Tip of the week: How to upgrade your home for less

Spend on security. “When it comes to home improvement, it’s hard to know what to fix up and what to let slide.” But keeping your home safe should be top of the list. Install a security system that incorporates exterior cameras. As an extra precaution, install motion detectors inside.

Work from outside in. “Few, if any, renovations return their investment dollar for dollar.” But exterior projects such as windows, doors, and roofing often prove a worthy investment. They not only cost less but “hold their value,” since they give a home “charming curb appeal.”

Think green. Look at “eco-savvy extras,” such as water-saving showerheads and faucets, as investments that pay off over time. A tankless water heater saves electricity, while a saltwater pool system means you don’t have to buy chemicals for cleaning.

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Source: Coastal Living