Your home is one of the biggest investments you'll make in your lifetime, and when going through the renovation process it is easy to get caught up in exciting aesthetics and put practical solutions to the back of your mind. If you’re going to the trouble of modernising your home, thinking of ways to make it more comfortable is crucial.

Saving a significant amount of your budget to ensure your home is energy efficient, warm and dry during the winter months can not only save you money in the long run, but create that comfort you crave in your home.

Going off the grid, installing smart-home technology or simply adding a fireplace are some of the options discussed in the following articles for New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.

For lesser budgets, check out mid-range and basic updates you can make in your home to decrease heat loss.