5 Money-Saving Home Improvements To Make Before Retiring

Retirement is the perfect time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor, so you want to make that bliss as uninterrupted as possible. One way to do that is by addressing your home. 

Even though home maintenance will always be on your to-do list, there are ways to limit it and cut costs simultaneously. 

This will leave you with more time and money to enjoy your golden years with. So, without further ado, here are five money-saving home improvements to make before retiring.

1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows

Swapping out old, drafty windows for energy-efficient ones will cut your heating and cooling costs. Modern energy-efficient windows are designed to keep your home at a consistent temperature, reducing the need for constant heating or cooling.

This change alone can save you hundreds of dollars annually on utility bills. Plus, you might even qualify for tax credits.

2. Get a New Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Regardless of whether you notice the signs you need a new roof, a new, high-quality roof will provide better insulation and protect your home from expensive water damage. 

Investing in a new roof before retiring will allow you to avoid the hassle and costs of emergency repairs down the road.

3. Install a Smart Thermostat

Incorporating technology into your home is another way to save on energy costs. A smart thermostat adapts to your schedule and preferences, ensuring your home remains comfortable without wasting energy. 

With features like remote access, you can adjust settings from anywhere, optimizing efficiency and keeping bills low. Ultimately, simplifying your home’s climate control is one of the easiest money-saving home improvements to make before retiring.

4. Insulate the Attic

Proper insulation in your attic prevents heated air from escaping during the winter and keeps your home cooler in the summer. This improvement can drastically lower your energy bills by reducing the demand on your heating and cooling systems. 

Furthermore, the upfront cost of insulating your attic is relatively modest, and the savings will quickly add up.

5. Switch to Low-Flow Fixtures

Water-saving fixtures like low-flow showerheads and faucets can significantly reduce your water consumption and lower your utility bills. These fixtures are easy to install and offer immediate savings without sacrificing performance. 

Over time, the reduced water usage leads to substantial savings, making it a practical and budget-friendly update for retirees looking to stretch their dollars further.

Final Thoughts

Investing in these home improvements will not only enhance your quality of life but also ensure that your home remains efficient and cost-effective throughout your golden years. 

By making these smart upgrades, you can spend more time enjoying retirement and less time worrying about household expenses.

Home Improvements To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient For Retirement

If you’re wanting to start making improvements to make your home more energy efficient ready for retirement, you’re in the right place. 

Making improvements whilst you have the finances prior to retirement is a great investment for the future, to cut down your living costs and take away the pressure of some bills. 

Whether you’re wanting to make a smaller or larger investment, we’ve got options for you.

Solar Panels

First up, we’ve got solar panels. Whilst this is definitely one of the more sizable investments, once they’re paid off, it can significantly reduce your energy bills. 

As well as cutting down your energy bills, especially in the summer, if your solar panels generate more energy than you are using, then you can actually sell it back to the grid and actually make money. 

How effective solar panels will be depends on where you are located and how much sun you get, however overall, it’s safe to say they’re going to save you a lot of money. Depending on your budget, you can get much smaller systems or larger systems. 

There are also things you can do to make the most of your solar panels, like using the most energy when your generation is highest, so doing your washing in peak sun hours or leaving a slow cooker on in the day then trying to use less in the evenings.

Upgrade Your Boiler

One of the best things you can do to make your home more energy efficient is to upgrade your boiler. Modern boilers are much more efficient than older ones, using less energy to heat the same amount and therefore reducing your heating bills. 

They are also usually more effective when used in conjunction with smart meters as well, so you can better control how much energy is being used. 

Again, this is one of the more costly investments, but it can make a huge difference throughout your retirement.

Conservatory Insulation

If you have a conservatory, then getting conservatory roof insulation can help to not only make your home more energy efficient, but it can also make the space much more usable all year round. 

It helps to keep warmth in during the winter and reduce the temperature in the summer months. It works by adding a layer of insulation onto the inside of your conservatory roof, which is then covered by ceiling panels to create a clean and contemporary look. 

