Handy-Dandy House: 5 Home Features You Need to Try

Written by Posted On Friday, 09 February 2018 09:02

A home is a long term investment and one of the biggest investments you will ever make. As such, to protect your home’s value both on the market and to your family, you need to invest in home improvement projects from time to time. There are thousands of different ways you can upgrade your home. Some of them are worth the investment. Some are not. However, there are probably certain features you could add to your home that you haven’t even considered at all. Below are five home features you need to try.

Smart Home Security System

While the thought of installing a security system into your home may have crossed your mind before, you may not be aware of how much more advanced home security is these days than during years past. For one, the best home security systems now integrate “smart” technology. Much like your smart phone, they implement wireless internet connectivity to make managing your security system much easier and more convenient. You can, for example, watch live security camera footage on your smart phone or other digital device even if you are thousands of miles away on vacation.

Central Vacuum

Another thing you could significantly benefit from installing into your home is a central vacuum. Everyone knows what a vacuum cleaner is. However, not everyone is as clear on what a central vacuum is. Instead of the portable vacuum cleaners you’re used to, a central vacuum is a permanent fixture installed in either the garage or basement.

Suction ports that are connected to the vacuum are then installed in different rooms that can be attached to hoses for cleaning. A central vacuum provides stronger suction, produces less noise and increases the air quality of a home since dust and dirt is expelled through external ventilation.

Smart Thermostat

A rather simple upgrade to perform for your home that can make a big difference is the installation of a smart thermostat. Traditional thermostats have certain downsides. For one, they are difficult to program. Second, you have to actually get up and walk to where that thermostat is located to make adjustments. A smart thermostat eliminates these problems through the use of wireless connectivity. You can program your smart thermostat with an easy to understand smart phone app. You can also use the app to change the temperature in your home from anywhere.

Solar Panels

A home upgrade can also provide you with long term benefits. Solar panels installed on your roof can certainly do just that. Depending on where you live, solar panels can save you as much as $17,000 over a 20 year period on your utility bills. It also, of course, does a great job of lowering your home’s carbon footprint so you have a smaller impact on the environment. While an initial large investment is required, it’s an investment that can pay for itself over the lifetime of the system.

Smart Lighting

Lastly, you should consider upgrading the lighting in your home to make it smarter. Smart lighting systems are now available for much less than in the past. This can include sensors that only switch on the lights when a person walks into a room. This saves money and increases convenience. You can also install a lighting system that can be controlled by a smart phone app. This can allow you to turn the lights on and off as needed when you are away from home. It’s also a good way to help enforce bedtimes for your children.

A home is an investment. As such, you need to reinvest in your home from time to time by completing home improvement projects and adding new features to your home. These features can have great benefits for your family and make living in your home much more enjoyable.

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Kara Masterson

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max. Kara is the youngest of four. She has two hilarious brothers and one beautiful sister. She also is the aunt of 4 crazy little girls that she loves more than anything!! Kara is not yet able to be a mom, but she loves being around kids and being like a second mom to her nieces. She dreams of the day that she can start her own little family.

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