Making upgrades to a home is essential to maintaining its value and making it comfortable for the inhabitants. With the ever-evolving technology and home improvement marketplace, homeowners are presented with numerous options for upgrading their residences. Whether it’s a new kitchen appliance, a modernized bathroom, or the latest in smart home technology, there are several ways for homeowners to make their houses more stylish, efficient, and safe.
Studies have shown that making certain upgrades can potentially increase the value of a home. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2019 Cost vs. Value Report, mid-range kitchen remodels (averaging between $21,198 and $60,224) can yield an estimated 58.6% return on investment (ROI). In addition, according to the same report, upscale bathroom redesigns (with an average cost of $63,717) can bring in a 65.7% ROI at a resale time. Other upgrades, such as installing energy-efficient windows and doors, can also lead to additional savings on energy bills in some cases.
However, people must be strategic when making home upgrades. Considering the budget and time management elements, homeowners might not have the means to do everything they want in one go. Therefore, homeowners must prioritize which upgrades they would like to make and focus on those instead.
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Energy-Efficiency
If homeowners want to save money on their energy bills in the long run, they should invest in energy-efficient upgrades. By investing in energy-efficient appliances, windows, and doors, homeowners can reduce their energy bills and make their homes more comfortable. Furthermore, many utility companies offer discounts for customers who install energy-efficient systems in their homes.
Here are a few excellent examples of energy-efficient upgrades homeowners can make:
Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to set temperatures in their houses during the day and while away. This can save money on energy bills, eliminating unnecessary heating or cooling when no one is around.
Solar Panels
Solar panels provide an environmentally friendly way of powering a home. Though installing solar panels may require a more significant upfront investment, many people find that this purchase pays itself in the long run due to lower energy bills and tax incentives.
LED Lighting
Installing LED bulbs throughout the home is an excellent way to reduce energy consumption since LEDs use only 25% of the electricity used by incandescent bulbs and last up to 20 times longer than standard lighting systems.
Kitchen Appliances
Modernizing kitchen appliances is a great way to make a home more energy-efficient. Investing in stainless steel or energy-star certified appliances can help reduce monthly bills while making a kitchen look modern and sleek.
Smart Home Upgrades
Along with energy-efficient upgrades, there are also many options for smart home technology. Smart homes allow homeowners to automate their appliances and systems remotely using smartphones or tablets, making it easier to manage a household.
Here are some examples of smart home upgrades that people can make:
Smart Doorbells
A video doorbell connects to an app on the homeowner’s phone, allowing them to see who’s at the door when away from home. It can even detect motion, alerting the homeowner if something is amiss.
Virtual Assistant Devices
Virtual assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home allow homeowners to control their appliances and systems through voice commands. This can adjust the temperature, turn on lights, or play music.
Automation Controls
Automation controls like Nest, Ecobee, and Lutron are excellent options for homeowners who want to remotely manage their lighting, temperature settings, and security system. These systems can be set up to automatically adjust the temperature at certain times of the day or arm the home’s security system when away.
Home Security
Home security upgrades should also be taken into consideration. Home security systems can help to protect against intruders, burglaries, and even fires. Here are some examples of home security upgrades that homeowners can make:
Motion Sensor Lights
Motion sensor lights turn on when motion is detected in their vicinity. This is an effective way to deter burglars from entering a property, as it will alert the homeowner if someone is lurking around their house at night.
Surveillance Cameras
Surveillance cameras provide an extra layer of protection for a home by recording any suspicious activity outside or inside the residence. Furthermore, many surveillance camera systems come with mobile apps that enable homeowners to check what’s happening in their homes while away.
Keypad Door Locks
Keypad door locks provide an additional layer of security for a home as they can be programmed with a personal code. This is an excellent way to prevent unauthorized access, as anyone who does not know the code will be unable to enter the residence. You can purchase reliable keypad door locks online and install it yourself.
Final Thoughts
Making upgrades to a home can be an excellent way for homeowners to improve the value and comfort of their property. From energy-efficient appliances to smart home technology, they must prioritize which upgrades they would like to make to stay within their budget and ensure they get the most out of their investments. With the right set of upgrades, homeowners can turn their houses into stylish and efficient dwellings that will last them many years.