5 Areas of Your Home to Actually Spend Money On

If you’re thinking about ways you can improve your property, but you’re not sure where to start, you’re in good company. When you’re ready to spend money on your home, it can feel overwhelming because there’s so much to do. The key is to focus on two factors: what will improve your way of life now and what will increase your property value. After all, if you enjoy your home, it’s fair to expect that any future buyers will, too.

1. Heating and Air Conditioning

One of the most immediate concerns for many people today is whether they can stay warm enough in winter and cool enough in summer. Extreme weather patterns in recent years have made it almost impossible to survive without proper heating and cooling systems. What’s worse, poorly functioning systems can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in energy bills. The best solution is to invest in an energy-efficient option.

Today, you can get cooling and heat pump systems that will use little energy and circulate cool or warm air throughout your house. You can start by installing one or the other, or you can invest in a mini split, which will act as an all-in-one system, heating, cooling, and even dehumidifying and purifying your home air. You also have the option of heating or cooling individual rooms rather than spending money to circulate air through the entire house.

2. Alternative Energy

You’ve surely heard by now that it’s a good idea to install solar panels in your home. Speaking of those nasty extreme weather patterns, an increasing number of people have found themselves out of power for days or more as a result. Being out of power for an extended period can lead to emergency situations you’d rather avoid. Most people need to be able to cook, heat water, and keep their home at a comfortable temperature.

When you install solar panels on your home, you don’t have to worry about being cut off from your city’s electrical grid. Many homes are still connected in case you have a problem with your solar power, so it can be the best of both worlds. To go one step further, have gas installed in your home for your stove. These swaps will likely save hundreds of dollars each year in energy bills, be better for the environment, and keep you energy-independent.

3. The Kitchen: Heart of the Home

The kitchen, not only a room used to cook meals and store food, is a domain of interactions, a creative sphere, and, frequently, a focus of family life. Here are some tips on creating an efficient and enjoyable kitchen: Appliances are the most frequently used in a home, so investing in good ones is always worthwhile; countertops should be built to last; storing your kitchen items efficiently is beneficial for both working and designing the kitchen. Many homeowners who decide to undertake a home remodeling project often fail to consider the importance of a good kitchen design, despite the fact that it plays a significant role in boosting the market value of a home, not to mention the fact that a good kitchen design will go a long way in improving your food preparation experience. Choose energy-saving devices for kitchens to reduce utility costs and utilize basic materials such as granite or quartz, appealing to the eye and long-lasting for countertops.

Pro Tip- Consider upgrading your kitchen cabinets. This is probably the best advice anyone could give since enhanced shelves not only provide more storage space for your kitchen, but also add a decorative element to the kitchen space. Choose energy star appliances for the following reasons: 1. Power use reducing utility bills, 2. Consider stone countertops such as granites or quarts as they are classy and durable.

4. The Floor

While you’re remodeling your kitchen, don’t forget the floors! One of the largest projects you can take on in a house is to redo the flooring, but it’s more than worth it. Often, you’ll find the flooring in your home is old and outdated. Carpets can get dirty and gross fast, and then stay that way for years, which can feel impossible to fix and stink up your whole house. Vinyl and linoleum can crack, separate, stain, and start lifting.

If you’ve noticed this element of your home is one to work on, first look into what’s underneath your existing floors. Often, you’ll find great hardwood or even cement flooring that can be improved upon. If not, consider your investment options. It might seem like a good idea to just put in new linoleum or luxury vinyl, but installing hardwood or tile can increase the value of your home by thousands of dollars.

5. The Exterior

Finally, don’t forget to spend time, money, and love on the exterior of your home. After all, curb appeal goes a long way toward reminding you why you love your home and helping others feel the same way. Take a walk around your property and look for dead or dying trees, falling down fences, cracked sidewalks, and ugly landscaping. Many of these areas can be improved upon by the sweat of your brow.

Once you’ve cleaned up your yard and fencing, consider investing in entertainment areas. Does your climate and yard allow for a pool and/or hot tub? These additions will add to the luxury feel of your home for you and your guests and increase your property value. If not, consider installing a nice water feature and seating area. You could also add a gazebo, patio furniture, and pretty landscaping to create your outdoor sanctuary at home.

In the end, it’s a general rule that any major improvements you make to your house for your safety, stability, and enjoyment will also increase the property value. So, you get double the benefits from making these changes. If you think of yourself not just as a homeowner but also as an investor, constantly making your home a better place to live, you are more likely to see the rewards of your hard work now, while you live there, and later, if you decide to sell.