A home remodeling project is often centered around cosmetic and functional upgrades–in other words, making things look better and work better. It can be easy to get distracted by all the new finishes and gadgets that you’ll have, but if you really want a great remodel, you’ll also want to pay some attention to these four upgrades that will make the whole project work better.

Updated Electrical Components

It’s great to install new appliances that will improve your energy efficiency and allow you to do more things around the house, but it’s also beneficial to do some electrical upgrades to support those appliances. Enough additional demand could necessitate having an electrical contractor come and install a heavier service. Contact a qualified person for advice on what may need to be upgraded.

Efficient Home Systems

One great way to pay for your home renovation is to cut your energy costs at the same time. A new water heater, more efficient HVAC components, or LED lights will add to the initial cost of the remodel, but they’ll pay dividends every single time that you use them. In addition, you’ll be able to complete those messy installations while the house is already being worked on instead of waiting until something breaks down later on.

Additional Insulation

A big part of many home remodeling projects is replacing wall and ceiling coverings. While the sheetrock and paneling are out of the way, check out your insulation. If it has thin areas or gaps, fill those back in. If the insulation is old, consider replacing it. Again, there is no easier time to do work like this than when the walls are already open, so take advantage of the opportunity to lower your heating and cooling costs.

Security Features

A well-planned security system can protect your family and property from crime and fire. It can even warn you of problems like ruptured water lines. Many homes have integrated security systems installed during construction these days, but older homes can easily be retrofitted during a renovation. Incorporate motion sensors, door alarms, motion lights, and other features that your contractor recommends.

The “after” pictures of your renovation will probably not feature your new electrical panel or the extra batts of insulation in the attic, but as you move forward from the completion date those elements will prove just as valuable and satisfying to have. As you renovate for looks, remember you can also renovate for safety and efficiency.