Upgrading your home is supposed to feel fun, but it often feels exhausting. There are so many products that claim they’ll make us much more comfortable and happy. But the decision fatigue of trying to choose between them often just leaves us frustrated. And ultimately, we know whatever we choose will only make us happy for a while before blending into the background again.
So, let’s approach the task of upgrading our homes from some different angles, like security and value. In these areas, there are fewer choices, and whatever you pick will deliver benefits over the long term. Here are 5 safety and value-increasing home upgrades that you’ll know were money well spent.
Add a Home Security System
The deterrence argument for modern home security systems – which typically feature cameras, alarms, and motion sensors – is obvious. But did you know buyers are increasingly looking for properties with them? Saving them the trouble of installing their own is often handsomely rewarded when it’s time to sell.
However, you don’t have to equip your home like some sort of prison compound. A doorbell camera is an ideal starting point. If you find that keeping track of who’s going in and out of your property brings you peace of mind, then you can consider something more advanced.
Strengthen Your Entry Doors
Doorbell cameras are a feature of many front doors today. In fact, front doors are often very secure and well-maintained, which is why modern criminals tend to target the back. It’s important to make sure all entry doors are robust, not just the main one.
Upgrades to consider include adding multipoint locks or smart locks. Both are much harder to force open than average locks. Choosing doors made from sturdy materials like reinforced steel or solid timber can help too. Insulation is another thing to think about when it comes to doors. Increased energy efficiency is sure to add value.
Install Aluminium Window Frames
Also integral to security and efficiency are windows. Your choice of glass obviously plays a big role here, but don’t overlook the value in upgrading your frames. Opting for a strong, durable material like aluminium can help. These can support highly insulated heavy windows and resist forced entry better than vinyl or wood.
While wooden frames can warp and rot, resulting in the need to replace them, aluminium window frames can last for decades. For any wear or damage, you can just look for aluminium window repairs in Sydney or your local area. There are also services that can paint aluminium window frames so that they better match your home.
Make Your Kitchen Less Hazardous
The kitchen is the most dangerous room in most houses and often serves as the focus of safety checks in the home. Yet, there are often many overlooked opportunities to decrease the risk of accidents. Non-slip flooring, for instance, prevents trips and falls. These can be especially dangerous when you’re surrounded by hot appliances and potentially carrying knives.
Proper ventilation is an important upgrade, too. This does more than just help keep food smells from drifting around the house, although that can help boost your home’s value. It also prevents condensation from forming on surfaces, which can lead to mould, and it prevents you from breathing in smoke if things get burned.
Do Some Safety-Conscious Landscaping
Most people think landscaping is about making your outdoor space look nice, but there’s more to it than that. For example, you could make a path out of slip-resistant material to help prevent trips and falls. You could trim back tree branches and bushes, which increases visibility and makes it harder for bushfires to spread.
Ensuring soil slopes away from the house and drains properly prevents the risk of basement flooding or soil erosion around your home’s foundations. And there’s no reason this can’t be achieved while also creating a picturesque space that buyers will love.
Conclusion
Feelings, like perceived comfort, pass quickly. Real benefits, like increased security and energy efficiency, stick around. When it comes to improving your home, it’s wiser to focus your attention on the latter. They’ll help create a home that gives you peace of mind and a greater return when it’s time to sell. In the long run, you’ll feel like your money was spent much more wisely.
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