Chadds Ford, PA, is a lovely area in which to become a homeowner. With a rich history, beautiful scenery, numerous wineries, and proximity to plenty of city amenities, it is a great spot to buy your first or even your last home.
Owning a home opens up multiple opportunities to save money now and in the future. Often, mortgage payments are more manageable than rent payments depending on the state of the market. Additionally, each mortgage payment builds equity that will benefit you if you refinance or sell the home. You can also make changes to the house that would not be allowed under the jurisdiction of a landlord.
The key to making a good investment in your home is implementing improvements that will save money in the long run. Here are some improvements that will cost you now but result in long-term savings for your home in Chadds Ford.
Metal Roofing
An aging roof can be a drain on your bank account. It could cause water damage in the home when it rains, excessive utility bills because of poor insulation, and a negative aesthetic appearance. There are many advantages to installing metal roof tiles for your house. First, it is relatively inexpensive compared to most other roofing materials. Second, they can last up to 50 years. They are also very resistant to external elements, so you can count on them lasting for a long time and keeping your home comfortable. As a result, your utility bills will likely decrease when the old roof is replaced with a metal alternative.
Solar Panels
Alternative sources of energy are a hot topic for homeowners looking to reduce their environmental impact and lower their reliance on electricity from the grid. Solar panels are becoming more and more common sights on residential properties because they harness energy from sunlight to provide power to the home. Though installation can be a bit pricey, the cost of solar panels is slowly decreasing, and the savings on your electric bill will eventually make up for it. Plus, you may be able to claim certain tax credits that the government offers for renewable energy improvements.
Personal Propane Tank
Though electric heating is much more popular across the United States, propane is still a cheaper option. Many homes in Chadds Ford rely on propane to keep the home warm, especially when winter arrives. However, it can be expensive to rent a propane tank and rely on one supplier to refill it, which is how many homes operate. You can find propane tanks for sale that let you own a tank and shop around for the least expensive suppliers. Rather than paying a rental fee each month, all you have to pay is the upfront cost. Then you can take advantage of the market to find the best deal on propane rather than being locked into one supplier.
Purchase Sealants/Insulation Materials
Time has an effect on many materials in your home, and the features that prevent air transfer between the interior and the exterior are no exception. Over time, insulation can become compromised or the caulking around your windows and doors can deteriorate. Purchasing some sealants and insulation supplies to make quick repairs is a great investment because it shortens the amount of time that your HVAC systems may need to work harder. Re-caulking the edges of a window can prevent cool air from entering the home in the winter which forces your heating to expend more energy. Save money in the long run by having insulating materials on hand for fast repairs and touch-ups.
Smart Thermostat
Heating and cooling are two very important elements of homeownership, especially in a region like Pennsylvania where temperatures can be very hot and very cold. The more your HVAC systems have to run, the more money you will spend on the electric or gas bill every month. A smart thermostat can help you fine-tune the temperature control in your home to avoid wasted energy. For example, you can set a time for the heat to come on in the morning before everyone wakes up, warming the home so that it is comfortable without having to leave it on high overnight. Additionally, some thermostats can be controlled from your phone, so you can adjust the temperatures without even being home. A smart thermostat will help you avoid wasteful heating and cooling practices.
Gutter Guards
Gutters are responsible for preventing snow melt and rainwater from accumulating in the wrong places, particularly on your roof and around the foundation of the home. This drainage system is important to maintain to prevent significant water damage from occurring. Cleared gutters are more likely to perform their drainage function successfully, but sometimes it is hard to clear out the gutters each year or you simply forget. Installing gutter guards can help prevent blockage in the gutters that often result from leaves or other debris piling up. This small investment could save your home from significant water damage caused by clogged gutters.
Low-Flow Shower Heads
If you have a shower head with high water pressure, then you are using gallons upon gallons of water just for bathing purposes. This can have a big impact on your water bill. Low-flow shower heads reduce the amount of water that you are using when taking a shower so that you are not wasting all that H2O. Plus, shower heads are rather simple to install so you can save even more money on labor costs by doing it yourself.
Investment Now Leads To Savings In The Future
Many of the improvements listed above are all about return on investment. Though it may cost a decent amount of money upfront to make these changes, the savings will happen over time. This is why thinking long-term with your home improvement projects is crucial. Energy-saving practices like solar panel installation and smart thermostats reduce your monthly bills. Other expenses, like personal propane tanks, allow you to take advantage of more competitive prices for gas. Weigh the upfront costs with potential savings when considering upgrades to your Chadds Ford home.
