We only have one chance on this earth, so we might as well make it count. When people think about conservation and sustainability, they usually think electric cars and recycling. However, what’s one thing that almost everyone has (or at least rents): a home. Homes aren’t small entities, and it’s easy to neglect the amount of energy that they waste if we’re not careful. Further, homes that are wasteful are expensive and, in today’s day and age, an energy efficient home is on the top of the list for most of today’s homebuyers. Today, we thought we’d discuss some home improvements that will attract buyers and increase your property value.
New paint job
Fresh paint inevitably brightens up a room, and it’s a quick and inexpensive fix. Or, if you’re extra savvy, try out an interesting wallpaper. Just make sure that the walls dry properly so that they don’t look sloppier than before you picked up a paint brush. We also suggest sticking with more neutral colors and patterns if you’re selling your home, since anything too quirky can deter potential buyers.
New lighting
Surprisingly enough, the type of lightbulbs that you have installed in your home can affect how high your electric bill is. Many current homes have incandescent bulbs and fluorescent bulbs installed. Incandescent bulbs are the least energy efficient and fluorescent, while slightly less inefficient, don’t compare to LED lights. LED bulbs can last up to five times longer than any other bulb out there, and can make any home greener in less than an hour!
Window and door film
If you live in a region where winters get pretty rough, then you’re probably well aware of how expensive heating costs get. Instead of sucking it up with extra layers and blankets, or having to deal with high energy bills, try a protective window insulation film. The film works to keep the heat in your house from seeping out, which is often one of the reasons why your house feels so chilly during the winter months. The great news is these are easy to install and fairly cheap to purchase!
Overall insulation
We touched on window and door insulation films, but what about the rest of your home? One of the most important pieces of any home is the insulation. A home that is poorly insulated is one that is expensive to maintain, especially if the heater or air conditioner is running on high. Another way to add value to your home is to make sure that the home’s insulation is secure and installed correctly. The investment will not only make your home more valuable, but it will also make it much more sustainable.
Eco-friendly flooring
The floors of your home take up a lot of surface area, so why not choose a flooring material that’s eco-friendly? If you’re looking for what flooring increases home value and is also better for the environment than other materials, try linoleum, bamboo, cork, or even concrete! These types of flooring are made from sustainable and non-toxic materials, which make them more eco-friendly compared to vinyl or new hardwood! If the flooring in your home needs to be replaced, look towards one of these more sustainable options. It will make your home more attractive to buyers as well!
There are plenty of reasons why you should invest in home improvements that are also environmentally conscious! If you’re planning on selling your home, these additions can increase both the value and the appeal of your home. For more real estate and investment tips, be sure to check back to the Phat Investor blog regularly. Thanks!