How would you use $15k in my situation?
Midwest homeowner here - unexpected $15k windfall and looking for the smartest upgrades
Just got an inheritance and want to make the most of it on our 1990s suburban home. Zone 5b, hot summers/brutal winters. Already have working HVAC and appliances.
Priority list:
* Full house water filtration + softener system ($3k). Our water is crazy hard and destroys appliances. Plus the chlorine smell is awful
* Upgrade attic insulation to R-60 and air seal ($4k). Current insulation is original and pathetic. Energy bills are killing us
* Smart thermostats + new ceiling fans in all bedrooms ($2k). Old fans are wobbly death traps from 1992
* Tree removal and stump grinding for two dying ash trees ($3k). They're getting dangerous and we're worried about storm damage
* Reinforced garage shelving and organization system ($1k). Midwest means lots of seasonal stuff to store
* LED conversion for remaining old fixtures ($500). Mix of fluorescent and ancient incandescent currently
* Smart smoke/CO detectors ($500). Current ones are ancient and probably useless
Would you change anything? Got quotes for all this already. No urgent repairs needed, just want to be smart with the money. House is 2200sq ft if that matters.
Edit: That's roughly $14k total which leaves buffer for surprises.