The right kinds of home improvement projects can enhance your comfort, security, and energy efficiency… and that’s just for starters. Choosing the right project can also boost your home values and enhance sustainability. The question is, which upgrades will prove most advantageous? And which are most achievable as true DIY projects?
The good news is that there are countless home upgrade projects to choose from. Yes, some of these projects will require an investment of both time and money, but they can also pay off huge dividends.
Consider five of the best DIY home upgrades… simple and effective ways to live more comfortably and more sustainably, and potentially to improve your home values, too.
Sooner or later, you’ll want to switch out your light and water fixtures, as well as household appliances. Doing so is one of the best ways to freshen up the look of your home, bringing in some more contemporary flourishes. But it’s also an outstanding way to boost energy efficiency.
For example, you may simply swap out an outdated light fixture to something that can handle LED bulbs or low-energy fluorescent options. Even this simple, straightforward upgrade can cut several dollars from monthly utility bills, while also curbing your overall household energy consumption. Low-flow faucets can have a similar effect, but for your water bill.
Another possibility? Install your own solar energy system. While this can be labor-intensive, and while it definitely takes some time, installing your own panels can save you quite a bit of money as opposed to hiring a team of solar professionals. You will still have to deal with some high upfront costs, but according to EcoWatch, there are many solar loans available to help you get started.
So how exactly will solar panels improve your quality of life? Each solar panel will absorb the sun’s rays, then store it as energy. Through the use of an AC converter, your solar energy system will turn that stored energy into useful electricity, which can in turn power your outlets, appliances, HVAC system, and beyond.
If you live in a sunny part of the country, your home solar system can provide you with enough power to significantly offset your dependence on traditional utility companies, in some cases even allowing you to break away from the utility provider altogether. Not only is this an affordable way to power your home, but it’s also a great, sustainable option.
If you’re simply looking to spruce things up, consider a fresh coat of paint. And as you do so, make sure you shop for low voc paints.
Low voc paints are made with sustainability in mind, and reduce your contributions to harmful chemicals or toxic gas emissions. What’s more, low voc paints tend to be high-quality, splatter-resistant, and basically odorless.
You can find low voc paints in a range of colors, at pretty much any home improvement store or paint supplier.
While blinds may look stylish, they allow a lot of heat energy to seep out through your windows. During winter, blinds actually make it a bit harder to keep your house warm, which means your heating unit has to work overtime.
A set of good, thick curtains is like a winter jacket that you place onto your house, helping it retain its warmth during the cold months of winter. You might consider getting blackout curtains for your bedroom, which are especially good for insulation but can also help you sleep better at night.
Solar power is one of the best ways to generate clean energy for your home, focusing solely on renewable sources. But what if you live in a part of the country where direct sun exposure is harder to come by?
Wind turbines can make a great addition to solar panels; if, you can install a wind turbine to help enhance and complement your solar system’s performance.
Wind turbines are actually incredibly easy to make and install, and they can significantly reduce your dependence on more conventional energy sources.
Looking for ways to live more sustainably? Or even to breathe new life into a familiar home? There are plenty of easy DIY projects that you might consider. These projects may boost your home values while also decreasing utility costs. And, they’re things you can consider without needing to hire a pro.
Start brainstorming some of your own DIY home upgrades today!