Handy Helpful Blog

Home improvements don’t have to be expensive to look good

Owning a home has its benefits because you can change whatever you don’t like and do renovations whenever you want. Making huge renovations can be costly; however, you can make improvements that save you money in the long-run. Some simple renovations and improvements can be beneficial. Home improvements don’t have to be costly; you can upgrade your home and still save a lot.

Home Improvement Tips to Save Money

How can you update your home and save money? Below are ways you can update your home at a minimal cost:

• Invest in a Security System

A home security system is important because it can prevent and deter burglars. Homes with security systems are rare targets for thieves. You might think that security systems are expensive because of the installation, arming, and disarming processes which are tiresome.

However, the long-term benefits help you to save by keeping your valuables safe. For instance, you don’t have to worry about losing your family heirloom. Some items are priceless and can never be replaced; this means that investing in a security system saves you and gives you peace of mind.

The home security system allows you to access your home remotely. You can monitor your house when you are away. It also allows you to control the thermostat and lights; this saves energy, which means reduced bills. Another advantage is that this system notifies you whenever there is a gas leak or fire problem; this means you can contact the fire department before a tragedy happens. It also saves your property from burning down.

• Solar Panels

Solar energy is renewable and inexpensive

Solar panels are not only beneficial to you but also the planet. Solar energy is renewable, which means you don’t have to worry about high electric bills. It also means that you will never run out of this energy. Solar energy panels and systems don’t need regular maintenance; you only need to clean them several times a year.

• Smart Thermostat

Installing a smart thermostat might not seem like a good idea when you want to save money; however, it actually does. Upgrading to a smart thermostat helps to reduce energy costs. You can adjust the system to cool the house when it is occupied and to switch off when you are away. You can also program it to start working some minutes before your family comes home.

A smart thermostat can be controlled remotely; this means you can adjust the setting even when out are out of the house. This device also sends alerts to your Smartphone or laptop to let you know when your home temperatures fall.

• Rain Gutters

Rain gutters keep water away from the walls, which prevents the growth of mold

Rain gutters are excellent investments, and they are beneficial to your home. It doesn’t rain throughout the year, so why invest in rain gutters? They help to prevent your basement from flooding. Without gutters, rainwater can pool around the house’s foundation, find its way through the cracks, and flood the basement. Rain gutters are designed to lead water away from your house to prevent such problems.

Rain gutters are also ideal for preventing decay; this is beneficial, especially if the exterior of your roof and house are lined with plywood and tar paper, which can absorb water and decay. Also, shingles and siding are fixed in pieces and might develop cracks and start shifting over time. Rainwater can seep in these cracks and destroy the delicate materials.

When the exterior of your house is exposed to too much moisture, mold starts to grow. Mold loves moisture, poor ventilation, and humidity. It can also grow on walls, is difficult to remove, and it can be damaging.

• Smart Lighting

Smart lighting allows you to control the lights in your home remotely

Lighting is an important part of our lives at home. Did you know that a smart lighting system can improve your home’s security? When you are on vacation, your smart lighting system can automatically turn on and off to create the illusion that you are home. This keeps burglars and intruders from your home.

You also save a lot by investing in dimmable smart-bulbs, and since the smart lighting system includes the whole house, you end up saving energy and lowering your electric bills. Smart lighting also includes smart dimmers, which are responsible for adjusting the intensity of light, depending on your preference or time of the day.

This system saves energy and extends the life of your bulbs. Incandescent bulbs last 20 times more when utilized with a dimmer. LED bulbs, on the other hand, get cooler on dimming, which means extended life. Using LED lights is convenient because they use less energy and last longer, which means they are a long-term investment.

Conclusion

Home improvement doesn’t have to scare you because of the costs. Some are investments that protect your home, property and help you to save money in the long-run. You need to secure your house from burglars, water, and also reduce the number of bills you pay.