Renovating your home offers more than just cosmetic upgrades. While the appearance of your property is important, thoughtful changes can increase everyday comfort and increase the market value of your home, all while reducing your impact on the environment.
Here are eight sustainable, quality-of-life renovations that can make a difference to your resale value.
Install solar panels
Switching to solar energy is one of the most impactful renovations you can make for better energy efficiency and higher property values. With solar panels you can generate renewable electricity from the sun, making you less dependent on the electricity grid. This reduces your electric bill by $25,500 to $33,000 throughout their lifespan and reduces CO2 emissions.
Nasty reduce your ecological footprint further install solar powered gadgets such as fence post lights, decorative pool fountains or sun blinds around the property. No matter how small, solar installations are sure to increase the value of your home. The best part is that solar energy can work anywhere, even in Alaska.
Upgrade to energy efficient windows
Outdated single-pane windows leak valuable heating and cooling, increasing energy bills and your carbon footprint. Replacing them with Energy Star-certified windows with double or triple glazing is possible reduce your home’s energy consumption by 7%-15%save money on utilities and reduce your impact on the environment.
Additionally, new windows can provide a return on investment (ROI). up to 85% in the sales value of your home. You may even qualify for rebates and incentives from the local government or utility companies for having energy-efficient windows.
Upgrade to efficient HVAC
Heating and cooling can amount to 50% of a house’s total energy usage. An upgrade to a high-efficiency HVAC system, such as a heat pump in cold climates or an Energy Star-rated AC unit, can reduce these costs by 10% to 30%. This reduces your impact on the environment and increases the value of your home.
While installing an energy-efficient HVAC system can costs almost $12,500you can expect an ROI of approximately 60%. The new owners will be willing to pay more because they won’t have to replace an inefficient one.
Give your driveway a new surface
Traditional asphalt or concrete driveways are carbon intensive to manufacture and contribute to water pollution by creating impermeable surfaces that prevent proper drainage. Instead, choose permeable paving, such as aerated concrete or permeable paving stones. These materials allow water to pass through, reducing runoff and replenishing groundwater.
For additional benefits, consider using eco-friendly paving materials for driveways and outdoor areas. Asphalt paving is a popular, durable choice because the long lifespan and 100% recyclabilitysignificantly reducing waste in the long run. Choosing high-quality asphalt will lead to significant cost savings, as cheaper, low-quality options may require more frequent repairs. It also looks good to potential buyers.
Choose environmentally friendly floors and roofing
Hardwood, bamboo and cork floors have become increasingly popular due to their natural, durable properties. These materials are renewable, biodegradable and often recyclable. They are also quite durable and require less frequent replacement. Buyers love the warm, natural aesthetic they bring to any property.
Go a step further and replace your roof with energy-efficient materials. Installations such as metal roofing with reflective coatings can lower the indoor temperature by reflecting sunlight. A green roof is the perfect solution for urban properties with little garden space. In addition to providing space to plant your favorite herbs, fruits and flowers, they help reduce rainwater runoff while insulating your home. These roofs reduce cooling costs in the warm months, which lowers your energy needs and benefits the planet.
Although roof upgrades can be expensive, they offer a strong ROI and are more attractive to buyers interested in sustainable home features.
Energy efficient appliances
Replacing older appliances with Energy Star-certified options can dramatically reduce electricity and water consumption. Look for washers, dryers, refrigerators and ovens that have eco-friendly settings, use less power and qualify for rebates or tax credits. Energy-efficient appliances increase quality of life by reducing energy costs and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Water saving fixtures
Replacing old plumbing fixtures with water-efficient ones is an easy and effective way to save resources. Consider low-flow shower heads, toilets and taps, which use significantly less water without sacrificing performance. These changes can lower your water bill and increase the resale value of your home as eco-friendly plumbing solutions appeal to today’s environmentally conscious buyers.
Rainwater harvesting is a simple way to make your home more environmentally friendly, especially for garden irrigation. Installing a rain barrel or underground tank can reduce water bills, reduce municipal demand and provide a backup source.
Native landscaping
Landscaping with native plants is one environmentally friendly way to increase appealwhich immediately increases the value of your home. It uses less water, requires fewer chemicals and is low-maintenance, allowing you to achieve significant cost savings in the long term.
In addition, a well-designed landscape is visually appealing. It will look good on advertisements to attract buyers who value sustainable outdoor spaces.
Enjoy the benefits of eco-friendly upgrades
By making these eco-friendly, quality-of-life renovations, you will increase the market value of your home and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment.
Author biography
Oscar Collins is editor-in-chief of Modded, where he writes about health and fitness. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for regular updates on his work, and subscribe to Modded Minute for more!
