When you're in the midst of remodeling or building a new home, it's important to think beyond the cosmetics. Choosing items that add energy efficiency, convenience, and home protection might not be the most glamorous features but they can save you money and peace of mind! Here are some upgrades that are often overlooked but worth considering.
eave outlets
We all want our home's exterior to be picture perfect for the holidays, but decorating can be a pain— literally. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that over 18,000 Americans end up in the hospital each year due to injuries from Christmas decorations. Falling from ladders and improper use of extension cords are two leading causes of holiday accidents. Installing outdoor electrical outlets on the eave of your roof can make the process sipler and allows for a neater light display.
touch or motion sensor faucets
Most of us don't spend a lot of time thinking about our kitchen faucet. Here's why you should— in order to wash our dirty hands, we first have to touch the faucet. It doesn't take much for sinks to become a grimy hotspot for bacteria. There are two products that can help: touch faucets, which you simply have to tap to use, and motion sensor faucets, which react to motion instead of physical touch. Both are a great option for cleanliness, convenience, and water conservation.
humidity sensing or motion control exhaust fans
Reducing humidity in the bathroom is extremely important for preventing moisture and mold issues. Humidity sensors automatically kick the exhaust on and off based on the moisture in the air. Motion detecting units are another option to make sure your exhaust is being used as needed. This type automatically turns on when it detects that the room is being used. It's also worth checking to see if the exhaust fan you're eyeing comes in an energy efficient model.
heated garage
Installing a heating unit in your garage is well worth the investment. We have very chilly winters here in the Midwest, so having a more comfortable start to your day is a bonus. In addition, a heated garage can prolong your car's battery life and prevent fuel lines from freezing. Mechanicals or plumbing lines in an unheated garage are at risk of damage during the winter months and a shared wall with your home can create drafts. Heating units can reduce energy costs and offer protection. Don't forget to install a carbon monoxide detector to be safe!
smart home features
These are easy to add anytime, but might as well consider them while you're in design mode! These days, you can incorporate WiFi-enabled technology into nearly every aspect of your home. Smart home thermostats are energy efficient and ensure your living space is always the perfect temperature. Smart deadbolts and garage door openers can cut out that lingering doubt about whether you secured the house before leaving. As an added bonus, they allow you to provide easy access to guests or workers. Utilizing smart outlets and light bulbs can cut your electric bill since you're able to monitor if they're on from anywhere.
hose outlets
Don't skimp on the hose outlets! No one wants to deal with extra long, tangled hoses or lugging around heavy watering cans. Running additional water lines to have hoses on multiple sides of the house is a simple upgrade that takes the hassle out of yard work.