If you’ve read Wheatworks’ Financial Blog often enough, you’ve read the blog entries announcing software updates. This blog is one way Wheatworks communicates with our clients and customers about the tweaks, new features, and upgrades that are added to the financial software products Wheatworks develops.

People expect software updates. Updates usual do two things: add features and fix problems.

Have you ever considered updating your house? Updating your home can do the same thing for it as updating software does: add features and fix problems. And home updates aren’t necessarily expensive.

In fact, you probably already update your home without thinking of it in those terms. Minor updates (probably not worthy of notice) include replacing light bulbs or tightening screws on a doorknob. If your skill set allows, a step up from that might be a little plumbing. Easy plumbing updates can include installing a new faucet to replace the original kitchen faucet which has started leaking around the base.

Changing old washing machine hoses is another good, easy update. And it’s excellent, cheap insurance. If you blow a washing machine hose when you’re out of town your house will be flooded before you return.

Looking for a quick bathroom update? Add sturdy grab bars to the tub or shower area. When you slip and need them, you’ll be glad they’re there for you. Just make certain you mount them securely, fastening them to studs behind the tub surround. Poorly mounted grab bars are dangerous.

How do you determine what to update? Walk through your house with a tablet and pen. Enter a room and ask, “what does it need?” Write your answers. While most people think “home improvement” requires big bucks, it doesn’t.

Frequent, small upgrades can quickly add personal value to your home. It’s often these little things that count most in determining how much you enjoy home ownership.