Why Home Upgrades Are a Way of Investing in Your Future

However, instead of reacting to problems in your home, you can proactively invest in upgrades and improvements to make it better. Learn how to budget for these improvements and the long-term benefits of doing so.

Upgrades are often more affordable than you think.

One of the main reasons why homeowners in the United States avoid improvements is because of the perceived cost. They might not have the funds in their bank account to cover an improvement or addition. However, there are multiple ways to fund these projects.

More credit card companies are allowing customers to plan out large expenses and even pre-pay for them. If you have a decent credit score, this could be a good option for you. You could also get a short-term loan for an upgrade and pay a flat monthly fee to cover the cost of the upgrades—just like a student loan. Don’t let the price of a project deter you from a home upgrade. Look for a personal finance site like wealthrocket.com to balance your home ideas with your financial situation.

Upgrades make your home more enjoyable.

On average, people spend most of their time at home. Between sleep at down-time before work, you likely spend between 10-16 hours each day inside—and maybe more. With the rise of remote work in the United States because of the pandemic, homeowners are spending more time inside than ever.

Investing in upgrades can help you enjoy this time. For example, if you can solve seasonal HVAC problems by getting your air conditioner serviced by a professional technician, then you can enjoy lower humidity levels and comfortable air. You won’t spend all summer sweating or feeling sticky.

While HVAC maintenance is always a good idea, consider upgrading your whole HVAC system if you plan to see your home or simply spend more time there now.

Improvements add to your resale value.

The money you put into your home is rarely wasted. When the time comes to list your property, you can highlight all of the upgrades and changes you made to make it more desirable. For example, a tankless water heating system can increase your energy efficiency while freeing up more space. If your home looks bigger, its perceived value will increase.

Consider the potential upgrades you want and whether or not they will help your resale value. Simple projects like minor bathroom remodel and patio additions can add a lot of money to the value of your home and help you recoup the costs when it’s time to move.

You may qualify for tax deductions.

In some cases, you might get more back on your tax return because of the upgrades you invest in. For example, the use of a home office is deductible on your taxes as long as it is only used for professional purposes. If you set up a home office because of the pandemic, then you can deduct those costs.

Additionally, there are some tax credits and deductions for investing in renewable energy. If you are considering investing in solar panels, you can enjoy lower taxes as one of the perks. Consider working with a finance professional to understand which upgrades can help you, financially, this tax season.

Don’t let your finances prevent you from making home upgrades that you will love. Meet with a professional to discuss your financial goals and your home plans. What you save in energy costs or gain in resale value might be worth the investment.