Energy Saving Tips from House Smart Home Improvements : 5 Projects that Add Value to Your Home

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

1. Remodeling the Kitchen

Most people consider the kitchen to be the heart of the home, and because of this, updates in this room pay off. You can expect to recoup 60%-120% of your investment on a kitchen remodel, as long as you don’t go overboard.

A Little Paint Goes a Long Way

Get the biggest bang for your buck on a kitchen remodel by looking at color. Fresh paint, in modern colors, can go a long way towards updating the look of your kitchen. You might want to consider using low-VOC paint; this makes your kitchen more eco-friendly, and helps your family avoid breathing in dangerous chemicals, like benzene, that off-gas from regular fresh paint.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Replace old appliances
with energy-efficient models. Energy Star-rated appliances are better for the environment, and they also help you save money, because they use less energy. Potential buyers often look for ways to save money when shopping for a new home.

2) Draftproofing

Seal cracks around the house to save even more money on energy costs, and to make your home more appealing to buyers. You can find leaks in your home during the winter. Anytime you feel a draft or cold spot, you’re in an area that leaks air. The materials you need to seal the gaps are inexpensive. You can prevent warm or cold air leaks around your window and doors by applying weather-stripping or caulking to windows, and by putting weather-stripping along the side and the top of exterior doors. For more on weather-stripping: visit House Smart Home Improvements.

3) Energy-Efficient Windows

These days, buyers shop for homes with energy efficiency in mind. Old, drafty single-pane windows are a major turn off. Energy Star claims that adding Energy Star-rated windows can save you up to $500 a year in heating and cooling costs by making your home more energy efficient .
You can expect to recoup 60%-90% of your costs when you invest in energy-efficient windows. Right now save 100 dollars per window installed. House Smart Home Improvements can fill you in on all of the details during your in-home free consultation.

4) Deck Addition

Adding a deck increases the value of your home. Outdoor living spaces have become more desirable, especially since more people stay home for vacation. If you make your deck and your backyard more appealing, your house will be more appealing to prospective buyers when you decide to sell. HGTV claims that homeowners recoup 65%-90% of their investment by adding a deck.
The cost of adding a deck to your home varies widely. Everything depends on its size, and how many bells and whistles you want added, like built-in seating, multiple stairs, built-in flower pots, and the size of the deck. Decks can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $10,000, or more. Again, it all depends on the design and materials used.

5) Basic Updates

Basic updates add the most value to your home. Keep the paint fresh, fix the roof when it leaks, replace wood that rots, and get rid of any mold that you find. These types of chores keep your home from deteriorating over time. Buyers want a healthy, solid, safe home, and they look carefully for signs of routine maintenance.