You’ve heard the saying, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” But what you may not know is that this applies to your home and its contents too.
So while some things are worth investing in for their longevity (like a roof), others aren’t so long-lasting (like paint). If you want to future-proof your house and all of your stuff inside it—from appliances to clothes—here are some great tips:
Make your home “smarter” to extend its life.
Technology is moving fast—and so are your home’s electronics. To future-proof your house, make smarter investments (like smart appliances ), which can be controlled via an app on your phone—meaning you’ll save money on your utilities and you’ll be helping the environment by going green.
Protect your stuff with a home warranty.
Home warranties are “insurance policies” that cover household appliances, plumbing, and heating/cooling systems against malfunctions or breakage for a set period of time (usually one to two years). A small premium upfront gives you peace of mind that your appliances are covered, allowing you to continue using them without worrying about repairs or replacements (which often go hand-in-hand with one another, like when an appliance breaks down and the replacement costs more than the original purchase price).
Make energy-efficient improvements.
Going green is a great future investment—not just for your wallet, but for the environment as well. Energy-efficient appliances and lighting can save you money on energy bills and make you feel better about using less electricity (plus, we all want to leave a smaller carbon footprint).
Powder Coat Your Appliances and Furniture
Metal furniture and appliances are gorgeous, but they’re also expensive. And without the proper care, you could be looking at a short future for your favorite pieces.
Many homeowners and builders see professional powder coating as an affordable alternative that gives metal furniture and appliances a sleek finish while protecting them against rust, scratches, chips, and dents. The process is done by infusing an organic, water-based pigment with heat under high pressure to form a uniform coating that adheres to any substrate without affecting its shape or strength.
That means powder coating can give metal surfaces the look of chrome for less money—and then also protect them against rust or scratches for years to come.
The process isn’t just for appliances and furniture, either. Powder coating is also used on metal surfaces that need long-lasting protection or a high-shine look, such as outdoor railings, fencing, and gates; steel roofs and trusses; exterior doors; metal staircases; sinks, bathtubs, and showers (powder coat tubs provide the best protection); grills.
Reseal, cover cracks, and waterproof your deck.
Your deck needs constant care, but that doesn’t mean it has to be hard work. If your deck boards are starting to bow or show signs of cracking, restoring them with a waterproofing product is an easy way to extend the life of your deck and help protect it from the elements.
A sealant will also prevent water from seeping through the cracks, which can cause wood rot.
Protect Your Roof
Rain, wind, ice, and snow can be particularly brutal on your roof (keeping it clean and free of debris is important here too ). So even though you might not think about your roof much after it’s installed—since that’s where the shingles come in—it’s a good idea to pay attention to its health.
While it’s not necessary to inspect or maintain your roof annually, scheduling bi-annual professional cleanings will help extend the life of your roof and shingles. It can also prevent water damage from leaking into your attic.
Your inspector should be able to recommend a safe cleaning product that won’t harm you or your roof. Or, if you want to DIY it, use a leaf blower with a thin nozzle attached to remove debris that’s blocking the downspouts or causing water to pool on your roof.
Caulking and weather stripping can help insulate your home.
In the summer, you want to keep cool air in while keeping warm air out—and insulation is a great way to do it! Plus, these accessories can be windows, and they won’t block the view.
Caulking is a DIY home project that can reduce air leaks and drafts by up to 50 percent. It also saves money on energy bills and creates a thermal barrier between your house and outside temperatures—making you more comfortable in extreme weather.
Caulk around windows and doors, then add weather stripping on the inside to keep the cold out and heat in.
Keep up on landscaping.
A well-maintained yard doesn’t just give your home curb appeal; it also helps extend its life, because it can help protect your foundation, siding, roofing, windows, doors—even the gutters! Trees (which shade roofs) are your best friend, but bushes can also help insulate your home by blocking cold air in the winter.
Over the past few decades, of course, technology has changed our lives—and our homes—in countless ways. But one thing has remained constant: We need to invest smartly if we want to enjoy our possessions for years to come. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune—just some time and attention. By following these tips, you can future-proof your home without breaking the bank.
