If you love being frugal, then you’re probably always looking for ways on how to spend less money. But, when it comes to home improvement projects, it seems like everything is so expensive.
That’s why you need to look at the long term effects of your projects to see where you can actually save money in the long run. It may seem like a far fetched idea, but the truth is that simply fixing things in your home can save you money. All you have to do is know which projects to tackle.
It all starts with a little spending up front, of course. You’ll see some savings immediately which creates less of an impact on your budget. And, your home will be in better shape which makes it a nicer place to live.
Keep reading for ways to save money on your home by doing little projects.
How to Spend Less Money On Home Repairs
Just because you have to spend a little money improving your home doesn’t mean it can’t give back. You can save money on energy bills, preventative maintenance, and even improve the value of your home. Think about that chunk of savings if you ever try to sell your home.
Besides, your home is your palace and upgrades are practically inevitable anyway. Why not use them to your advantage.
Without further adieu, here are seven home improvements that can (and will) save you money.
1. Painting
Painting tops off this list at number one because it is probably the number one most simple and efficient home improvement project for saving money. Not only can it improve the value of your home, but you can also do it for less than $100!
Paint is sold by the gallon or five-gallon bucket. A gallon can of paint runs anywhere from $30-$50 and rollers and other supplies will only cost you about twenty bucks. You should be able to repaint an average sized room with about one gallon of paint.
Doing this project yourself will also save you money up front in lieu of having professional painters come in. If you’re unsure of yourself, check out this easy guide for how to paint a room and you’ll be well on your way to long term savings.
2. Weatherstripping
If your heating and air conditioning bills are unusually high, you may have a draft. Check to see if you can feel or even hear air coming through exterior doors and windows. If so, an inexpensive trip to the home improvement store for some weatherstripping will make a huge impact on your pocketbook overall.
Weatherstripping runs anywhere from $3 to over $30 per package ranging from about three to over eight feet. The average homeowner will spend less than $250 weatherstripping their home which can last for up to three years.
3. Caulking
Another easy and even cheap DIY home renovation is caulking. Around the tub or shower and sinks. Especially if you notice that there are gaps in your current caulking or worse, mold.
Mold can consume your home in a matter of weeks if moisture is allowed to seep into places where it shouldn’t be. Replacing and repairing caulking in your home is a sure way to save money on bigger repairs later down the line. And, it’s easy enough that you can definitely do it your self.
Caulking costs about $3 per tube. You’ll probably only need two or three for big projects.
4. Lighting
Simply replacing the light bulbs in your home can save you hundreds of dollars over the life of the bulbs. If you’re using compact fluorescent lights, also known as CFL light bulbs, it’s time for an upgrade.
Not only are newer light bulbs more energy efficient, but they don’t have that annoying buzz that keeps you distracted when you’re trying to do things around the house.
You’ll be looking for LED bulbs which run anywhere from $8-$20 per bulb. But, remember to keep in mind that the bulbs actually last longer than regular bulbs, too.
5. Replace Gutters
The gutters on your home prevent water from entering the basement or foundation, not to mention the walls. Without proper drainage, you could be looking at tens of thousands of dollars in repairs for mold and other water damage.
The good news is, it only costs about $500-$1500 to install a new gutter system on your home. And repairs are only around $175-$500. Check out this helpful guide to help you estimate what it costs just to get them cleaned out which can also save you money in the long run.
6. Fix Leaky Faucets
If you have just one leaky faucet in your home, you could be washing up to 80 gallons of water per year right down the drain, or more. Along with your hard earned cash.
Fixing a leaky faucet could run you the cost of a plumber, but if you do it yourself, parts only cost a few bucks. If replacing your faucet is the only answer, get a cheap one until you can afford the more expensive model. You’ll save money on the dripping water enough to buy it in less than a year.
7. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Keeping your home comfortable is important, but it’s a waste of energy to heat or cool your home when you’re not home, or sometimes even when you’re sleeping. Consider installing a programmable thermostat which can save you up to $180 per year!
For good ways to save money up front, check out this post about buying out of stock items. It may be a way to get a new discounted thermostat.
Final Thoughts
Saving money on home repairs can actually be fun! After just one weekend of performing fixes around the house, you can save money for years to come. It’s even better than saving money at the grocery store.
And, remember the outdoor projects, too. Consider refinishing your deck and feeding the lawn. Both will add value to your home immediately.
If you’re looking for new ways to save money, check out the $1 a day challenge! Our focus is on grocery savings but our tips can go a long way if you can learn to be crafty with your money.
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