When the weather is chilly, it can be hard to find the energy to tackle home improvement projects, but the cold weather doesn’t have to stop you from making progress on your home. Here are three projects that you can finish in just one weekend. And the best things about these projects – they can save you money in the long term and increase your home value.
1Install Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats have become popular because they allow homeowners to customize the heating and cooling of their home to fit their needs, automatically regulating the temperature in their home. They also give homeowners the option to control their thermostat remotely, saving energy and money. One of the more popular programmable thermostats on the market is made by Nest Labs, which released a report last year revealing that homeowners accrued 10-12 percent savings on heating and 15 percent savings on cooling by upgrading to a programmable thermostat. Although every manufacturer has different savings claims, Nest users reported saving between $10-$20 per month. While not a lot in the short term, over time, those savings add up. Cost could be anywhere between $20 to $300.
2Add A Tile Backsplash To Kitchen
If your home doesn’t have a tile backsplash, adding one will create texture and color, as well, as make your kitchen more appealing. Backsplashes are a great way to accessorize and make your counters, cabinets, and appliances stand out. While the cost will depend on the size and the type of tile you want to use, it can be a relatively low-cost addition to your kitchen and generally is easy enough that you can do it yourself with minimal knowledge.
3Insulate The Attic
Did you know a poorly insulated attic is the number one way that people tend to lose energy in the extreme temperatures? Homeowners that insulate their attic can see huge savings. Generally, it can produce the largest return on investment (116.9 percent) for homeowners compared to other projects due to the lower energy bill (anywhere from 5-10 percent) and additional tax credits (up to $500). Before you start this project, homeowners should have their home evaluated through a home energy audit, otherwise known as a home energy assessment. This will outline how much energy your home consumes, including areas of problems and how to fix them. Expect around $400 to do this if doing it yourself.
This article is brought to you by Franklin Rental, where you can rent tools to help you accomplish your weekend home improvement projects. You can rent for as little as a few hours up to a month at a time. Learn more here.
Franklin Rental is located at 1516 Columbia Ave, Franklin TN 37064.
