Home improvements can get ridiculously expensive, especially if you’ve got a lot of rooms you want to change or structural improvements that you can’t afford to leave. Sometimes, there is a lot you can save money on. You can repaint a wall to brighten up a whole room, add lighting to change the mood or change your accessories and soft furnishings instead of decorating to change the atmosphere of a room.
But, sometimes it’s worth spending a little extra for a job that’s lasting and well done. In some areas spending a little more can ensure that your home is safe, comfortable and well protected from the elements. It can also look much better, last a lot longer and even increase the value of your home. Here are a few of the areas that you can’t afford to scrimp on.
Windows
You don’t necessarily need to get fancy frames or spend a fortune on the best windows on the market when shopping for replacement windows near me. But, your windows are an essential part of your home, and it’s worth spending money on windows that you trust if they need replacing. Your windows get constantly battered by the elements, and your home can lose 35% of its heat straight out of the windows. Even more, if they are damaged or the seals aren’t working at their best. So it’s an important thing that’s worth getting right.
Flooring
Cheap carpets fade, wear through, stain, become uncomfortable on your feet and fail to insulate a room. Good quality flooring looks fantastic, lasts years, keep heat in and sound out and give you, without doubt, the best feeling in the world when you put your feet on it first thing in the morning when you get out of bed, or when you first take your shoes off after a long day at work. Whether you prefer a modern laminate or a cosy carpet, contact Factory Direct Flooring for advice on how to get the job done right.
Insulation
Loft insulation can be a large expense, but, over the time you live in your house it could save you a fortune on heating. 25% of your homes heat leaves through the roof and another 35% through the walls. Most modern homes are now built with great insulation. But, if your home is older it is worth spending a little to install loft and cavity wall insulation to keep your home warm. If your attic is accessible by a fixed staircase, you may be eligible for an insulation grant to help with the costs, so it’s definitely worth doing.
Heating
Often, our boilers work great all summer, then as soon as they start getting a lot more use, they die. Leaving us without heating and hot water as we head into the coldest days of the year. Boilers can expensive, but you can spend money before they breakdown to reduce the risk. Install a smart heating system, to make sure it’s as efficient as possible. Get the boiler insured, and make sure you have it serviced at the end of summer every year to keep it in good working order and pick up on any issues before they become more serious.
What home improvements do you guys think it’s worth spending more on?
Let me know in the comments below.
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These are some great ideas, you are so right about flooring it can make so much of a difference, you need to think about the wear it will get, we went completely for vinyl when we moved and while it’s cold it is so much easier to keep clean.
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Flooring is our big goal this year! The only choice is which one? So hard. Haha!
I need to update my windows. They are not good at keeping the cold out.
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Great ideas we currently rent but in think its important to know about important home improvements for the future.
I couldn’t agree more – we’ve just had our windows done and it’s made a huge diffeeence. A smart front door as well, our house looks almost new!
This year we are focusing on getting a ramp built and getting the carpet pulled up and laying wood floors.
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These are all great points. I wish we would have researched our windows more before we bought them. I’m seriously thinking of having them replaced again.
Totally agree about the importance of good quality flooring, poor flooring just doesn’t withstand the wear at all.
There are some wonderful ideas here for home improvements – there is so much I want to do to my home this so certainly gives me some inspiration!
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I would love to do these. My house needs a lot of work. It’s an older house. When we first moved in our heating bills were ridiculous. In the winter it would be $300-$500 for just one month(and we keep the thermostat pretty low) but we had glass block windows put in the basement and it made a huge difference. It went down to closer to the $80-120 range over the winter. Definitely worth the cost. I can imagine they would go down even more if we do a few more things
I definitely agree with you about insulation, it is something worth spending on for both yourself and for future potential buyers!
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I’d say these were all home improvements worth making. I’ve gone through several projects including replacement windows and now that paying more is often not ncessary and that research should be done, some people are really price gougers.
Ah yes I have had boilers break down on me a few times which of course is never fun! I definitely agree that it is a form of home improvement that is worth spending money on x
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Can’t decide between windows and heating. Probably heating due to the current season haha. I agree that some things are worth spending that little bit more on for the extra satisfaction and peace of mind!
I agree with all of yours and they’ll be some of the first things we think about when we move from my flat into an actual house as they can make such a difference x
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We are saving to get new windows next year. They are letting out so much heat at the moment.
My folks had their floors redone and it totally transformed our house – it also appears warmer. We’d recommend that home improvement!
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I 100% agree with the windows one!! We changed our windows a couple of years ago, and it is saving us so much money on heating!!
I definitely agree with all of these – especially with the windows. I live in an old listed cottage and our windows are definitely in need of a little investment!
C x
My Grandma always taught me that it’s best to opt for the best quality you can afford. Do it well and do it once!
Great ideas and advice, windows and insulation can make such a difference and help save money on heating in the long run!
I totally agree, good windows that keep out the draught and central heating that is regularly serviced and maintained are a must.
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I think the boiler is number one – and I’d recommend replacing as soon as it starts to play up because maintenance bills are high! At least if you know you have to replace the boiler you can budget for it, rather than be caught on the hop when it finally gives up the ghost.
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I agree with all of these points and have just re-done all of the window seals in the flat, the difference is quite something1
I would totally agree with all of these, the finish to your home is very important if you want to sell. Plus windows are one of the first thing people see.
I think the home insulation has to be top of the list. The money saved here from heating bills can then be reinvested into other homely projects. Nice article thank you:)
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These are certainly things you should spend money on and they make a big difference. My sister redid her floors 2 years ago and was able to get a return of 400% once she sold her home.
I’m so with you on the smart meter heating! Our boiler broke down last year and it was an absolutely nightmare and we don’t want the issue to happen again. Some great tips here on everything else
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I really think that insulation is worth spending money on because then you’re not heating the streets as my dad says! xxx