Consumer Corner
Upgrading Your Oasis
Picture this: You’ve purchased your home. You’re on the land you’ve dreamt about and you’ve got great ideas to turn your property into the personal oasis you’ve always wanted.
Last Updated on May 31, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Picture this: You’ve purchased your home. You’re on the land you’ve dreamt about and you’ve got great ideas to turn your property into the personal oasis you’ve always wanted.
As you consider developing your land, building with environmentally sensitive choices becomes more important than ever. According to LightStream’s 9th Annual Home Improvement Trends Survey, more than 93% of homeowners see the benefits of undertaking renovations that have positive environmental impacts. Yet, one of the top barriers to making eco-friendly upgrades is that people don’t know what to do (27%) nor where to begin (24%).*
As a first step, homeowners can take on renovations to make their existing home or building greener. Among the many smaller-scale eco-projects are new insulation, HVAC systems, lighting or appliances.
“One popular upgrade is installing custom windows and doors that are thermally broken, meaning they’re designed to keep out cold or hot temperatures,” said Sean Cain, president of Morton Buildings, a specialized construction company with decades of experience in eco-conscious construction. “It’s a big improvement that is not only energy-efficient, but it will immediately impact the overall comfort of your building and save money on energy expenses.”
Reflecting larger visions, the survey also found that many homeowners are thinking outside the home itself, enhancing their properties by adding a separate garage, hobby shop, barn, office or accessory dwelling unit.
“Today’s homeowners are looking for a solid property improvement investment as well as construction specialists with the unique knowledge and know-how to deliver eco-friendly best practices and sustainable products,” said Todd Nelson, senior vice president at LightStream, an online lending division of Truist Bank.
In addition to return on investment and environmentally sustainable upgrades, homeowners are also increasingly interested in the longevity of their improvement projects.
“People today are keenly interested in the long-term sustainability of their building decisions including construction of ancillary buildings on their property,” Cain said. “Post-frame buildings with steel exteriors have advantages both for longevity and recyclability whereas shingle roofs or vinyl siding may need replacement more frequently, which often results in additional waste that cannot be recycled. Moreover, they have protective benefits as well, helping to mitigate inclement weather and extreme climate events. Most of all, their design flexibility makes them modern and stylish.”
FROM START TO FINANCE
Sustainability begins with material selection and production.
“There are many ways to make the manufacturing processes more sustainable, such as recycling or repurposing unused or misdirected materials and even capturing and reusing water,” Cain said.
Managing the Costs
Sustainable building options can also be more affordable, particularly if you’re looking at cost savings over time.
“Reducing energy costs is important to many building owners,” Cain said. “Make sure your building or home is well-insulated because this can save you a considerable amount of money.”
Consider the Options
As consumers seek sustainability in their residential structures, more are considering their long-term financial impacts, too.
“We’re in era of rising interest rates,” Nelson said. “A fixed rate loan can save money and be the right choice for many reasons.”
Visit LightStream.com to see how unsecured, affordable home improvement loans can help finance your renovation.
*The 9th Annual LightStream Home Improvement Survey was distributed by Ipsos among 1,301 U.S. homeowners, between January 4, 2022 and January 13, 2022.
Truist Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC.
Photos courtesy of Morton Buildings, Inc.
SOURCE:
Morton Buildings and LightStream
For the latest articles on home repair, improvements, consumer goods and reviews, and automotive needs, visit our Consumer Corner section. Whether you’re looking to tackle that long-awaited renovation, find honest product reviews for better decision-making, or get the best tips and advice for maintaining and upgrading your vehicle, our Consumer Corner has got you covered. Stay informed with expert insights and practical advice to help you make the most of your home and lifestyle.
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3 Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades for Winter
Energy-Efficient Home: Taking steps to make your home more energy-efficient this winter isnít just a smart way to lower utility bills, itís also good for the planet.
3 Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades for Winter
(Family Features) Taking steps to make your home more energy-efficient this winter isn’t just a smart way to lower utility bills, it’s also good for the planet. Whether you’re looking to stretch your budget further or shrink your energy footprint, small upgrades can transform your home into a more efficient, comfortable living space.
While steps like unplugging electronics when not in use and letting natural light in through windows and skylights throughout the day are small habits that can add up over time, these cost-effective ideas can have a more immediate, noticeable impact.
