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Guest Post - 5 Tips to Build an Energy-Efficient Home Extension

Building a home extension is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value, but there are so many other reasons to make this grand step. If you’re feeling like your home is becoming a bit less capacious than it used to, for whatever reason, then the time has come to start thinking about expanding. Now, there are many reasons why you should build an extension instead of going through the ordeal of moving into a bigger place, and there are many benefits that this project can bring to your everyday life.

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Building a home extension is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value, but there are so many other reasons to make this grand step. If you’re feeling like your home is becoming a bit less capacious than it used to, for whatever reason, then the time has come to start thinking about expanding. Now, there are many reasons why you should build an extension instead of going through the ordeal of moving into a bigger place, and there are many benefits that this project can bring to your everyday life.

But for all the benefits an extension brings, you have to be careful and plan out every little detail to make it produce the desired ROI. One of the key things you need to consider is the energy efficiency of this new space. Let’s take a look at the five tips you can use to build an energy-efficient home extension this year.

Design with energy efficiency in mind

First things first, keep in mind that energy efficiency is not something you should be thinking about when the extension is already built – it should be a vital part of the planning stage. This is a common trap that homeowners fall into when they’re treating the extension as a DIY project, for example. It’s important to work with professional builders with years of experience building extensions because they will make sure that nothing slips through the cracks, especially the energy efficiency of the new space.

The right builders will use advanced tools, something like BIM software, to design every aspect and element of the extension in a virtual space for maximum energy conservation. This is achieved with active and passive conservation features, and the right builders can design an extension project that fits your budget and accommodates your needs.

Size your heating and cooling properly

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Your heating and cooling system can be a drain on resources if you don’t scale it according to the requirements of the space. It’s important to work with experienced professionals who can give you an accurate analysis of the new space and its unique heating and cooling options that you can consider – particularly if it makes sense for your budget.

For heating, you will need to take the size of the room into consideration, of course, but you will also need to choose between gas, solar, wood, or even electric heating. For cooling, you have many options at your disposal and the size of the space will yet again play an important role. Talk to your builder and weigh the pros against the cons of all your heating and cooling options carefully before investing.

Invest in energy-saving appliances

The appliances you introduce into the new space can inflate or reduce your energy consumption and bills, so you have to consider your options carefully. If you’re moving your kitchen into the extension, then having an energy-efficient gas burner is a good idea, but is investing in smarter appliances that allow you to monitor and optimize your energy consumption with ease.

Whatever the purpose of the room may be, whether it’s a functional space like a kitchen or a private space like a man cave, it’s important to curb your energy consumption with the right appliances. Look for the Energy Star rating on the label and talk to the seller about the long-term energy-saving potential of each appliance before you buy.

Focus on passive conservation

Of course, you shouldn’t plan a home extension without passive energy conservation in mind. During the design and planning phase, you want to explore all areas where you can add insulation that will make the space feel cosier by cooling the space in the summer and keeping it warm during winter in a more organic way.

This will usually mean investing in floor, ceiling, and wall insulation, but also window and door insulation to boot. Investing in insulation from the get-go is one of the best home extension tips that will save you money and prevent expensive and cumbersome reworks down the road.

Scale and optimize the lighting

Last but not least, make sure to plan the lighting scheme carefully. You can splurge on smart light bulbs if you want, but you can easily minimize energy expenditure with good old LED lights as well. LED lighting is energy-efficient and durable, and the light bulbs have a long lifespan that ensures you won’t be wasting money on needless replacements. What’s more, LED lights are kind to the environment, because they are easily recyclable and are made of non-toxic materials.

Over to you

Building a home extension is a big step, but it’s also one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Use these tips to build a home extension with energy efficiency in mind, and maximize the ROI of your investment. 

About the author: Mike Johnston is an experienced writer, blogger, and editor. He’s a regular contributor to numerous online publications where he writes about real estate, construction, home improvement, and interior design.

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Home Maintenance Ben Soreff Home Maintenance Ben Soreff

How to Upgrade Your Windows to Last Longer and Work Better 

If you're a new homeowner or simply looking to make some home improvements, the windows are a perfect area to concentrate on. This is because windows that go unrepaired or don't hold enough protection can cost you in the long run. You want your windows to last you as long as possible while providing you with the most protection. The following includes a few ways you can begin to upgrade your windows to last longer and work better.

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If you're a new homeowner or simply looking to make some home improvements, the windows are a perfect area to concentrate on. This is because windows that go unrepaired or don't hold enough protection can cost you in the long run. You want your windows to last you as long as possible while providing you with the most protection. The following includes a few ways you can begin to upgrade your windows to last longer and work better. 

Upgrade to Double-Pane

One of the ways that home builders reduce material cost is by installing cheap single-pane windows. Although they pass inspection, they don't offer the best protection and are much more likely to cause you problems in the short term, especially when it comes to energy conservation. Therefore, upgrading to double-pane windows is highly recommended if you wish to obtain further protection from the elements and have windows that are going to go the distance. 

Add Exterior Shutters

Sometimes it is not an improvement to the window itself that can make it last longer but an addition. That is why the first item on this list includes exterior shutters. Adding shutters to your windows provides you with a variety of benefits that include everything from protecting your windows during strong thunderstorms to shading them during those hot summer days where UV rays are blasting down onto your home. 

