7 Top Money-Saving Home Features for Growing Families
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Angela Corry
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Looking to cut costs without sacrificing comfort? Here’s what home experts say are the smartest investments for families wanting to save money long-term.
Energy Smarts That Pay Off
“Solar is a great way to eliminate or reduce your electricity bill,” Brian Rudderow, real estate investor at HBR Colorado, pointed out. But he warned against roof installation, suggesting “installing the panels outside on a rack instead” for easier maintenance.
David Milo, owner of Independent Lending, emphasized the impact of smart thermostats, which he said “allow families to watch and limit their energy usage” without sacrificing comfort.
Baron Alloway, broker of record at Alloway Property Group, added a clever tip about ceiling fans: “Not many people don’t realize that ceiling fans actually spin two directions,” he explained. “In cooler months, they should spin clockwise, which will suck the cooler air up and push the warmer air down the walls.”
The Extra Fridge Factor
“One of the biggest expenses for families ends up being groceries,” Adam Hamilton, CEO of REI Hub, observed. His solution? “Having an extra fridge or freezer in the garage. The last thing you want is to throw away unused food or wasted leftovers.”
Water Wisdom
“Low-flush toilets, faucets, and shower heads can help families cut down on their utility bills,” Nathan Richardson, founder of CashForHome.com, explained. “For a big family that regularly does laundry, takes baths, and washes dishes, these savings can be substantial.”
The Maintenance Money-Saver
Jeff Lichtenstein, broker and owner of Echo Fine Properties in Palm Beach Gardens, recommended treating your house like your health: “Your home is like your body. You go to see the doctor for a yearly exam and sometimes the doctor catches something before it gets worse.”
He suggested setting up two separate accounts — one for repairs and another for style changes — each getting about 2% of your home’s value annually.
Smart Space Solutions
“[Multi-functional spaces] not only are more functional but also allow savings over time,” Richardson explained. Think spare bedrooms that can transform into offices or playrooms, saving renovation costs as your family grows.
Windows and Lighting
“Look for double or triple-pane, or low-E windows,” Alloway advised. “These types of windows not only are great for sound insulation, but they keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.”
He also recommended LED lighting, noting it “can use up to 80% less energy than standard incandescent” bulbs.
Alternative Power Sources
Rudderow suggested considering a windmill as “another power source to draw from to reduce your electricity costs and go more off-grid.”
He also recommended installing a reverse osmosis water filtration system to “reduce how much your family spends monthly on bottled water and drinks.”
Pro tip: As Milo pointed out, many of these improvements can qualify for federal and state incentives, making the initial investment more manageable for growing families.
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