If you currently have a glass roof, a tint will be applied to the glass so that the insulation isn’t visible from above, or if you have tiles, this won’t be an issue. 

This is one of the more affordable alterations you can make that not only saves you money, but helps you to make the most out of your home.

Energy Saving Light Bulbs

One of the most affordable changes you can make is to swap out your bulbs for energy saving light bulbs. If you get the most energy efficient bulbs possible they use between 70% and 80% less electricity than traditional bulbs, and they also last a lot longer! 

One energy efficient bulb can save around £6 a year, and although this might not sound significant, when you replace every bulb in your house and take into account that they can last for up to 10 years, you can save a lot of money over that duration.

Loft Insulation

Another good option to make your home more energy efficient is to get loft insulation. This reduces the amount of energy that is able to escape through the loft, to significantly improve the efficiency of your home through the reduced heat loss. 

The type of loft insulation and the size of your home can alter how much it costs, however you can expect it to cost between around £200 and £3,500.

Double or Triple Glazing

Lastly, if you don’t already have it, double or triple glazing is a really valuable addition to your home, in terms of both energy efficiency and also reducing noise. It helps to block out drafts, prevent energy leaving your home and also add value to your home if you do ever decide to sell. 

Again, this is one of the more costly options to make your home more energy efficient, however it is also one of the most effective in improving the efficiency of your home, especially if you currently don’t have either double or triple glazing. 

This is a long lasting investment for your home.

How Retired Seniors Can Maintain Their Homes

If you are retired, you know how important your home will be to you in the years ahead. As a result, you, of course, want to keep it in the best possible condition.

However, you also know trying to do some maintenance tasks yourself may now be difficult, if not impossible. To ensure your home is properly maintained as you age, here are some steps you should consider taking immediately.

Update the Plumbing

One of the best things you can do for yourself and your home is to upgrade the plumbing system. This can include having fixtures installed on sinks that are easy to use, having older pipes that may corrode replaced with PVC pipes, and perhaps even removing your bathtub in favor of a walk-in shower. By making a few plumbing upgrades, you will have peace of mind for many years to follow.

Get a New Roof

If your home's roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, getting a new roof after you've retired will be a very smart investment. A new roof can help you prevent the need for repairs in the future. 

When you speak with professionals like Schultz Roofing & Repairs, LLC, you can discuss the benefits of an asphalt shingle roof, learn more about metal roofing, and also consider getting new guttering installed that is designed to not clog up, which will eliminate the need for you to climb a ladder to clean the gutters.

Overhaul the Electrical System

As your home has undergone changes over the years, it is likely you now have many more electronics in your home. This can include not only multiple televisions but also your computer and perhaps even appliances that use smart technology. 

If this is the case, you should hire an electrician to inspect and overhaul your home's electrical system. This can include replacing wiring that may be decades old, upgrading your home's breaker box, and replacing outlets that may also be outdated.

Get New Doors and Windows

Finally, you can not only make your home look better but also make it much safer and energy efficient by having new doors and windows installed. 

Adding new windows to your home will help it stay warmer during the winter while also being made more secure so that they can be locked. New doors will also help your home stay more secure since you can have deadbolt locks installed as well.

Once you make these improvements to your home, there is no doubt you will be able to enjoy your home as you progress into your golden years.

4 Exterior Home Improvements That Won't Break The Bank

 

Your home's exterior needs just as much attention as the inside. When people walk up the driveway, it is the first contact they have with your property, and you want to make sure the experience is a good one.

A dull exterior can overshadow everything else you have going on in the house. Curb appeal also adds value to your home regardless of whether you are selling or not. With a few changes, you can fix up the outdoors without spending a lot of money.

Affordable Landscaping

A few plants and flower bushes in your front and back yard can brighten up the exterior. The landscaping doesn’t have to be fancy to give the results you want. If you already have a flowerbed, trim it, remove the weeds, and add a bit of mulch.

Put some flowers in containers and arrange them in front of your home or hang them from the porch ceiling. Run a rake through the yard to clean any fallen leaves, twigs, and branches.

