7 Ways to Future-Proof Your Home
Many things can be said about the future. While some believe it holds an inevitable catastrophe, others see it as the time when they will finally fulfill their dreams. Regardless of how hopeful you are about the upcoming months and years, one thing is certain – they will significantly differ from the current status quo. One of the best things that you can do to make the change less turbulent is to future-proof your home.
By designing your home to withstand the passage of time, you can sleep soundly knowing that your most significant investment is ready to face the toughest of challenges. It will give you much-needed assurance in unpredictable circumstances.
Aside from installing a smart home system, you might want to protect it against floods, sudden power outages, and high temperatures. Furthermore, you could think about eco-friendly renovations or look into accessible design principles. If you want to know more, here is our in-depth look at the best ways to future-proof your home!
Install a Smart Home System
For starters, you should think about installing a smart home system. Doing this will allow you to control various aspects of your home, such as temperature, lighting, security, and more, with the help of a smartphone or a computer.
Smart home technology is becoming more and more popular, as it is becoming more affordable and accessible. It can be especially helpful during emergencies when you need to take quick action, such as when a storm is brewing, and you want to close the windows and turn off the electricity as soon as possible.
Install a Generator
Installing a generator is a great way to future-proof your home against power outages. A generator can provide backup power in the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster or a sudden blackout.
It can be especially helpful if you need electricity to power a loved one’s medical equipment or if you store really temperature-sensitive medication in the fridge. If you do not know which power generator you should go for, do not worry about it much. Instead, read a few power generator reviews, such as this Predator Generator review.
Upgrade a Few Appliances
One of the best ways to future-proof your home is to upgrade a few appliances. Older appliances are typically less efficient and can be a major pain in the neck when it comes to electricity consumption, causing that utility bill to rise. Plus, they might not be compatible with smart home systems.
Upgrading your appliances can also make your home more comfortable. For example, a new oven can cook food faster and more evenly than an older model. Additionally, upgrading to a tankless water heater can save you money on your utility bills by providing hot water on demand.
Invest in Weatherproofing
Adding weatherproofing to your home is a must-do for anyone who wants to future-proof their property. Harsh weather conditions and natural disasters, such as heavy rains, hurricanes, and floods, can cause serious damage to a home if it is not properly prepared.
Weatherproofing involves adding features to your home that will protect it from the elements. This could include installing storm shutters, reinforcing the roof, and waterproofing the basement. It is an important step in preparing for any potential natural disasters that may occur in the future.
Renovate Using Eco-Friendly Materials
Renovating your home with eco-friendly materials is another great way to future-proof it. Many traditional construction materials, such as plaster and drywall, contain chemicals that can be harmful to both you and the environment.
If you want to avoid ending up in such a situation, we suggest taking a closer look at the building materials you use while renovating. The most eco-friendly choices include bamboo plywood, limecrete floors, reclaimed wood, natural stone, peat moss insulation boards, and recycled glass.
Most of these materials are easier to install and maintain than the ones that are not environmentally friendly, which means that using them can save you both time and money in the long run. Furthermore, they offer an impressive range of benefits, ranging from enhanced durability to better indoor air quality.
Incorporate Accessible Design Principles
Including accessible design principles in your home renovation plans is another great way to future-proof it, as it will make it better it more comfortable for you as you age. Accessible design principles focus on creating a home that is comfortable for everyone, regardless of their age or ability. This could include adding ramps next to stairs, installing grab bars in the bathroom, and choosing low-maintenance materials that are easy to clean.
Prepare for High Temperatures
The great thing about living in the western hemisphere is that you can enjoy a long, hot summer and then forget about it for almost half of a year. However, climate change is changing the situation drastically. Weather patterns are becoming unpredictable. One day you have a warm, sunny day, and the next day you wake up to a heatwave. Some places, such as the Middle East, are already experiencing scorching heat.
The good news is that this does not have to affect your home, and you can prepare it to withstand drastic temperature swings. One of the best things you can do is to invest in reflective roofs and walls, opt for smart air conditioning systems, or shield your windows with decorative screens. All of these measures should help keep the temperature inside the house at a tolerable level.
In Conclusion
There are many things that you can do to future-proof your home and make it more resilient. In addition to the tips outlined above, it is also a good idea to keep an eye on the latest trends. The development of green energy has recently begun to accelerate, so you might want to look into installing solar panels or wind turbines.
Other changes, like implementing a smart thermostat, will save you a considerable amount of money and reduce your carbon footprint. There are even people who have taken the concept of future-proofing to new heights, building sustainable, off-the-grid houses.
However, no matter what changes you decide to make, take care not to overdo it. While some improvements are essential and should be implemented sooner rather than later, others might not be necessary at this point in time.
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