Top Home Upgrades that Offer Long-Term Value
(StatePoint) It’s no secret that home upgrades cost time and money. But certain projects can actually save you money in key areas and improve the resale value of your home, while making it more beautiful and livable now.
When it’s time to replace worn-out roofing, doors and trim, ensure you’re getting good value on your investment. Here are some guidelines for making durable, long-lasting upgrades.
Roofing
The roof is an integral part of a house’s curb appeal. It’s also a vital protective layer between the elements and your family. Roofing should be impact-, fire- and severe weather-resistant, as well as beautiful — especially as extreme weather 
A new roof can pay off, according to “Remodeling” magazine, which cites a 71.6 percent recoup of costs in their 2015 Cost vs. Value study.
Skip over bargain-basement priced roofs, even if you’re on a budget. What’s important is finding a roof that will be virtually maintenance free for years to come. You may pay more out of pocket now, but you’ll save big on repairs, inspection and maintenance in the long run.
Natural slate and shake roofing materials evoke images of traditional charm and long-standing durability. However they have an inherent tendency to degrade as they age.
Check out manmade materials, such as polymer slate and shake roofing tiles, which offer the authentic look of natural materials but are more resistant to chipping, flaking and splintering over time. For example, DaVinci Roofscapes offers 50 colors, which can help you focus on your home’s ‘top down’ curb appeal in order to create a cohesive exterior. And some polymer roofing options can even help you get a break on homeowner’s insurance.
Trim
Boost curb appeal, as well as interior style, with millwork, moulding and trim. While these elements don’t always serve a functional purpose other than to add beauty and value to your home, it’s important that they resist humidity, moisture and insects all the same, so you don’t experience warping or decay.
Manufacturers such as Fypon are turning to polyurethane to create varying textures for millwork, from smooth to stone to woodgrain. These design pieces can help emphasize your house’s architecture, reflecting the style of your home and furnishings.
Entryway
Your home’s entryway should be welcoming, beautiful and energy-efficient. To better insulate against cold and heat, and improve long-term performance, consider upgrading to a fiberglass door. It’s a cost-effective home improvement project with true value. Indeed the “Remodeling” magazine study finds a 72 percent cost recouped rate for new fiberglass doors and a solid fiberglass door can be up to four times more energy efficient than solid wood.
Brands like Therma-Tru carry ENERGYSTAR-qualified options to help you save on utilities, and offer decorative features, such as privacy glass that is triple-paned to create an exceptional thermal and acoustical barrier. A new app available for Android and Apple, entitled DoorWays, can help you visualize your new entryway before making any purchases.
If you’re going to the trouble of making home upgrades, opt for projects with lasting value that can improve your comfort and safety.
This article originally appeared on Reporter-Times.com
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