Basic Home Improvements

Mar 30, 2016

In many areas of the country, energy and water costs are on the rise, taking a bigger chunk out of our wallets every month. But, there’s hope. With a few home improvements, you may be able to save money on your utility bills.

Water

Whether you live in an area that’s facing another year of drought, or you just want to save money on your water bill, these tips can help you be efficient with your water.

Go low flow.

Shower heads and faucets account for more than 32% of household water use combined. Low flow faucets and shower heads can reduce your water consumption in these areas by as much as 50% and may save up to $145/year on your bill.

Fix leaks.

Leaks comprise 13.7% of household water use. Leaky faucets and pipes increase your water bill and may require expensive repairs if they’re ignored. Every six months, inspect your faucets and pipes for wear and tear. If you notice a leak, fix it right away.

Go tankless

If it’s time to upgrade your water heater, consider going tankless. A tankless water heater may help you save up to 20% on your water bill. An added bonus: You’ll never run out of hot water again!

Energy

Heating and cooling comprises more than half of the energy used in the average home. Regulate your home’s temperature to save energy, improve comfort and reduce your heating and cooling costs.

Rethink your insulation

Good insulation not only helps regulate the temperature of your home, it can also reduce your heating and cooling costs by as much as 20%.

Manage the temperature automatically

Wouldn’t you love to come home to the perfect temperature? A programmable thermostat not only improves your comfort from the second you step foot in your home, it also helps you save energy and money— up to $150 a year.

Seal up drafts

Have you ever wondered why your home won’t stay warm in the winter or cool in the summer? Check your windows—drafty windows cause 30-40% of heating and cooling losses. Apply weather stripping to your windows to patch up leaks and save more money.

Home Improvements that Boost the Value of Your Home

Upgrade Your Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home. A kitchen remodel will not only improve your home’s functionality, it may also become a key selling point if you decide to sell. The average major kitchen remodel costs between $29,400 and $42,400, while the minor kitchen remodels average between $11,700 and $17,800. However, if you’re thinking of listing your home soon and your kitchen is in good shape, you may want to rethink a full remodel. A minor upgrade and a coat of paint may be all you need to freshen up the space.

Upgrade Your Bathroom

The bathroom is the place where you get ready to take on the world every day. Show it some love with a makeover. Upgrade your fixtures to reflect your style, or create the spa-like getaway of your dreams. The average major master bathroom remodel costs between $10,500 and $18,800, while the average minor master bathroom remodel costs between $4,800 and $8,300. Are you thinking of renovating a guest bathroom? Expect to spend somewhere of between $7,200 and $9,500 for a major overhaul, or between $3,200 and $4,400 for a minor remodel.

Improve Energy Efficiency

Is it time to upgrade your appliances, windows and other energy-impacting parts of your house? Upgrading your home with energy-efficient features will not only save you money each month on your utility bill, it may also make the home more attractive to younger or more energy-conscious buyers.