Five Home Improvements That Will Save You Money

Being in the moisture management business for over 20 years now, we understand that homeowners want the greatest return on their investment possible while keeping that initial investment as small as possible. This is especially true now more than ever. Below are 5 home improvements you can make that will save you money, ranging from less upfront costs to more.

Clean and Change Air Filters

Most able-bodied homeowners can easily clean and replace their air conditioner’s filters. That’s great because they are jobs that need to be done repeatedly and are more like home maintenance than improvements.

Additionally, they are well worth your time and effort. The Department of Energy estimates that swapping out an old, filthy filter for a new, clean filter can save air conditioning expenses by 5% to 15%. This is an easy, routine home improvement that can be performed to save money throughout the year and maintain great indoor air quality.

Gutters Downspouts and Extensions

Gutter downspouts and downspout extensions are overlooked the most when it comes to home improvements and crawlspace draining. Downspouts must drain a minimum of 4-8 feet from the foundation to ensure proper protection to your foundation and mitigate crawlspace moisture. Downspouts can be run above and below ground depending on preference and location. To maintain full usage of your yard, we often divert downspouts underground whenever possible.

By protecting your home’s foundation through mitigating moisture, you can protect yourself from costly home repairs down the line.

Insulation

If your home is struggling to regulate temperature, there are musty smells in your home, and/or your energy costs have increased, then it is time for a moisture management professional to evaluate the condition of your home’s insulation. These are symptoms of compromised insulation and can be quickly remedied with a professional.

Our insulation installation services pay for themselves over time by saving our customers on average 17% on their heating and cooling bills throughout the year. We not only look to insulate your home properly, but to take it a step further and identify any other areas that are commonly missed like air leaks.

Repair Foundation Cracks

Some foundation cracks are severe, while others are not. These are referred to as structural and non-structural cracks. Foundation movement causes structural fissures, which, if not fixed quickly, might jeopardize a building’s structural stability. Concrete shrinkage during the curing process causes non-structural fissures, which do not jeopardize a building’s structural integrity. Non-structural cracks, on the other hand, are not innocuous. Non-structural vertical basement wall fissures, for example, can allow water to seep through.

As a homeowner, you may have accepted these cracks as “normal” and not pay them any mind. Depending on where they are in your home, they could be a symptom of a larger problem at play.

For instance, cracks in your basement walls or foundation walls can be an indication that there is something structurally wrong with the foundation.

It’s time to call a professional when you see:

• Cracks that are larger than a tenth of an inch.
• Cracks that are wider on one end than the other.
• Cracks that are widening with the passage of time.
• Brickwork fractures on stair treads.
• Horizontal fissures in the foundation, with or without bowing.
• Several vertical fissures in close proximity.
• Cracks that run diagonally.
• Cracks that go from the ceiling to the wall.

Encapsulation

Crawlspace encapsulation is the practice of closing off your crawlspace to the environment outside and conditioning the space to adequately remove excess levels of moisture within the environment. There are many benefits to encapsulating the crawlspace such as preventing excess moisture from entering your home, saving money on energy costs, protecting your home’s structure, and more. If you’re not familiar with the crawlspace encapsulation process, you may assume that it would be a major investment in both time and money, but that’s not the case—especially when you take the possible savings into consideration.

Moisture Management Services by Jersey Shore Crawlspace Enhancement

We offer the highest quality of defense against damp basements and crawlspaces, energy inefficiency, and problems common in homes with basements and crawlspaces. For over 20 years, we have helped our friends and neighbors achieve a healthier home environment, protecting families and their homes with our moisture management services and home improvements.

Each home is as unique as those who live in it. We offer a 22-point comprehensive evaluation service, complete with moisture readings and analysis, photographs, and a complete inspection report. Our highly-trained technicians then take the time to sit with you to tailor our drainage systems and waterproofing solutions to suit your goals and budget. Our systems are designed to increase home value, lower energy spending, and create a healthier home environment, affordably. To work within any budget, we offer various payment plans and financing.

Following our evaluation, our team will provide you with:

• A detailed evaluation report of all locations evaluated.
• A full set of photos of all locations evaluated.
• A complete quote consisting of service recommendations.
• A prioritized quote consisting of all items advised based on individual circumstances.
• A summary of findings or recommendations is available upon request if needed for other realtors or attorneys.

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