*Note: This was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Do you have a personal finance story that you’d like to share? Sign up with the Yahoo! Contributor Network to start publishing your own finance articles.

The upkeep of a house can be a very costly venture. From maintaining structural integrity to keeping up appliances, the list of expenses seems to be never ending. When it comes to upgrading my house, I choose carefully what I need to focus on first. While I would love to tackle everything at once, I budget wisely and cautiously choose the upgrades that will pay off most in the end. Here is a look at a few home upgrades that will pay off in the end.

New Roof

Nearly as important as a strong foundation is a durable roof that will withstand years of wear and tear from rain, sleet, snow and the like. While this is a major expense, there are few upgrades more important than a new roof. If your roof has taken a beating lately you may want to get it inspected and either repair any weak spots or have a new roof laid down. In my opinion, it is better to be proactive and have a roof laid while you have the money then have the roof begin to leak during a torrential downpour.

Finished Basement

A finished basement is a great upgrade to any house. Not only does it make your cellar more welcoming, but it can also be used as a family room, play room, laundry room and more. Rather than treating your basement like a dungeon, create a livable space and make the most of the square footage your home has to offer.

Upgraded Appliances

After years of use, it is not uncommon for appliances to go on the fritz. Rather than waiting for aging appliances to die, update them from time to time. Appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers and the like are a far cry from the harvest gold hued appliances of the ’70s. Not only are they more attractive, but they are more efficient too.

Plumbing

Does your house have a dated plumbing system? Don’t wait for it to spring a leak on its own. Investing in new plumbing is a great investment that will pay off in the long term.

Central Air

Although many people may not think that central air is a necessity, it is a good investment for many home owners. Not only does central air keep your house cool, but it is also more energy efficient than many window air conditioning units.

More from this contributor:

DIY Resumes Save Money and Give An Edge Against the Competition

First Person: How I Save on the Back to School List

First Person: Why I Am Already Worried About my Retirement