Plumbing issues can get out of hand and costly if you’re not servicing it regularly. Something like a leak could cause damage to the ceiling and any personal belongings nearby. To prevent this from happening and to save money, the best thing you can do is have your plumbing system serviced. On an annual basis, it is a good idea for a professional plumber to do the following:
· Inspect for leaks
· Check insulation around pipes
· Check the septic system
· Unclog the drains
· Detail any other plumbing issues
It may seem like a lot, but to be quite honest, all of these home improvement projects are affordable. When completed properly, they can also help you save on your household budget. Remember, your home is your safe haven, and the only way to ensure that it stays that way is to properly maintain it. It’s always best to invest in your home with minimal maintenance projects and DIY tasks now than to have to pay the price of costly repairs and replacements later on. If you’re not skilled in home improvement, always be sure to work with a professional to ensure the job is done right.