A man’s home is his palace. That being said, your home should be an investment that you never stop improving upon—no matter your gender (or the castle-like state of your home). There are countless ways to increase the value of your home, but it’s important to do your research and choose the options that work best for you.
If you’re looking for ways to take your home (and your life) to the next level, here are five home upgrades that are worth the time and money.
#1 Insulate, insulate, insulate
It’s not the most glamorous upgrade. But insulating your attic and walls is a key way to make your home leak-proof and secure.
Having an uninsulated house, especially one that was built over fifty years ago means that your heating and cooling systems won’t work efficiently—the hot and cold air that you pay so dearly for escapes easily through thin, uninsulated walls.
Pro tip: Investigate places in your home where heat could be escaping from, like power outlets, windows, and air ducts. Then, get to work. There are plenty of do-it-yourself insulation methods available on the market, as well as professionals who are able to install it for you.
#2 Invest in a better roof
If you’re getting tired of those expensive roof repairs after every rainstorm, this tip is for you. Not only will a better-quality roof upgrade prevent these unnecessary expenses, but it will also save you money in the long run by providing better insulation to your home.
Energy efficient roofing maintains the temperature in your home and will save you money on your heating and cooling bills. In addition, you have flexibility for what kind of roofing you want, such as metal roof insulation—simply paint a cooling layer over your existing roof, replace it with a more durable one, or even opt for a completely green roof with vegetation on top!
#3 Switch to renewable energy
Going green is the next big thing. And when it comes to saving time and money, there’s no better alternative than making your home eco-friendlier with these renewable resources:
- Solar – Solar panels are ubiquitous, affordable, and accessible. And luckily, if solar roof panels are too much of a commitment, you can install smaller projects like solar shingle panels or solar ovens to start.
- Wind energy – If you have slightly more money and time on your hands, residential wind energy is a long-term investment that could pay off big time. Home wind systems are still gaining in popularity, but these will generate energy that you can (theoretically) use indefinitely.
- Geothermal – This renewable energy source draws heat from the earth right into your home. Or, in the summertime, it draws heat away from your home and right back into the ground. The best part is, your geothermal pump doesn’t have to power your entire home—it can just be a cost-effective mediator between you and your power grid.
#4 Get smart about your power
If the renewable alternatives above sound a bit too high commitment for you, never fear. Upgrading your house can be as simple as tracking your own power consumption.
Here are some nifty gadgets to help you do that (and then some):
- Smart thermostat – Do you ever get tired of making multiple daily treks to the thermostat? Now, you can set your home’s temperature system from the comfort of your phone or computer. Plus, you can program it to automatically adjust the temperature when it changes or switch off when you’re not home! Handy, eh?
- Smart plugs – Just like with the smart thermostat, energy efficient smart plugs are high-tech gadgets that allow you to control how (and when) you charge your electronics. Save power and money by programming your appliances to “unplug” when not in use. Many smart plugs can even be controlled by the sound of your voice!
#5 Get a fake lawn
Every homeowner fantasizes about that lush, perfect green lawn alongside their dream house. What if you could have your dream lawn without any of the expenses that came with taking care of it?
Sounds like a win-win situation.
Artificial lawns conserve hundreds of gallons of water a year. Additionally, you’ll save big on pesticides and chemicals used to preserve real grass.
Transform Your Home
Your home is a product that you’ll use for the rest of your life. Why not deck it out with all the most efficient, cost-saving upgrades you can?
With these five tips, you’ll be well on your way to having your dream home—without breaking the bank or destroying the planet.
