6 Easy Home Improvement Projects with Big Benefits
Apr 18, 2019
1 min read
When you’re a homeowner, there’s always something to do, fix or replace. Before you kick off your next home improvement project, think about ways you could use it as an opportunity to make your home safer or improve its energy efficiency. These six easy home improvement projects are the perfect place to start.
1. Plant Shade Trees
Good for: Energy efficiency
Landscaping is a great way to boost curb appeal. Trees and shrubs can also offer protection from weather and improve your home’s energy efficiency. For example, outdoor air conditioning units exposed to direct sunlight work harder and use more energy. Planting shade trees around them keeps units protected and in better working condition.
2. Install Weather-Resistant Roof Shingles
Good for: Cost savings
Because weather-resistant shingles can decrease or eliminate roof damage caused by extreme heat, high winds or excessive rain or snow, they may be eligible for a homeowners insurance premium discount. This is an easy home project that will outweigh the costs in the long-run.
3. Replace Old Appliances with ENERGY STAR® Appliances
Good for: Energy efficiency and cost savings
Certified ENERGY STAR® products like furnaces, water heaters and dryers help you increase your home’s energy efficiency and reduce costs. Sometimes, they also come with the added bonus of rebates, tax credits or insurance discounts.
4. Plant Bushes Under Windows
Good for: Safety
Attractive, low-growing, thorny bushes placed near easily accessible windows deter would-be thieves. They also offer a nice pop of greenery to your home.
5. Opt for Reflective Roof Shingles
Good for: Energy efficiency
Adding reflective roof shingles is another easy home improvement project that can help bolster energy efficiency and slash your electric bill. In fact, light-colored or reflective shingles can reduce your roof temperature by 50 to 60 degrees. Come summer, you’ll see more affordable energy bills.
6. Check Your Insurance Coverage
Good for: Cost savings and protection
Most traditional homeowner’s policies don’t cover losses due to mechanical failure or electrical breakdown of appliances. Add Residential Equipment Breakdown coverage for your television, water heater, computer and more. And make sure to document your new purchases. Taking photos and maintaining a list of make, model, purchase date and price go a long way if you need to make a claim.
Contact your Farm Bureau agent to make sure you have the right coverage at the right time.