Home Improvement Resolutions for 2015
The New Year is banging rapidly at our door and with it comes the obligatory New Year’s resolutions – those little promises we make to ourselves each January 1st to be a little better than the year before. While we usually think of ways to improve ourselves, it never hurts to apply that same “new beginnings” resolve to other things as well – such as your home.
Home Remodeling Resolutions
With a little imagination, it is pretty easy to align your own personal New Year’s resolutions with some common home remodeling and improvement tasks. For instance, maybe you have resolved to save more money this year or set aside a little cash for a dream vacation or rainy day. By making smart home choices, you can cut back on monthly utility bills and increase the value of your home in one stroke.
Save Money and Reduce Bills
There are many ways for you to save money in the home through simple changes. One way to do this is by making sure your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is properly maintained. Contrary to popular belief, swapping out your air filter every couple of months is not maintenance. We suggest swapping filters out every month, particularly during months of extreme cold or heat.
In addition, calling out a professional HVAC contractor to check your system and maintain it is a great way to keep your unit running smoothly. A well-maintained system lasts longer (saving you from having to replace it before you get your money’s worth) and runs better, meaning it requires less electricity. Poorly maintained systems quickly become energy hogs, draining your wallet with needless energy waste.
Make the World a Better Place
Maybe your goal is to make the world a better place in some way, even if it is by just trying to reduce your carbon footprint or leave a cleaner planet behind for your children. Similar to steps you can take to reduce your energy bills (and a side effect of that), choosing energy-friendly appliances can help reduce energy waste each month.
If you want to take things to the next level, you can also schedule an energy audit or energy assessment from a certified professional. For a nominal fee they will assess your home and locate any air leaks or energy waste in your home.
Spend More Time with Friends and Family
A pretty common New Year’s resolution is to spend more time with loved ones and friends. Unfortunately, our living space is not always conducive to having friends over or hosting elaborate parties. Sometimes a simple kitchen renovation will solve this problem. Or maybe you need several home remodeling projects to get the job done.
Spending money to make your home more “entertainment” friendly is not only a great way to keep the vow of spending more quality time with family, but is also a great investment. An updated kitchen, new bedroom addition or even that dream home theater are all terrific ways to add value to your property.
Keeping Your Home Remodeling Resolutions
Sticking to any resolution can be a challenge, but the rewards for doing so are usually worth any effort put forth. Setting realistic goals and making well thought out plans are essential to staying on track. If you find yourself in need of professional advice or guidance when tackling a home improvement project, give Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling a call and see how we can help your remodeling resolutions become a reality!