A rustic garden fence added between plants and flowering bushes creates a peaceful background. Companies like plymouth fence contractors can turn a drab garden into a place where you will be wanting to spend a lot of your time.

Fit In A Porch Or Deck

Adding a deck or porch will give your exterior that homey ambiance that calls out to visitors from a distance. Online how-to guides can tell you how to install a porch or deck yourself.

Research the best materials and designs that will match the rest of your exterior décor. Once you have a deck or porch, you can put flowers around it, and add a swing or chairs to complete the look.

Take Care Of The Pavement And Driveway

Proper maintenance of your pavement and driveway can give your exterior a whole new look.

Pressure cleaning is one way you can ensure that these areas stay clean. Professional paving services, like those at Harris Paving Industries, may be needed to repair cracks and other issues with your driveway such as drainage that may be affecting curb appeal.

Spruce Up The Front Door

The front door can make or break your exterior décor. Insist on the best quality door for your front entrance to improve curb appeal and security. If it’s an old door, a fresh coat of paint is the cheapest way to boost its appearance.

Alternatively, you can get a new door - recycled doors offer unique styles at low costs. Hanging a beautiful wreath will also enhance the look of your front entrance.

The right home improvements can turn a drab exterior into an inviting space without forking out loads of cash. You can easily DIY some of these projects, and get professional help when it matters.

Take a good look at your home first and decide which improvements will complement the property and highlight its best features.

5 Outdoor Improvements To Increase Your Property Value

If you’ve considered selling your property in the future, now is the time to invest in your home to capitalize on its value. Homeowners from all around are investing in the back of their properties highly motivated by the home-improvement boom that started just this decade. 

Many studies confirmed that consumers value a landscaped patio 11.3 percent higher than the one without good landscaping. Along with that, it will increase your house’s value by a staggering 12.4 percent. This might be the right time to consider improving your outdoor living area because it offers an excellent return of investments. 

More trees and backyard sanctuaries are important aspects to adding value to your current real-estate. But how to decide what is the most efficient and economic way to add value to your own backyard? Here are some of our examples:

Gardening and landscaping

If you’re not sure where to start, gardening and landscaping is the way to go. These kind of spaces are very popular, though they can be high-maintenance. 

To avoid that happening, you can do a little research on native plants or drought-tolerant plants that thrive in your area, which are all less expensive and not too complicated to care of. 

If you, however decide for something more demanding, you might need to get some help in the form of an irrigation system. Keeping your backyard clean and well hydrated is very important, so make sure to update your sprinklers, and replace hose connectors and fittings. 

Besides plants, shade trees or tall shrubs are the best solution to lowering your energy bills over the summer, as they can provide shade and block the sun's rays from overheating your home.

Boost curb appeal

First impression is the most important when it comes to making or breaking a deal. Don’t put off caring about your curb appeal until it’s time to sell your home. 

These kind of improvements are cheap, simple and long-lasting. You can do things such as repaint your home, fence, front and garage door, update your door knobs, patch or repave your driveway or simply clean up the grass. 

Installing a new steel door can increase both security and energy-efficiency. A clean, uncluttered front yard can instantly alter someone's perception for the better.

Add a pergola

If you have a pool, a pergola can easily accentuate the pool area and increase your outdoor living space as well. 

It creates more shade and opportunities for more greenery and lighting, and if you choose breezy curtains, even a shelter from bugs. Installment costs between 1000-3000$, depending on the size, but luckily, the additions such as vines, flowers, strings of light and other are fairly inexpensive. 

Most importantly, a pergola will increase the value of your home more than the actual cost of building it.

Build a deck/patio

Decks provide a very high return of investment, but they can be a bit pricey. You can save a lot of money if you decide to build it by yourself, however, the cost of someone else doing it comes to about 3500$. 

Patios, terraces and decks are generally high on the wish list for buyers, so carefully calculate if you’re ready for this kind of investment. All aside, a patio makes for an amazing outdoor area where you can make further improvements in the future.

