While some home improvement projects are done to make your home look better, not all DIY projects are for aesthetics alone.
In fact, there are tons of important projects you can do around the house that no one may notice at all.
But those unseen improvements are essential to maintaining your home and ensuring it lasts for years to come.
The next time you’re planning a renovation, consider one of these five home improvement projects that extend the life of your home.
Put in New Windows
If your home’s windows are more than a decade or two old, it may be time for an upgrade. But since this is a big project, it’s important to know the signs that your home needs new windows.
It may be time for new windows if your current windows:
- Are damaged, warped or broken
- Let in a draft
- Are hard to open or close
- Contain moisture buildup between the panes
In addition to making the exterior of your home look more polished, new windows can also improve a variety of other areas of your house.
Newer windows are more energy-efficient than older models, which can help you save on your electricity bill by eliminating drafts throughout your home.
And they can prevent water damage to your home’s walls if your old windows are leaky or broken.
Replace the Roof
Another big home improvement project that goes a long way in extending the life of your home is a roof replacement.
Since the roof of your home protects everything underneath it, keeping it well maintained is essential.
There are several signs your home may need a new roof. Start by checking the interior of your roof by scanning the attic for signs of leaks. Then, check the roof exterior for loose shingles, cracks, or other visible damage.
A droopy or saggy roof is another sure sign that your home’s roof should be replaced. Finally, if your roof is more than 25 years old, it’s probably time to make the upgrade.
Caulking the Bathroom
While this may not be the most glamorous DIY project you can do, it is an important home improvement project to tackle.
Caulking around the plumbing fixtures will not only make your bathroom look more polished, but can also help prevent water damage in the room in the future.
Adding a new line of caulk around the edges of your shower or bathtub will help prevent water from seeping into the walls around the fixture.
That means you’ll be preventing expensive water damage from occurring in the future. And the good news about this project is that it can be done for less than $10!
Caulking your bathroom is a fairly straightforward project. Start by removing all the damaged and discolored caulk currently in the bathroom. Then clean the area where you will be applying the caulk thoroughly.
Allow the area to dry completely before reapplying caulk to the spot. And be sure to wait at least 24 hours after applying the caulk to use the tub to prevent damage.
Add More Insulation
Insulating your home is a great project that will not only increase the life of the house but also help your home be a little more energy efficient.
Start by taking a look at your home’s attic to see if there are areas where more insulation would be effective.
Since most of your home’s heat escapes through the roof the attic is the best place to start when improving your home’s insulation. An unfinished attic should be insulated between and around the floor joists and along all exterior walls.
After adding more insulation to the attic, start improving the insulation throughout the rest of your home.
Search for leaks throughout your home by checking for drafts in these areas:
- Around doors and windows
- Near light switches and electrical sockets
- Around recessed lighting
- Throughout the basement
- Along the edges of the attic hatch
- Areas where ducts or wires exit the home
If you notice a draft in any of those areas, seal the spot with caulk to prevent any more air from escaping in that spot.
Install Smart Technology
From smart thermostats to video doorbells, there are tons of amazing smart products for your home.
And these simple upgrades can drastically improve the efficiency of your house. A smart thermostat, for example, can help your home regulate your heating and cooling system to help it run more efficiently and last years longer!
When thinking about the types of smart home products to add to your home, consider these:
- Smart thermostats
- Video doorbells
- Smart security systems
- LED smart light bulbs and lighting systems
- Smart outlets and plug adapters
- Home hubs and smart speakers
In addition to helping you reduce your monthly spending by making your house more energy-efficient, this simple home upgrade is relatively inexpensive and easy to do.
Most smart home products can easily take the place of your traditional appliances without much additional effort from the homeowner.
