If you’re thinking of upgrading your home, you should make beneficial upgrades that are efficient and that add value to your home. Don’t forget, too, that green home upgrades might even improve your USAA home insurance rates! Here are five efficient home upgrades that you can try out so you improve your home and get good returns from it.
1. Upgrade Your Countertops
You can start with the kitchen as it’s a fact that upgrades to this space translate into great returns overall. Here, you can change the drawers and cabinets to modern ones if you still have older ones. Upgrade the finishes to new ones that reflect the current times and are up to the latest standards. You can also upgrade your countertops to granite ones, which are the most popular, as 64% of new homes have them. Only 14% of new homes are constructed with laminate countertops, so if you’re upgrading them, go for the popular option as it will also improve your home’s value.
2. Improve Your Windows
Another upgrade you may want to do is to your windows. If your home still has the same windows it came with, you should consider upgrading them. Get new double-pane windows which will help you save a lot of energy in your home. You will use less heat as the temperature indoors will be well-separated from that outside. Although this upgrade may call for a bit more money than others, it will give you amazing returns as well so it will be worth it.
3. Waterproof Your Basement
If you’ve ever had issues with water in your basement, it’s advisable to waterproof it. Up to 60% of the homes in the U.S. have wet basements, with 38% running the risk of developing mold, according to This Old House. Make sure that your home is not one of these by waterproofing the basement. Call in an expert to give you a quote so you know what’s expected of you, and you will enjoy having a nice, dry house even when there’s heavy rainfall or other weather.
4. Change Your Lights
Another upgrade you can make is to change the lights in your home. This is an upgrade that you can make in a single afternoon and start enjoying the benefits immediately. LED lights are a lot more environmentally friendly and will also leave you with a lower energy bill. Look for some good brands online and get them the next time you go shopping so you can get a bright, energy-efficient home that’s affordable for you.
5. Declutter Your Spaces
Finally, take time to declutter your home and you will improve it easily and at practically no cost. You will only need to spend your time, and since you can sell extra items or donate them to charity, you will end up with some extra cash or an amazing feeling after helping out people in need. With 65% of the people who rent self-storage having a garage in their home, 47% having an attic, and 33% having a basement, it’s clear that Americans often have more things in their homes than they have room for. Avoid becoming one of them by getting rid of items you haven’t used in a while, as keeping them will cost you more over time. These five efficient home upgrades will leave you with an improved space and in a better mental state. From calling in an expert for technical tasks to cleaning your home, there are many ways to improve your home, and not all of them need to cost you money. Give the five upgrades above a try and you will be able to easily see if there’s anything else that needs improvement. You will also have an easier time selling your home if you decide to do so.