Tips for Upgrading and Improving Your Home

There comes a time when even a house that was brand new when you bought it starts to look a little tired and out of date. If you still love your home and have no desire to move, that’s the time to look at upgrading your domestic systems and investing in some home improvements. Making sure your house has modern, efficient systems will not only save you money, but will improve your comfort levels in your home, and maintain the property’s value in case you do decide to sell up.

Heating systems

• If your boiler is a few years old, then you should consider looking into other options for replacement, even if it’s still working. For one thing, the older it gets, the more likely it is to break down, which is not something you want to happen one chilly winter’s evening. For another, it will be performing less efficiently, both in terms of its capabilities when it was new, and in relation to more modern systems. You could replace your old boiler with a new condensing unit, which will also be far smaller, or look at switching to a more environmentally friendly option like an air or ground source heat pump.

• Whether you have a boiler or use gas or electricity for heating and hot water, then your radiators may need upgrading to more efficient units. You could look at the feasibility of replacing wall-mounted radiators with underfloor heating, especially if you’re considering putting in new flooring.

• If you have a separate air conditioning unit or want to install air con in your home, it’s a good idea to have a look at the range of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems that operate both aspects of temperature control. Having a combined system is more efficient, takes up less space, and could save you money in the long term.

Insulated glazing

Windows and doors are one of the critical elements of a secure, energy-efficient home, and also make a significant difference to the appearance of your property. Most insulated window units have an extensive lifespan covering several decades in some cases. However, as technology advances, triple glazing, noise reduction, UV filters, and other design improvements enhance the quality and effectiveness of windows and doors so much it’s often worth replacing your existing units before their expiry date.

Kitchens and bathrooms

Kitchen units and bathroom suites can last for many years, but sadly the styles don’t always endure so well. If your kitchen or bathroom needs a facelift, consider the advantages of changing doors or the décor before making the decision to do a complete remodel of the room. If there are design flaws that mean a makeover isn’t going to have a significant enough impact, then consult an architect to offer you advice and creative solutions to making the best use of the space you have available.

Sometimes you might have to consider making a substantial investment to bring your home up to standard, but often all your home needs is a little redecorating and routine maintenance to get it looking pristine again.