Seal in Comfort
Check for drafts around windows, doors and vents. Tiny leaks or openings can allow warm air to escape or cool outside air to enter. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps and maintain cozy indoor temperatures. Adding extra insulation in your attic or crawl spaces can also lead to a more efficient heating system.
Update Lighting
Switching to LED lightbulbs is a simple way to cut down on energy usage. LEDs not only consume a fraction of the electricity of traditional bulbs but also last longer. To save even more energy, consider pairing them with dimmers or motion sensors, which also add customizable comfort and style.
Replace Outdated Appliances
If your refrigerator, dishwasher or washer and dryer are 10 years old or older, consider investing in an energy-efficient replacement. Modern models are designed to use less water and electricity. Similarly, upgrading to a smart thermostat can make it easier to manage heating schedules automatically and adjust your home’s temperature while out and about.
For more ideas to make your home more efficient year-round, visit eLivingtoday.com.
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Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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What Professional Locksmiths Say Homeowners Get Wrong About Security
You have locks on your doors and windows, and you make sure they’re secure before you leave the house or head to bed each night. You may even have a security system with an alarm or cameras to protect your home. Some locksmiths say that may not be enough. Consider these small changes you can make to deter thieves from your home.
What Professional Locksmiths Say Homeowners Get Wrong About Security
(Family Features) You have locks on your doors and windows, and you make sure they’re secure before you leave the house or head to bed each night. You may even have a security system with an alarm or cameras to protect your home. Some locksmiths say that may not be enough. Bryan McCabe, director of locksmith operations with KeyMe Locksmiths, the nation’s leading provider of local locksmith services and No. 1 provider of key duplication kiosks, said homeowners should be mindful of common security vulnerabilities, many of which go unnoticed until it’s too late. A thief who wants to gain access to your home may do so by any means possible, including breaking windows or kicking in doors. However, those methods are loud and may attract attention. Instead, thieves will look to find the easiest house to enter. Consider these small changes you can make to deter thieves from your home.Close the Garage
Leaving your garage door open may seem harmless, but it can signal easy access to thieves. An open garage suggests relaxed security habits and can make burglars assume doors or windows might also be unlocked. Keeping it closed is a simple step that instantly makes your home more secure.
Make Your Home Look Lived-In
Burglars often target homes that appear empty. Dark houses – especially after nightfall – can stand out as easy opportunities. Leaving a light or two on helps create the impression someone is home. If you want to level up, use light timers or smart bulbs to automatically turn lights on and off, even when you’re away.
Keep Your Home Visible from the Street
Thieves prefer to work unnoticed. Overgrown trees, tall bushes, or dense landscaping near entrances can provide cover for someone trying to break in. Trimming greenery and maintaining clear sightlines from the street makes your home less appealing and more exposed – exactly what burglars want to avoid.
Upgrade Entry Points to Improve Security
Some relatively minor updates can make a big impact toward protecting your home. Start by assessing all home entry points, including secondary points like sliding doors, garage entries and basement doors. In addition to checking door frames, homeowners should examine strike plates, hinge security and whether existing locks are outdated.
Add Eyes to Your Front Door with a Doorbell Camera
Doorbell cameras are an affordable way to boost your home’s security. Visible cameras can stop many would-be thieves as they don’t want to be seen or recorded. Beyond deterrence, doorbell cameras let you see who’s at your door, receive alerts and check on your home anytime, whether you’re home or away.
Install Smart Locks for Control and Peace of Mind
Smart locks are another smart investment in home safety. They allow you to track who enters your home and when by assigning unique access codes. You can even lock (or unlock) the door remotely from your phone. With the ability to monitor, control and limit access, smart locks offer convenience and security. A local locksmith can help you choose the right option and handle installation, making the upgrade simple and stress-free.
Connecting customers with professional locksmiths in their area, KeyMe Locksmiths provides comprehensive home security and lockout services – from key replacement to lock installation or repair – with more than 7,500 kiosks nationwide. These self-service machines utilize advanced technology for fast, accurate and “one-stop-shop” key copying, including home and office keys, car keys and fobs, mailboxes, padlocks and RFID access cards.
Find more advice to help protect your home and belongings, and a locksmith or kiosk near you, by visiting key.me.
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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