With the weather turning colder and the leaves starting to change, many homeowners get inspired each fall to tackle a few home improvement projects around the house. What better way to get ready for the cozier months of the year than to improve your home’s condition and efficiency. These five affordable home improvement projects are designed to help get you there.
Forget that cold chill by replacing windows
Old or drafty windows can be costing you money, while making your home less comfortable year round. Energy.gov recommends replacing old windows, explaining that they can pay for themselves in energy savings over their lifetime. New replacement windows cost between $650 and $1,500 for vinyl, double hung windows with double-paned glass. If you can’t afford to replace all your old windows at once, consider replacing only the oldest and installing interior storm windows on the rest to save at least 10% on your energy bills this winter.
Prepare the roof for the rain-snow season
A leaking roof is not only inconvenient; it’s also one of the top ten causes of water infiltration that can lead to mold growth in the home. Make sure your roof is in good condition before the rain and snow of fall and winter arrive by undertaking repairs, or a total roof replacement if that home improvement is necessary. A total roof replacement costs around $6,000, but if the majority of your roof is in good condition, it’s possible to fix leaks for about $650, saving you the difference.
Stay warm by insulating the house
The majority of homes today are under insulated. This may be why adding attic insulation can recoup you a whopping 107.7% ROI at time of resale. Attic insulation costs about $400 to install on average, and can make your home more comfortable while keeping your energy bills low this winter. To save even more, consider installing rolled insulation DIY, rather than having it done professionally.
Clean the gutters to keep them free of dust and debris
Depending on your area’s climate and the number of trees surrounding your home, your gutters may need to be cleaned up to three times a year in order to keep them free of dirt and debris. Clogged gutters may cause damage to many parts of your home, such as the roof, walls, or even foundations if they aren’t cleaned out properly. This home improvement typically costs around $90 for 125-200 feet of gutters on a one-story home. To save, consider carrying out the cleaning yourself, instead of having it done professionally.
Clean the carpet and freshen the whole room
There are more than 100 times more pollutants indoors than there are outside. And many of them are trapped inside your carpet fibers. Vacuuming alone can’t remove them all, which is why cleaning your carpets can be so beneficial - especially before the winter months when you spend more time indoors. Carpet cleaning costs around $60 per carpet, and can really brighten up your interiors, while making them healthier at the same time. To save, consider renting a steam cleaner and doing the job yourself.
Improve Your Home this Fall
Scratch that home improvement itch this fall by getting ready for the coming cold. Take on these five projects to improve your home, make it more efficient, and more comfortable at the same time.
