Photo via Pixabay by Brenkee
*This is a guest post.
Making home improvements can be time-consuming and sometimes costly, but if you’re looking to go green as well as raise your home’s value, there are several things you can do to improve what you already have by making tweaks or using different materials.
A good way to start is by looking at what your family uses the most and adding up how much it costs you by month or year; that way, you can see your needs all in one place and begin the process of totalling how much you’ll save by making the improvements (as well as how much they’ll cost you initially). Having all those numbers in front of you will enable you to see the big picture, so that when the time comes to lay out cash for new windows or appliances you’ll have a better understanding of how much you’ll be saving in the long run.
If you’re looking to make upgrades strictly to add curb appeal or raise the property value to sell, there are several things to try that won’t break the bank but will make a big impact on potential buyers. Here are some of the best tips.
Use technology to your advantage
These days, there are “smart” devices everywhere, from phones to televisions. But you may not realize they come in appliance form, as well. Refrigerators and thermostats also have smart technology, and they can save you hundreds of dollars on energy bills at the end of the year.
Insulate
Windows and doors–especially those on the sides of the home that receive the most exposure to weather and sun–need to be looked at to see whether they are truly a good fit (in every sense of the word). If there are cracks around the seams that are allowing cool and warm air to escape, replacing them with energy-efficient windows is the best way to go. You can also use an eco-friendly caulking solution to seal up those little cracks.
You can also place insulation made from recycled materials in spaces that are notorious for letting air escape, such as attics or crawlspaces.
Check that hot water heater
Hot water heaters don’t last forever, so it’s important to make sure the one you have is in good working order and isn’t too old. If you’re looking to replace it, check out an energy-efficient brand that will heat water at lightning-fast speeds so you’re not wasting it as you wait for it to heat up.
Rainwater collection
You’ll need to check with local laws about whether or not you can install a rain barrel on your property, but even if you can’t use one you still may be able to keep gardens hydrated by planting flowers and vegetables in plots that have a shallow indentation. This collects rainwater and gives your plants a drink automatically, and helps prevent soil erosion at the same time. Having a lovely landscape can add tremendous curb appeal to your home and, if you use plants that are native to your area, that’s a green bonus as they won’t interfere with other flora and fauna.
Making improvements to a home can be overwhelming at times, but if you start simple and work from room to room, you’ll be able to figure out what you need more easily and keep yourself from getting stressed.
Paul Denikin began learning the ins and outs of DIY home repair while making his home better fit and more accessible for his daughter, Maggie, who has special needs. Paul wants to continue to help special needs parents like himself, and offer them a source for ideas. And that’s why he created DadKnowsDIY.com, a website that offers home improvement project how-tos and other accessibility information. When Paul isn’t being handy around the house, he likes to take Maggie to the movies on the weekends.
