At this time of year, as winter is a fading memory and the weather gets brighter and lighter, thoughts tend to turn towards the topic of home improvements. Now is the time to start planning and realizing your designs and modifications but you will also want to consider longevity in these plans. Here are 3 ways in which the home improvements you choose to undertake will last for many years to come.
· Upgrade your plumbing systems
Just because your pipes and plumbing systems are out of sight, they should not be out of mind. Old and/or poor-quality plumbing systems can reduce the water pressure in rooms such as the bathroom where you need good water flow. Old plumbing can also store potential contaminates and the last thing you want is to be drinking or washing with contaminated tap water. In addition, leaky pipes can cause huge damage to your walls and foundations which can be extremely expensive to rectify. Whilst copper is a great material for indoor pipes, it must be installed by trained professional plumbers as the pipes need to be soldered together. Consider also that if you live in coastal areas stainless steel is a perfect option for your pipes due to its high resistance to corrosion. Good modern plumbing systems can add value to your property and will ensure that your related appliances work to their best.
· Insist on high quality materials in your designs
The key materials that you chose in your home renovations and upgrades will have a significant impact on how long these improvements stay functional and looking good. In areas of the house where there is a lot of activity and footfall this becomes imperative. Take the kitchen for example; counter tops and work surfaces are likely to be used multiple times every day for food preparation. A hard-wearing material such as granite or quartz-based surfaces not only look great but will last for many years of intensive daily use. Companies such as granitetransformations.co.uk specialize in the use of these materials. By choosing quality materials from the outset, you will save money in the longer term as these household spaces will continue to look great for many years to come. It also goes without saying that quality should be a priority in choosing your appliances such as your air-conditioning system, freezer nz, and oven.
· Insulate for a more comfortable and efficient home
All modern homes will have some degree of loft insulation and cavity wall insulation. However, the construction of these parts of your house can vary significantly and a lot of houses that were built prior to 1960 will have lower levels of insulation in general. A well-insulated home is not only more comfortable and pleasant to be in, but it will also keep your heating costs down. In modern times the price of heating a home continues to rise and it is important to limit your energy bills by ensuring that your home is well insulated. In terms of insulation types, spray foam insulation is an excellent choice in terms of its heat trapping efficiency but must be installed by professionals as it can be a difficult material to work with. A well-insulated house will pay for itself over the course of the years and is one of the best long-term home improvement investments you can make.
Find more home improvement tips in our house and home archives.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.