Almost everyone makes a New Year’s Resolution at some point. Some people decide to lose weight, save more money, or stop bad habits. While all of those are great, they can be hard to keep year long. Instead of going the traditional route when picking your New Year’s resolution, we have a better idea – resolve to improve your home! With a few easy commitments, you can:
-
-
Increase your home’s value
-
Prevent costly home repairs
-
Save energy
-
And more!
-
The best part is it only takes a few hours (if that!) each month – meaning you’ll be able to reap all the rewards of choosing to improve your home, and you’ll get to brag that you kept your resolution all year long. Read on to get our top New Year’s resolutions for your home – #3 may surprise you!
1. Cut Energy
On average, homes in the U.S. spend about 41% of their energy costs on heating and cooling. For older houses or those with inefficient windows and insulation, that number is even higher! One way to save energy (and money) is to ensure your home has enough attic insulation.
Proper insulation keeps warm air inside your home in the winter and prevents cold air from escaping in the summer. According to the EnergyStar website, homeowners can expect to save $200+ or more per year on energy costs with the proper level of attic insulation.
2. Budget For Maintenance
Owning a home is expensive! One way to plan ahead for home repairs is to budget for them every month. Experts recommend that 1% of your home’s overall should be put back into your home each year. So take the 1% total amount and divide by 12 to get a total monthly home maintenance budget.
Having a small nest egg for home repairs may come in handy if you live in an area prone to hail and windstorms. While homeowner’s insurance may cover the cost of damage, you’ll still be responsible for your insurance deductible. Using the money in savings will prevent you from having to finance it and pay additional interest!
3. Get Regular Roof Inspections
A home’s roof is often the last thing that homeowners think about when it comes to home maintenance, but it’s one thing you need to keep your eye on to provide the best protection to your home. It’s also one area that homeowners should not inspect themselves. Due to safety concerns, it’s best to have a trained professional climb up on a roof.
You should schedule regular, routine inspections at least twice a year to spot potential problems and prevent costly repairs. A roof inspection should also be completed after a significant storm to check for loose or missing shingles or hail damage.
4. Upgrade To Maintenance Free Materials
Home maintenance is not something most look forward to doing on the weekends. By updating your home with maintenance-free materials like fiber-cement siding, LED light bulbs, and ceramic tile, you can save time and reduce stress. Depending on the project, you may even save money on energy costs and live with less stress because you won’t need to replace and repair as often.
Interested in learning more ways to take care of your home? Follow us on Facebook for tips and information!