Sealing/Caulking

The number one way to ensure that your utility bill skyrockets is to neglect cracks on your windows. The best way to avoid this from occurring in the first place is to make sure that you are sealing your window at least once per year, preferably before the winter or summer months. You may choose to have special rubber material installed onto your window for a more uniform look but caulking it yourself with store-bought material is often just as effective. 

Add Interior Shutters

While exterior shutters are great for protecting your windows against storms, interior shutters, or blinds, are more useful in the day-to-day. Typically, people still want to be able to have natural lighting in their home without getting blinded by the sun’s glare directly through the glass. With interior shutters, you can have the best of both worlds by letting in just the right amount of sun for you without just leaving the window fully exposed. While this tip doesn’t necessarily make your window last longer, it does help it work better at providing natural lighting.

Although extremely important to the comfortability of your home, windows are often neglected by homeowners. That is why it is so important to ensure that they are being taken care of and upgraded every few years. By applying the tips listed above, you may be able to extend the life of your windows and even make them work better for you.

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Home Maintenance Ben Soreff Home Maintenance Ben Soreff

What Homeowners Should Know About Their Boiler

Does your home have a boiler? Although the old-fashioned boiler has fallen out of fashion in favor of natural gas or electric forced-air furnaces, many older homes still have boilers that are going strong. Despite its waning popularity, the boiler has many advantages, especially for larger homes and buildings. If your home uses a boiler for heat, here are four things you should know.

Does your home have a boiler? Although the old-fashioned boiler has fallen out of fashion in favor of natural gas or electric forced-air furnaces, many older homes still have boilers that are going strong. Despite its waning popularity, the boiler has many advantages, especially for larger homes and buildings. If your home uses a boiler for heat, here are four things you should know.

Boilers Are Efficient

A boiler may be an older method of heating, but that doesn't mean it's less efficient than modern furnaces. Boilers work by heating water and sending it up through pipes and radiators to keep your home warm. This method tends to lose less heat than a forced-air furnace when heating large or multi-story structures, making boilers a popular choice for heating apartment buildings.

Boilers Need Maintenance

A good boiler can last a long time, but boilers require more upkeep than a modern furnace. Regular cleaning is a must to keep dust and dirt from getting into the boiler and causing damage, and boilers must be descaled regularly to avoid mineral buildup. If something is wrong with your boiler, it's important to call a boiler repair professional immediately to prevent dangerous explosions and damaging leaks.

Water Level is Important

It takes a specific amount of water to keep your boiler working properly, and serious safety issues can arise when the water level drops too low. Monitor your boiler's water level, and call a professional to make adjustments when necessary. If your boiler has a built-in water gauge, test it periodically to make sure it's still functioning correctly.

Boilers Can Leak

Leaks are a common problem with boilers, but the good news is that they can be easily fixed by a professional. The important thing is to check your boiler frequently to make sure that it's not leaking. Gas leaks are especially dangerous, but water leaks can also result in explosions by dropping the water level too low or cause water damage to your home's basement.

While boilers have many advantages, they're not the right choice for every home. If you have a smaller home or live in a warmer climate, a boiler may be less efficient than a forced-air system. Boilers are also more difficult to control, which means that your house can easily become too hot or too cold for comfort. If your home has an ancient boiler, consider whether you want to keep it or upgrade to a newer type of system.

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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

How To Personalize Your Office Space at Home

As we start returning to normal, many employees will continue to work remotely. If you’ll stay working from home, here’s how to personalize your office space.


If you’ve been working from home over the past year, you know how mundane the workday can feel without an environment packed with coworkers and cool office gadgets. As offices open again, many employees will continue to work remotely. If you plan on staying home to work, there are still ways you can make your at-home experience more productive and unique. Discover how to personalize your office space at home.

Upgrade Your Chair

Before quarantine, many homes were lacking an ergonomic chair or two. If your home is without a comfortable work chair, it’s time to upgrade your seating arrangement.

Your new chair should support your posture and provide comfort for the full eight or nine hours of your workday. Chairs with neck and arm support have become popular for remote workers, too, as they promote good posture and relaxed neck and shoulders.

Customize Your PC

Did you know that you can customize your PC? That’s right—that big block of hardware that enables network connection is eligible for personalization.

PC component manufacturers release various PC parts in different colors, sizes, and designs to appeal to those trying to create a custom setup. Whether you prefer dark and sleek or a fun and vibrant vibe, you can design a custom PC that’s specific to your taste. Reviewing the basics of building your own PC will give you a strong foundation of knowledge that can get you started on the coolest DIY project ever.

Revamp Your Décor

If you consider your at-home workstation merely a spot to support your nine-to-five grind, you’re missing a valuable interior design opportunity. To personalize your office space at home, revamp the area with décor that speaks to your aesthetic and life outside of work.

Framed art pieces, fancy window drapes, colorful plant vases, and photos of family and friends—there are endless ways to upgrade your work area to feel more welcoming and individualized. If you need inspiration when designing your revamped workspace, consider how you decorated the rest of your home.

Incorporate Natural Lighting

Working in a space without any natural lighting can be a bit of a bummer and slightly disorienting, especially if it’s your everyday work spot. Reflect on various areas around the home that get a good amount of sunlight from the windows. If your current work-from-home setup doesn’t get any natural light, relocate it to a spot with a window that lets in a bit of nature.

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