Modern homeownership has changed since your parents’ days; in addition to the mountain of preexisting responsibilities, you must now also account for your home’s value and commit to increasing it. Purchasing a home is still the biggest investment you’ll probably ever make, but in today’s tumultuous financial climate, it’s smart — and prudent — to invest in your investment.
It can be easy to ignore the potential problems of the future in favor of the affordability of the present, but the more you put into your home, the more it repays you — not only throughout the time you spend living in it, but also in the event you decide to move on to greener pastures: home prices are expected to rise between 2% and 6% in the next few years, so the only way you’ll be able to keep up with the climbing costs is by ensuring a profit from your sale. Making the following three improvements to your home is the best and most effective way to achieve such goals.
- Upgrade your HVAC system: Heating and cooling comprise the majority of your home’s monthly bills, so it makes sense that investing in an upgrade to the machine that regulates those actions would be well-worth it. Many units made before 2010 (when the refrigerant R-22 was banned for damaging the earth’s ozone layer) are becoming increasingly expensive to repair, so if your unit doesn’t currently run on R-410A coolant, it might be time to replace it.If a complete replacement is unnecessary, you can make smaller upgrades: swapping out that ineffective mercury thermostat for a smart thermostat can more efficiently regulate your home’s temperature, which can save you heaps of money over time. Additionally, make sure you’re being a responsible homeowner and have a professional perform routine maintenance checks — it can increase your unit’s lifespan by 40%.
- Look for ICF construction: Insulated concrete forms (ICF) are astounding not only in their strength, but in their environmental friendliness. Buildings that utilize ICF are six to nine times stronger than traditional buildings (making their use in basements and walls vital in disaster-prone regions) and their airtight seal both increases air quality and reduces sound pollution.Unfortunately, it’s extremely difficult to upgrade the material that your walls are made out of, but you can absolutely keep an eye out for ICF construction when house hunting. And, should you decide to attach an addition, you can make sure ICF is at the top of your required materials list.
- Care for your pipes: Around 20% of U.S. homes use septic tanks to dispose of their sewage, while the other 80% rely on municipal water-treatment plants. Take the time to figure out which system you have so you can ensure you’re exercising the right precautions for your pipes.Burst water pipes can cause flooding and water damage, accruing thousands of dollars in damage and repair costs, and burst sewage lines create a full-sensory nightmare that accosts your nostrils as much as your wallet. In short, consider what you’re flushing!
You should care for your home as much as it cares for you; invest in its well-being and it will return the favor tenfold — either with a long and happy (stress-free) life, or with some extra money in your pocket.
