Most homeowners can attest to the fact that owning your home can be costly and requires work. Homeowners can reasonably expect to spend up to three percent of the home’s value on annual home improvements. Of course, there are always ways to cut down on costs, so let’s take a look at some ways to save money while still maintaining and improving the home of your dreams!
In order to get the most out of your air conditioning and heating system, clean or replace your air filters. Dirty air filters can reduce air flow in your vents, causing your system to work harder to cool or heat your home, therefore using more energy and costing you more money. You can find replacement filters at your local hardware store or even sometimes at your local supermarket.
Update the lighting in your home to add brightness. Changes in lighting fixtures and adding additional wall lighting can bring a entirely new look to your home. Buy energy saving bulbs to reduce your overall energy costs and consider investing in a smart lighting system that will automatically turn off lights when not in use.
Think about putting in matching metal fixtures if you want to change the look of your bathroom. You can find towel racks, curtain rods, cabinet knobs, and toilet paper holders in different shapes and colors that will complement your new design. These items can be purchased in coordinating sets as well as individually.
Insulate your home for your next project. Look for ways to weatherproof your home such as weather stripping and gap sealing. This will reduce the exchange of air from the outside of your home to the inside and vice versa. All of your cooling and heating systems will be more efficient. Thus, you will not spend as much on energy.
Adding a second bathroom to your home can significantly increase the worth of your house. Having additional bathrooms is terrific, particularly if it is on a different floor from the existing ones. Inevitably, two people will need to use the restroom at the same time, after all.
A simple home improvement is to tie up or cut the loops and extra cord length on your window blinds. It is possible for kids and animals to accidentally strangle themselves on such cords. Leave just enough cord so you can use the blinds, but don’t leave any that will cause a problem. Give it a snip or tie it off to avoid accidents.
If you feel your home is too small, consider a basement renovation. In many cases, a basement can be turned into a second living room or climate-controlled storage space. If your basement has exterior access, you could even renovate it into an apartment for rental income or a mother-in-law suite for family members and other visitors.
Before investing in plants for the inside of your home, take a few minutes to do your homework. Many popular houseplants are actually toxic to animals and people. Rather than selecting a plant solely on the basis of its appearance, consider whether or not young children or pets will be within reach of the plants’ leaves or flowers.
As more and more people look for affordable ways to convey style and distinction, lighting companies are stepping up to the plate with mid-range price points and smaller versions of their most elaborate pieces. A mini-chandelier in your bedroom or master bathroom is a tongue-in-cheek accent piece that is perfectly suited to a contemporary look and feel.
After you have looked over these hints, you will be able to save money when you go to buy your materials. By saving some money while still improving your home, you can get the best of both worlds.
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