Home renovation can be costly, complicated, and potentially frustrating. However, home improvements impact far more than your property’s appearance. They can also be responsible for increasing property value and protecting your home from serious damage when and if a disaster hits down the road.
Many simple home improvement ideas won’t break the bank, and can even help you prepare for any future emergencies and accompanying costs. . We’ve compiled a list of eight necessary home updates you can start today to ensure you’re in the best position to withstand whatever comes your way.
1. Upgrade your flooring
Different types of flooring can withstand various types of emergencies, such as flooding and fires. Most people have carpet, tile, or hardwoods in their homes, so we will explain which of these are best.
Tiles are one of the best flooring options available. They are durable, fire-resistant, and easy to clean. If properly installed and regularly maintained, they can give a high-end look to your home for several years. A tile is a great option for those who suffer from allergies since, unlike carpets, they do not hold onto dust mites, pollen, or pet hair. We recommend tile in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or common spaces that are more prone to damage.
Hardwood is another good flooring option. High-quality hardwood products may cost more, but they are extremely durable, have greater fire resistance, and require minimal maintenance. Replacing carpet or upgrading cheap flooring to tile or hardwood may save you a lot of money in the event of potential water or fire damage down the road. Hardwoods also come in a variety of styles and colors, so you’re sure to find something that matches the aesthetic of your home while also keeping it safe.
2. Replace your windows
Windows are no longer just responsible for bringing in light or facilitating airflow. These days, modern windows with excellent insulation and sophisticated materials can help reduce sound, enhance the energy efficiency, reduce dust and allergens, and improve home comfort. New windows can also offer better home security with locks and sensor functionalities, and they may be able to better withstand potential damage from inclement weather. If you have old windows, this is one of the first and most effective improvements to look into. New windows provide protection and also raise the value of your home, making them a great investment.
3. Update old wiring
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an electrical malfunction causes 6.8% of residential building fires. These fires may lead to personal injuries, loss of property, and even death. Therefore, it is important to protect your homes from fire risks by conducting regular electrical checks and updating your electrical wiring. If your home is more than 30 years old, check for outdated electrical panels, aluminum wires, knob and tube wiring, and cloth insulation.
Contact a professional immediately to inspect and replace aluminum wires with copper wires. Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, is non-corrosive, and malleable. Meanwhile, aluminum has high electrical resistance and high reactivity with other materials that are found in electrical systems. Aluminum wires were commonly used in the past since they were cheaper, but not necessarily the safest option.
4. Replace old, leaky pipes
Over time, pipes may corrode and decay. This may lead to leaks, flooding, and water damage that could cost you thousands of dollars in repair and rehabilitation– and on top of that, a significant amount of hassle for you and your family. To avoid this, you need to conduct regular assessments and maintenance of your plumbing system.
Watch out for warning signs indicating that there is a need for the replacement of pipes. These include water discoloration, stains, and flaking that may be caused by corrosion. Reduced water pressure may also indicate a clog or a leak. Do not wait for the situation to worsen, since it would cost you much more by that time. Instead, contact a professional to take a look.
5. Replace your aging roof
Your roof protects your home from exposure to water, heat, and other elements. To avoid bigger problems caused by damaged roofs, you need to schedule roof maintenance or replacement when you notice cracking or curling shingles, exposed nails, corrosion, moss growth, or water leakage.
You might also want to consider replacing your roof if it is more than 20 years old. An added benefit of a new roof is that it would drastically upgrade your home’s overall look and potentially increase its value – so, this home improvement can be one of the more costly ones, but worthwhile in the long run.
6. Clean out your garage
The garage is often where homeowners put everything that does not need to be in the main rooms, resulting in mounting clutter. General cleanup of your garage is an easy home improvement plan that will not only free up space but will also promote health and safety in your home.
A disorganized garage can be the cause of fires, especially when you put flammable objects inside during warmer months. On top of that, it can be a home for rodents and other insects, which can bring on a whole new set of problems. It’s best to declutter and organize your garage seasonally, to ensure it’s not a hazard.
7. Monitor temperature and humidity levels
Technology now allows us to accurately monitor temperature and humidity levels at home. Consider installing smart home devices that can automatically regulate your home’s temperature levels and monitor humidity levels. Controlling temperature and humidity may help prevent the growth of mold and bacteria in your home. Relative humidity above 50% promotes the growth of bacteria, while above 70% promotes the spread of mold. Both bacteria and mold pose dangers to your health and will need to be remediated.
Keeping the temperature and humidity levels within an optimal range allows for greater comfort and health for you and your family and protects your wood, paper, leather, and organic fiber items at home from damage.
8. Apply coatings and sealants throughout your home
Wall damage due to water penetration is quite common in humid areas and places prone to flooding. For areas in your home that are exposed to high humidity levels, moisture, and elevated temperatures, a waterproof sealer helps prevent water damage and the growth of mold. Also, it helps to improve the appearance and life of your exterior paint.
Paint sealers are applied after painting. Some opt to skip sealers to save money, only to find out later that it may lead to faster fading of exterior paint, formation of stains, and growth of mold and mildew. This will cost you much more to address afterward.
Start working on your home improvement ideas
Home renovation goes beyond improving the overall look of your home. It can also protect you and your family from serious health and safety issues. If you have any questions about ways you can protect your home from damage, we are here to answer them. You may contact us at Compleat Restorations if you are seeking assistance from reliable professionals. If after you have implemented these home improvements you still experience issues, we can help with our professional restoration services.