Solar Panels To Low-Flow Toilets: Sustainable Home Improvement Projects That Increase Your Home Value

Written by Posted On Tuesday, 23 February 2016 07:41

Selling your home? Here’s something you should know: Studies show that homebuyers will gladly pay a premium for homes with green features. Green homes frequently sell faster than similar homes without sustainable features, as well. Even if you decide to stay in your home, eco-friendly improvements will save you money and make your home a more pleasant place to live.

 

You can find green home improvements at every price point. From low to high, here are a few ideas to get started.

Sustainable home improvement ideas for any budget

 

Under $100: LED bulbs. LED light bulbs are a “low-hanging fruit” when it comes to improving your property’s energy efficiency. They use 75 percent less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and last up to 50 times longer. Plus, they give off high-quality light and you can get them in your choice of color temperatures. These inexpensive improvements will literally put your home in the best possible light!

 

$100-$700: Low-flow fixtures. It’s the little things that make a difference. If your home is more than a few years old, chances are your kitchen and bathroom faucets, or even the toilets, may be looking worn or dated. Swapping them out for new ones can give the entire room a lift. When shopping for fixtures, look for the WaterSense label. Just one of these EPA-approved models can save over 700 gallons of water per year for an average home — double that for a water-efficient toilet.

 

$500-$2000: Water filtration system. Drinking tap water is not in the cards for many homebuyers, especially affluent ones. Yet water bottled in plastic is wasteful, expensive and a hassle to buy. A water filtration system is one of those little perks that can make your home stand out from the crowd. Plus, it will allow you to go green, save money and enjoy pure, delicious water with the turn of the tap as long as you are still living in your home. Chances are, you will love it so much you’ll want one in your new home, too!

 

$1,000–$2,500: Energy-efficient exterior doors. In real estate, first impressions are huge. A nice front door will give a buyer a favorable impression of your home before even setting foot inside. While an insulated, air-sealed door may cost a little more, consider including it as part of your home’s sustainability portfolio. Be sure to point out that the air-tightness eliminates drafts and keeps the home more comfortable.

 

$10,000-$25,000 (with federal incentives): Solar panels. Putting solar panels on your roof may not be a top priority if you are ready to move right now. However, if you’ve been wanting to go green in a big way and have been hesitating to invest in solar because you might move, here’s good news: you can feel pretty good about making that investment knowing that homebuyers love solar! That’s right — a recent study by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Berkeley Lab reveals that solar homes command an average price premium of $15,000. Other studies indicate that they sell considerably faster, as well. Just be aware that these statistics apply to solar panels that are owned outright. If you think you might need to sell your home, avoid solar leases, which can scare buyers away.

 

Of course, these are only a few of the many ways to make your home more valuable and greener. For more ideas, consider speaking with a contractor, sustainability consultant or real estate agent with experience in green housing. You are sure to find solutions that are perfect for your needs!

 

Patricia Bonacorda is the President of Spartan Plumbing a HVAC and plumbing company that has assisted all types of residential homes and businesses since opening in 1964. Spartan Plumbing is a licensed, bonded and insured business that provides professional plumbing, heating and air conditioning services throughout MD and DC.

 

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