A comfortable and functional home is essential to the overall well-being of homeowners. A good home can provide peace and security, improve physical health, stimulate mental and emotional growth, and promote healthier interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, it can save money in the long run due to its efficient use of energy and resources.
When homes are designed for efficiency from the start—through proper insulation techniques such as double-paned windows or energy-efficient appliances—they become less costly in the long run due to reduced utility bills and maintenance costs. An efficient layout can add value to one’s property if one decides to sell it. According to statistics from Zillow Group Data & Analytics in 2018, new homes with smart technology have sold for up to 5% more than similarly sized homes without these features.
When homeowners purchase or build functional and comfortable homes, they invest not only in their well-being but also in their financial futures. However, what exactly goes into making a better home? The following are four commandments when creating a functional and comfortable house.
Organize
Organizing one’s home is essential to creating a comfortable and functional space. It helps develop a sense of order in the house, leading to better physical and mental health since it eliminates the need to rummage through cluttered areas when trying to find something. When homeowners learn how to organize their belongings, they can save time, money, and energy by locating items quickly while also knowing what they have and may need in the future.
Here are a few tips to help homeowners master the element of organization:
- Create a space for everything. Have designated areas for items like books, clothes, and other belongings.
- Inventory each room. Make sure to catalog all items in each room that are easy to access when searching for something specific.
- Set up a filing system. Set up simple filing systems either by paper or digitally to keep track of important documents and paperwork like bills, contracts, and tax information.
- Sort items by category. This helps to identify where things belong and makes it easier to find them when needed.
Clean
Cleaning is an essential part of maintaining a comfortable and functional home. It helps to eliminate dust, dirt, and other allergens that contribute to poor air quality. This can help improve physical health since it reduces the chances of developing respiratory issues like asthma or allergies.
Cleaning is vital to a home because it helps maintain its structure. This can save money in the long run due to less frequent repairs and better-maintained surfaces like countertops, windows, and carpets. Furthermore, it eliminates odors that pets or other sources may cause.
Here are a few tips to help homeowners with their cleaning routine:
- Create a cleaning schedule. Set up regular cleaning times and stick to them.
- Use natural cleaners whenever possible. Natural cleaners such as vinegar or baking soda work just as well as chemical-based products without being harmful to people or the environment.
- Invest in quality tools. Quality mops, brooms, vacuums, dusters, etc., can make cleaning more efficient and effective.
- Designate a place for cleaning supplies. Have a designated area for all your cleaning supplies, so they’re easy to find and use when needed.
Maintain
Maintaining a home is essential for creating an efficient and comfortable space. Regular maintenance can help avoid costly repairs by catching potential issues early on. This saves homeowners money since they don’t have to pay for major repairs or replacements that could have been avoided with proper upkeep.
Regular maintenance also helps extend the life of one’s home, making it more valuable if one decides to sell it. Furthermore, it ensures that the house can function properly and efficiently over time, leading to fewer breakdowns or energy-inefficient appliances and fixtures.
As far as maintenance and repair tasks go, there might be too many to mention for a single homeowner to accomplish. However, you can prioritize your efforts into these essential aspects:
Electrical
Power is everything in a home. Please check and repair wiring, switches, outlets, etc., to ensure everything is up to code. The circuit box, outlets, and wiring are essential to the overall safety of a house.
Plumbing
Homeowners must pay attention to plumbing, especially when there are repairs that professional plumbers need to handle. Check for any leaks in the pipes, fittings, and fixtures throughout the home. Please pay special attention to areas like the kitchen and bathroom since they get used most often and are more prone to breakdowns.
HVAC System
Schedule regular cleanings and filter changes for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This helps improve energy efficiency and ensures that it runs safely without any problems. Additionally, it reduces allergens in the air, which can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Upgrade
Upgrading one’s home can be a great way to add value and functionality. It can also save money in the long run, as newer fixtures and appliances often require less energy than their older counterparts.
Some of the most popular upgrades include replacing outdated windows with double-paned ones; adding insulation to improve air quality and reduce heating costs; or updating appliances like washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and other everyday household items. Additionally, install smart thermostats that offer remote control capabilities. This makes it easy for homeowners to adjust the temperature while away from home so they don’t have to crank up the heat or AC when they return.
You do not have to upgrade everything all at once. Choose the most efficient and cost-effective changes best suited for your home.
Final Thoughts
Creating a better home involves understanding the four commandments: organize, clean, maintain and upgrade. Each of these elements is essential to creating an efficient and comfortable space that will save money in the long run. When followed, homeowners can reap the rewards of investing in a functional and comfortable house for years to come.
