Home Improvement Projects That Can Save You Money

For most of us, when we hear the term “Home Improvement” we immediately think in dollar signs. As a result, regular home updates can easily fall by the wayside for those on a budget. But this doesn’t have to be the case. What if “Home Improvement” could mean saving instead of spending? See the tips below to learn how you could be keeping money in the bank by making simple changes around the house.Go Low-FlowNot only can you conserve water but money as well by switching to low-flow fixtures. An example of this budget-friendly investment, low-flow shower heads can cost as little as $20. Faucet aerators can be as low as $1. Going low-flow can save close to $150 a year. In addition, some cities offer a rebate for switching to water-saving toilets.Add Shutters or Impact WindowsAdding Bahama or Colonial shutters makes your home look more attractive. Storm shutters and impact windows can make your home safer. All of these options can save you money as well. They can:

• -Cut down on energy costs of cooling your home.
• -Protect against expensive storm damage.
• -Decrease the cost of homeowners insurance.
• -Improve the resale value of your home.

At Castle Impact Windows, all our shutters are made from heavy-duty aluminum and designed to last so you don’t have to worry about the cost of replacing them. It’s only a matter of time before they pay for themselves. Estimates are free so you have nothing to lose by giving us a call.Find the LeaksNo, not water leaks. Air. Even when all your windows and doors are securely closed, your home could be leaking money. Old doors and windows, electrical sockets, and recessed light fixtures are just a few areas where air can flow in and out unnoticed, causing an increase in heating or cooling costs. The good news is that thermal leak detectors are inexpensive and easy to use.Keep Gutters Clean Homeowners in the tropical Southeast are well aware of the damage that can be done by water. But such damage is not just the result of tropical storms. Faulty or clogged gutters can cause water to pool around the foundation, potentially causing it to crack. If the foundation is cracked, the structure of the walls may be compromised, or mold and mildew could begin to grow. Check regularly that your gutters are in good working order and avoid these costly repairs.Choose Green Most of the suggestions above are not only good for your bank account, but for the environment as well. More often than not, making your home Green means saving energy and thus saving money. Consider HE appliances the next time you’re in the market. Or switching out your light bulbs for CFL bulbs. Or installing a programmable thermostat. The list of ways that you can save the planet while saving your pocketbook is virtually endless.Regular MaintenanceEven if some of the options above aren’t in your budget right now, it’s not impossible to keep your home regularly maintained so that you can avoid unnecessarily expensive repairs in the future. Keep an eye out for dripping faucets. Eliminate mold at first notice. Replace rotten wood at the first sign of decay. Make sure you have a plan for protecting your home against storm damage. There may be some initial investment required, but when compared to the price of letting things slide, the cost is minimal.