Outdoor kitchen

If you’re not limited by your budget, you can add a fabulous outdoor kitchen that can provide you with both practicality and fun outdoors. 

It can be installed with hot and cold running water, grill, and even a refrigerator. Every buyer is looking to use their backyard as an extension of their house, so they can cook and dine there, or even watch TV.

Final thoughts

Many homeowners can enlist the help of a trusted real estate professional to consult on what changes to make. 

You can use that to your advantage, and stay informed on the changes in the marketplace. The most important thing when it comes to improving your backyard is to not go overboard. 

Create a detailed plan and according to your financial capabilities, adjust your plans so that you can finish what you’ve started. The key here is patience, and a little effort to making your living space more comfortable and enjoyable.

4 Home Improvements to Help You Save Money on Your Energy Bills

According to the US Department of Energy, the energy usage of each person in the United States costs them over $3,000 each year.

One-third of that bill is energy usage in the home, meaning that the yearly home energy expenditure of a family of four is about $4,000. Since much of that expenditure comprises home heating and cooling costs, taking steps to lower those costs can help your family save big during the summer and winter.

However, other home appliances can run up your energy bills even further, especially if they are old or damaged.

What can you do to save on your energy bills? Read on to learn about four home improvements that can reduce both your home heating and air-conditioning bills and save you energy in additional ways.

1. Invest in those Energy Efficient New Home Windows

You likely have windows in virtually every room of your home, and if they are old and drafty, then replacing them can be one of the best ways to save on home energy.

How much energy will you save after replacing your home windows? That varies depending on what type of windows you currently have and how drafty they are.

If you have single-pane windows with metal frames, then upgrading two double- or triple-pane windows with frames that seal more tightly, such as vinyl frames, can help reduce your home energy bills.

While it is important to choose the right windows, it is also important to choose the right installation expert. Proper installation is important to fully reap the benefits of those new windows.

2. Replace or Repair your Home Heating and Cooling Ducts

The cool air your air conditioner creates in the summer and the warm air your heater creates in the winter travel through your home duct system to reach every room in your home.

If those ducts are old and you haven't had them inspected lately, then they could have holes and/or cracks that are causing your energy bills to rise.

The EPA reports that the average homeowner loses about one-fifth of their heated and cooled air due to air duct leakage. However, you could be losing even more. Pure air duct cleaning is the perfect way to ensure your ducts are not leaking and are working energy efficiently.

Having your duct system inspected and repaired is an easy way to save home energy.

3. Have a Heat Pump Installed

Heat pumps use much less energy to heat your home in the winter than traditional home heating systems. There are four types of heat pumps: geothermal, air-to-air, absorption, and water-source pumps.

While they all differ in how they heat your home, they all have one thing in common: they shift existing heat into your home instead of creating heat. This makes them very energy efficient.

Air-source heat pumps are the most popular heat pumps today, and some models can even cool your home in the summer. They can act as the sole source of heat in milder climates, but in areas of the country with very cold winters, they can supplement your existing home-heating system and lower your energy bills drastically.

4. Replace That Old Water Heater

Along with home heating and air conditioning, your home water heater can be a big waste of energy if it is old and lacks proper insulation.

The average family spends about $270 each year on energy used by their home water heater, but if yours is old and improperly insulated, you may be spending much more. Of course, if you have a large family who takes lots of hot showers, your energy needs also naturally increase.

According to High Point Plumbing, a company of plumbers in Utah County, having a professional replace your old, uninsulated water heater with a new, energy-efficient model is the best way to stop paying more money than you have to for your hot water. 

Also, having your hot water heater wrapped in heat-proof insulation can help reduce energy wasted by an old hot water tank.

If your home energy bills are higher than you would like them to be, then there are many steps you can take to reduce your home energy bills. These four home improvements can help you begin saving energy immediately. 

If you perform all four, you may be surprised at how much energy was just going to waste and how quickly the small investments in the home improvements pay for themselves many times over.