Big Investments: 4 Home Expenses That Save You Money in the Long Run
Improving your home may be about getting the comfortable, secure dwelling that you crave, or it may be about making an investment in your home that will pay off when the time comes to sell. Still another reason to spend money on your home is to save money in the long-term.
While this may sound strangely counterintuitive, there are actually several great investments that you should consider for your home that will save you money on energy bills, help you feel safer and more comfortable in your home and give you an edge on the market when you want to sell.
Increased Insulation
A simple home energy loss test can show you if your home is leaching heat during the winter and, if so, where the heat is being lost. Many homes, particularly older ones, can benefit greatly from another layer of insulation in the attic.
This simple project can be a fast and easy DIY option that can cost well under $2,000 in most average-sized homes. This home improvement project gives you the most return on investment compared to all other remodeling projects and also saves you plenty of money on heating and cooling costs.
A New Front Door
While this investment may seem as minor as to be forgettable, it is actually a great investment if you do not have a lot of money to spend but want added peace of mind, energy savings and a good return on your investment when selling.
Steel entry doors have it all over older wooden models. Steel doors come in a variety of textures, including wood-grain options. They are incredibly strong and durable, require little maintenance and provide great security. Many are even Energy Star rated.
New Windows
A bit more of an obvious choice, new windows throughout an entire home can certainly save you money on your heating and cooling bills.
While good windows can be a huge investment, particularly if you have large or irregularly shaped windows, they are also a good investment in your security because many newer models deter break-ins.
A New Roof
While a new roof may not give you the biggest return on your investment when it comes to resale value, you can rest assured that a leaky roof will be an instant turnoff to anyone looking to buy your home.
Even if you have no plans to sell, bad shingles can lead to increased roof and attic damage that can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair or replace. Talk with a contractor like All Around Roofing & Exteriors or someone similar about looking into this option for yourself.
Not every home investment or remodeling task pays off as big as these ones do. The key is to look for projects that serve more than one purpose.
For example, new windows will save you money on your monthly energy bills, possibly get you a credit on your taxes and provide you with more security than your flimsy older windows would. Plus, these four options are smart investments on nearly any style of home in any neighborhood across the country.
Category: Housing
