6 Home Improvements That Are Worth It
If there’s one thing we all want, it’s to have a place that feels like home. But sometimes our day-to-day lives, along with the usual monthly budget, can get in the way of what is truly important: making your home a space that reflects your personality. Whether you’re a homeowner or not, there are some home improvements that are worth the cost. Here are six projects you should consider.
1. Take care of your septic systems
According to the EPA, over 60 million Americans use septic systems, which are designed to safely and effectively handle the wastewater from their homes. But if you live in an area with hard water, you may need to do some maintenance on your septic system. Hard water contains calcium and magnesium ions that can build up in the pipes of your home’s plumbing system. Hard water leaves behind deposits on faucets and showerheads, fill detergent bottles with residue, and makes it harder for soap to lather up in the basin.
2. Roofing and Siding
Replacing your roof and siding can increase the value of your home by more than 10 percent and save you money on energy bills. According to Remodeling magazine, these two projects have the highest return on investment (ROI) of any home improvement project.
3. Windows and Doors
Windows account for more than 20 percent of your home’s heat loss in winter and summer, according to Energy Star, so upgrading them will lower your energy bills and improve comfort levels in your home. New doors also improve security in addition to sealing out drafts.
4. Bathrooms and Kitchens
Bathrooms and kitchens typically account for half of all home remodels, according to Remodeling magazine, so it makes sense that they are among the most popular home improvements. Upgrading these spaces should be on everyone’s list because they add value to a home while also improving its functionality: Kitchens with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and glass tile backsplashes make them look modern, while bathrooms with tiled floors.
5. Tune up the plumbing
According to Comfy Living, there are approximately 480,600 licensed plumbers in the U.S. alone. That’s an incredible number when you consider that there aren’t even that many licensed electricians or carpenters. The sheer volume of plumbers means that they must be doing something right – or at least something that people like enough to keep hiring them over and over again. Plumbing is often a big investment, but it pays off in spades by improving your home’s value and making your life easier day-to-day.
6. Power outages and insurance
Power outages are nothing new, but the frequency and severity of them have increased significantly. There has been a 70% increase in power outages due to severe weather in the United States since 2000, and the trend continues. The average homeowner’s annual insurance premium is about $500 for standard coverage. But if you live in a particularly vulnerable area, that figure could be much higher. If you want to protect your home against natural disasters like floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes, it’s worth investing in some extra insurance coverage that will help protect your property from catastrophes.
Not all home improvements are worth your time or effort. Before you begin an upgrade, do a bit of research and consider the costs and benefits. It’s also important to keep in mind that you might be willing to do some things yourself, but you may simply not have the time or talent to pull it off. Depending on how big or small the project is, it could be well worth your time to call in a professional for help.
