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Owning a home is a major expense. From mortgage to property taxes, it can be a struggle trying to keep up with all the financial demands that come with homeownership. When you add maintenance and repairs into this equation, it can sometimes seem downright impossible to keep up with the cost of being a proprietor. That’s why we’ve written this list of 5 upgrades that will prevent you from sinking too much of your hard-earned money into your property, useful whether you are a private homeowner looking to sell or a landlord willing to rent., Solar Panels , , Solar panel technology has been refined to a point where it is much more accessible to the average person than it once was. Gone are the days when the thought of utilizing solar energy for one’s own purposes was something entertained only by the very wealthy. Not only are solar panels now significantly cheaper than they once were, but they also do their job more efficiently, allowing homeowners to reap great benefits at relatively affordable costs.,
, These benefits include a tax credit, highly-reduced or eliminated electric bill, and a significant increase to the value of your property. Although they are not available in every state, such companies like Sunrun can help you get started on bringing your home the savings you need., Go Smart, , While solar panels might not seem very futuristic anymore, smart home technology is an amazing example of the way in which we have entered the future as a society. As this technology becomes more and more ubiquitous, it also increases in affordability, which makes it a surefire money-saver overall. From thermostats to music systems, smart technology offers a wide variety of ways to bring you both savings and convenience. Tech such as smart lighting, in particular, can really help you save big bucks., Smart lighting systems incorporate motion-sensors and other automation to make sure that lights are turned off when they are not in use. With something like this, there would be no need to worry about whether or not you left your lights on the next time you and your family go camping. These systems will even provide you with analysis of your electric usage to help you make the best choices for your budget. Companies like Frontpoint Security can help you incorporate smart technology into your home, just make sure you do your research and choose the right projects for your needs., , Windows, Though often overlooked, windows are an absolutely integral piece of any home, and can cause a lot of stress and ill-spent money if not maintained. Old windows can get stuck, even shattering sometimes when forced open, and improperly fitting windows can create drafty homes, raising gas and energy bills exponentially in the winter months. Making sure your windows are suitably upgraded will not only save you money on repairs and utility bills, but will make day-to-day life more convenient. As you enlist help for your window overhaul, be sure to look locally in order to save as much as possible. Those in Silicon Valley should opt for companies that specialize in window repair in San Jose, while homeowners in Princeton should look for Jersey window specialists. Finding contractors in your area means hiring someone who knows exactly what works for window needs in your climate.,
, Gutters, Sometimes the simplest changes yield the greatest results. Gutters might be the most important upgrade a person can make to their home in terms of avoiding future repairs. Water damage, at any level, can be a serious issue, but if water damages your home’s foundation, it can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. That’s why it is absolutely essential for you to make sure you have rain gutters that are precisely routed and receive regular maintenance. This one easy addition can save you incredible amounts of money in the long-run., Faucets, , According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a faucet that only leaks one time in a minute will still waste 34 gallons of water in a year. This is like pouring money down the drain, not to mention the environmental implications. Ensuring you get new faucets that work properly and have no issues with leakage could save you lots of money on your water bills, as well as on repairs down the line., A home is a sanctuary, and should be a place free from stress and pressure. The last thing a homeowner needs is to sink unnecessary money into their resting place. These 5 upgrades will surely help you save money and live more comfortably.