Remodeling? Get These Tasks Done While You’re At It!

Remodeling? Get These Tasks Done While You’re At It!

Image via Flickr by roarofthefour

Finding the time, energy, and resources to keep up a home while you’re busy raising kids is difficult. Often, it’s not until the little ones are grown and gone off to college that you can undertake a major remodeling.

If you’re thinking of sprucing up your now-empty nest, take advantage of this occasion by getting other important tasks done at the same time. Whether you want to bring your home into the 21st century, complete long overdue repairs, or increase your home’s energy efficiency, be sure to sneak in the following improvements.

Install New Windows and Doors

New windows can breathe new life into your home. A remodeling is an ideal time to replace windows and old doors for changes to be made to the size, shape, and placement without causing too much disruption. New energy-efficient windows increase the overall value of your home and decrease heating and cooling costs. You can also do patio door installation easily with the help of professional door replacement service providers.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, new technologies such as gas fills and low-emissivity glazings can reduce energy losses by 30 to 50 percent. A professional window installation service can help you determine the best windows based on climate, location, and home design.

AC Maintenance and Upgrade

If you live in a state where an air conditioning unit proves to be an inseparable part of the house, you should look at your existing cooling system in terms of its repair and maintenance. The Air Conditioner Repair or upkeep will not cost much, but neglecting it surely will hurt your wallet in the long run. But one must keep in mind that this repair must be carried out by an expert. In fact, you could also get a new unit installed altogether if your existing unit deems to be unfit by the HVAC professional.

Switch to Spray Foam Insulation

When you’re thinking about insulation, nothing beats spray foam insulation. With the ability to fill gaps and irregularities, spray foam eliminates drafts and seals off air leaks. You’ll gain greater energy efficiency and lower heating and cooling costs, which can be easier on your wallet and on your HVAC system. If greater energy efficiency and lowered costs are not reason enough to make the switch, polyurethane spray foam also resists mold growth, is fire resistant, and retains its superior R-value over time.

Go Low Flow in Your Home

A major remodeling often involves installing new fixtures such as sinks, faucets, toilets, and showerheads. Choosing low-flow options can reduce your annual water consumption and lower your carbon dioxide emissions. Using high-pressure technologies, these fixtures maintain a flow of water consistent with older models but require far less water overall. You’ll save on your water bills and feel better about not wasting water each time you shower. Low-flow options come in different styles and price ranges to suit any home or budget.

Upgrade Your Hot Water Heater

Tankless water heaters have several advantages over traditional models. They take up less space, they have nearly double the lifespan, and they don’t waste energy by continually heating water in a tank. These on-demand units heat water as you use it, which means the hot water supply will never run out. Making the switch during a remodeling is ideal, as you may need to update plumbing or electrical systems to accommodate the new setup.

Now that the kids are gone, you can finally get around to that remodeling project you’ve been putting off. Incorporating the upgrades above at the same time that you remodel can help to increase the value of your home and improve your energy efficiency. Why not do them while your house is already in renovation mode? You may even get the kids excited to come home and visit.

Kelly Tate
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