Smyth Stolarz Construction Ltd.

Best Investments for Home Improvement

When the time comes to renovate your home, how does a homeowner know the best areas to spend more or less on?

When you’re undertaking a home renovation, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all and overspend. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the goal is to improve your home and increase its value, not to bankrupt yourself. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your renovation budget:

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1. Prioritize:

Make a list of the most important changes you want to make to your home and prioritise them based on how much they will improve your quality of life and the value of your home. Tackle the most important changes first, and if you have money left over at the end, you can consider making less important changes.

Homeowner makes a priority list
Stairway being rebuilt using solid wood construction

2. Choose Quality Materials:

It can be tempting to skimp on materials to save money, but using cheap materials can actually end up costing you more in the long run. Invest in high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting, so you don’t have to replace them as often.

3. Focus on the Kitchen & Bathrooms:

These are the two most important rooms in a home when it comes to resale value. Upgrading the kitchen and bathrooms can have a big impact on the value of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers.

Edmonton Bathroom renovation project
Table being refinished using a power sander

4. Get Creative:

There are many ways to save money during a home renovation without sacrificing quality. For example, instead of buying new furniture, you can refinish or repaint existing pieces to give them a fresh look.

5. Look for Energy-Efficient Options:

While renovating, consider options that will help save energy in the long run, like energy-efficient windows, appliances, HVAC systems, etc. This will help you save money in the long run and also improve the overall energy efficiency of your home.

Upgraded water tanks and furnace.
Renovation colour pallet and blueprints used for planning.

6.Plan Ahead:

Make sure you plan ahead and think through all the steps of the renovation process before you begin. This will help you avoid any costly mistakes or surprises along the way. 

It’s also important to keep in mind that a home renovation can also be a good opportunity to make your home more energy efficient, which can help to lower your energy bills in the long run.

Why is a home renovation a good opportunity to make your home more energy efficient?

A home renovation is a good opportunity to make your home more energy efficient for a few reasons.

  1. Upgrading the insulation: Insulation is one of the most important factors in determining a home’s energy efficiency. During a renovation, you can add or upgrade insulation in walls, floors, and attics to keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, reducing your energy costs.

  2. Installing energy-efficient windows: Old windows can be a major source of heat loss in a home, and upgrading to energy-efficient windows can make a big difference in how much you spend on heating and cooling.

  3. Replacing old appliances: Upgrading to newer, more energy-efficient appliances can help you save money on your energy bills in the long run. Look for appliances that have the ENERGY STAR label, which means that they meet energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

  4. HVAC system upgrade: upgrading your HVAC system can help improve your home’s energy efficiency and save you money on your energy bills. Look for systems that are designed to be more energy-efficient and that have the ENERGY STAR label.

  5. Lighting: Upgrading to energy-efficient light bulbs and fixtures can help reduce your energy costs and make your home more environmentally friendly.

By taking these steps, you can make your home more energy efficient and reduce your energy costs over time. Furthermore, making your home more energy efficient will make it more comfortable to live in and can improve overall indoor air quality.