4 Money-Saving Home Improvements To Consider

Sophia Belnap

Once you become a homeowner, you'll quickly learn that there's a lot more to it than just signing a bunch of papers and picking out furnishings. It's an ongoing journey of fixing things that break and making improvements as time marches on. As with all things impacted by time, your home will need constant attention in one way or another. 

When it comes to home improvements, weighing your options to make sure you're including things that will pay you back in the long run is essential. Whether you plan to stay in your home for the long haul or you're only staying put for a few years, certain projects can mean more money in your wallet. 

Here are four money-saving home improvements to consider.

1. Purchase a Home Generator 

One of the most inconvenient things that can happen as a homeowner is to lose your power supply. Whether it's due to an electrical issue or a storm, there's never a good time for it to happen. 

Not only is it inconvenient when it comes to interruptions of everyday life, it can be costly and dangerous as well. Power surges can damage appliances, electronic devices and even your home's wiring. Purchasing a home generator is a good way to avoid these types of issues while also guaranteeing your life won't skip a beat when the power goes out.

However, making sure your generator is installed correctly and operates efficiently will make all the difference in your experience. Installing a generator transfer switch is a great way to do this, making the transition from traditional power to your own generated power safe and seamless. 

2. Install Smart Thermostats

Are the thermostats in your home up to date? Even if you're not tech savvy, upgrading them is easier than you might think. Your home will also stay more comfortable because of it and you can count on a decrease in heating and cooling costs as well.

Why smart thermostats? The answer is simple. They just make sense, taking the guesswork out of maintaining appropriate temperatures in your home. These are ideal when you're away, whether it's for a normal workday or for an extended period of time. They're also convenient, which is always appreciated.

3. Trade Carpeting for Hardwood Flooring 

Does your home have carpeting? If it does, would you say it's in good condition or has it seen better days? When your goal is to make money-saving home improvements, kicking your carpet to the curb and installing hardwood flooring is a fantastic way to do it. 

Carpeting will only last for so long, especially between the wear and tear from foot traffic, kids, pets and everyday living. While you can spot treat or routinely shampoo carpeting, the carpet fibers will wear down over time, leading to a thinner carpet that shows its age. Carpeting can also harbor millions of allergens even with regular cleaning. 

When this happens, you might be looking at replacing your carpeting and since the average carpet lasts around ten years, this cost will add up over time. This is why installing hardwood flooring makes sense. While it's an investment and typically more expensive upfront than carpeting, it will last for years and years to come. What's even better is that hardwood floors aren't that difficult to maintain.

You can still add warmth and accent to your home by purchasing accent or larger area rugs. These are generally easier to clean and healthier than traditional wall-to-wall carpeting. 

4. Focus on Insulation 

The comfort of your home is a reflection of how effective its insulation is. Over time, it can deteriorate or become ineffective, leading to higher heating and cooling costs. 

Replacing your roof or older windows and doors is one of the best things you can do to ensure its insulation is top-notch. However, this isn't always an option due to the high price tag that comes along with these upgrades.

There are plenty of things you can do to button up your home and make it more comfortable (and affordable) when you're on a budget. The best part? You can do them in just a few hours and should see improvement right away. Testing around windows and doors for drafts, investigating attics or crawl spaces for gaps in insulation, or having your roof inspected for damage are all good ways to troubleshoot and fix existing issues. 

You can also consider foundation plantings that will provide extra shade, which could be very helpful in warmer climates or if you're in an open lot with little to no shade throughout the day. They can also provide shelter from high winds and the elements.

When you're looking for ways to improve your home, focusing on things that will save you money is always a great place to start. What's next on your list?