Elevate your home's appeal and functionality with high value upgrades. From landscaping and siding to energy-efficient windows and smart organization, these improvements enhance aesthetics, comfort, and value.
Enhance Curb Appeal with Updated Landscaping: Install low-maintenance shrubs, drip irrigation, or hardscaping like stone pathways or raised beds. Replacing overgrown plants refreshes your home's first impression and can reduce water use.
Modernize with New Siding: Evaluate your siding and consider modern, energy-efficient options like vinyl or fiber cement. This boosts appearance, insulation, and resale value.
Update your Driveway and Walkways: Permeable pavers provide better drainage and a contemporary look. Replacing cracked concrete will make your walks safer and improve the aesthetics.
Ensure Efficiency with New Gutters and Downspouts: Upgrade to a larger, seamless system to minimize leaks. Properly position downspouts and consider decorative rain chains.
Enhance Comfort with Durable Window Screens: Replace flimsy screens with durable aluminum or fiberglass. Consider solar screens to reduce heat gain and improve energy efficiency.
Create an Inviting Space with an Upgraded Deck or Patio: Update decks with low-maintenance composite decking for longevity and modern style. For patios, replace cracked concrete with stylish pavers for an appealing outdoor area.
Boost Energy Savings with New Windows: Replace old, drafty windows with energy-efficient models (double or triple-pane with low-E coatings) to significantly cut energy bills and improve comfort.
Brighten Interiors with Modern Lighting: Update outdated fixtures with modern LED options to improve energy efficiency and enhance room ambiance.
Maximize Storage with New Organization Systems: Replace basic closet rods and shelves with custom organizers or pantry systems for optimal storage and functionality.
Improve Comfort with Smart Ceiling Fans: Upgrade to new smart models offering remote control, better airflow, energy-efficient DC motors for quiet operation and lower energy consumption.
Paying for Your Project: When you consider updates to your home it is useful to decide whether to save money ahead of time or finance some portion of the cost. Saving ahead of time makes sense for many smaller updates. If you're interested in potentially earning a higher interest rate to help you reach your savings goal more quickly, you might want to explore options like the SCU Direct savings account. If you want to get started immediately look into a HELOC, Home Equity Loan, or Home Improvement loan. Each one has distinct advantages, and considerations for homeowners.
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) offers flexible funding, ideal for phased or larger-scale renovations like new siding, updated driveways, or a deck/patio upgrade, where costs might evolve. Its revolving nature allows borrowing as needed, with interest-only payments during the draw period potentially easing the initial financial burden of substantial projects.
Home equity loans for home improvement offer a lump sum with a fixed interest rate and repayment schedule, making them well-suited for defined, higher-cost projects such as new windows or a complete kitchen overhaul. On the other hand, a Home Improvement Loan is usually a personal loan for renovations. Unsecured personal home improvement loans do not use your home as collateral, which can be less risky for the borrower but may result in higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms.
Lastly, be aware there are home improvement scammers looking to take advantage of homeowners’ desire to upgrade their houses. Before you hire a contractor make sure you know the warning signs.
Have more questions. Visit one of our branch locations for assistance or reach out to our member service call center at 781-784-7725 or toll free at 877-661-3300.