Want to save a few extra pennies on the bills that keep your home running like clockwork? Then we’ve got a bit of bad news for you: you’re going to have to fork out for a few more upgrades. But once you’ve got these paid for and properly installed, you’ll start to see some great savings in the long run!
That being said, you’ll want to pick and choose your home upgrades carefully. You can’t just pay for any old renovation work. You need to have a clear idea of what value is being added, what money will be saved, and if the renovation in question is even a functional thing for your family to live with. So with all that in mind, we’ve put together a little list for you. If you want to upgrade your home in such a way that you’ll start seeing the pounds drop off, you may want to consider the few ideas below.
Replacing Windows
Replacing the windows probably isn’t too high up on your home maintenance list. After all, a window is a window. The only time you need to rip it out and stick a new one in is when the glass or pane cracks, surely?
Well, there’s a chance your home’s windows aren’t quite up to the task of keeping your home properly insulated right now. The older the window, the more likely this is to be an issue. Windows, much like any other property feature, need to be replaced on a regular cycle, and that’s usually around every 20 years.
If air is leaking out of the windows even whilst they’re closed, it’s time to either get them resealed or completely replaced. The latter is usually worth the cost, as it ensures there are no hidden glaze-related issues going completely unnoticed either.
Installing Solar Panels
Have you thought about getting solar panels installed? They’re quite the popular addition to UK homes. They’re a long term investment that pays you back steadily over the years, but they’re both an energy efficient and environmentally friendly upgrade to go for. That makes them a good fit for the majority of family homes.
However, you’ll want to get an expert opinion on this before you take the plunge. Contact a company like All Seasons Energy to get your home properly surveyed and assessed for the usage of solar panels and batteries. If you get the go ahead, feel free to upgrade to solar and start producing a portion of your own energy.
The more energy you make yourself, the lower your bills will be. Any energy you make and then don’t use, you can ‘export’ to the power grid and be compensated – although the rates for this differ widely and can be quite low. Either way though, your overall energy bill will be lower and that can save you hundreds per year!
Converting the Loft or Garage
If there’s a loft in your house, measure it out to see how much space you’re working with. If people can stand up whilst they’re in it, there’s a strong chance you can get it converted into another usable room. The same goes for your garage. It’s already a space that has proper dimensions to it, what with it being a car storage area, so that’s not a worry.
But how hard would it be to turn it into a proper room in the house? You’ll have to get rid of the garage door and wall it over, and add some insulation material, at the least. But in the long run, the cost of this project won’t make a dent in your household funds at all. Because if you can convert either of these spaces, you’re going to have an extra room in your home. This is quite honestly invaluable. It can provide another bedroom for you to use. Or a home office. Or a work room, a home gym, or a play room for the kids, etc.
When planning a garage conversion, factor in adding outside electrical sockets and an outdoor tap as you’ll still want to use a hose to water plants or clean your car. Remember to look after both of these during the winter months, because neglecting them could lead to burst pipes, making you quickly search for frozen pipe repair near me!
And if there’s more room in your current home, any thoughts of moving to a new house and paying out for it (as well as all the fees you’ll have to deal with), will be entirely unnecessary. You’ve already got the new space you need. That should hold off a property sale for a good few years yet.
A New Kitchen Layout
Getting the measurements down on paper and drawing up a potential new layout isn’t just a bit of fun! It’s also a great way to squeeze more form and function out of your four walls.
Coming up with a new layout for your kitchen means you have the chance of improving the traffic flow. You can add more storage. And overall you can make your kitchen more comfortable to use. You could very well fit more counters into the room. This means more surfaces to work on, and even get yourself a kitchen island with some stools to sit on. That should make breakfast times first thing in the morning a lot easier to contend with!
More Bathroom Amenities
Finally, let’s think about your bathroom. Bathrooms usually come small, and it’s difficult to put any new storage or fittings in there without expanding the space by knocking through a wall. But there’s a chance you could double up here. Think about the wasted space in your bathroom right now, like under the sink and above the bath. What else could go there?
More storage, a showerhead and heater, and plenty more amenities that make the room comfortable! Fit things into the nooks to prevent a bigger, more expensive renovation project.
Upgrading your home isn’t just a short term cost. The upgrades you perform can save you a lot in the long term. It’ll take some saving up, but it’s worth the time and effort. So, think about getting one or two of the ideas above installed and see how they change your bill amounts.
