Property Improvements

Insulation is a universally important tool for improving energy efficiency in a home. With proper insulation, homeowners can decrease the amount of energy needed to heat and cool their home. Not only will this lower monthly power bills, but it also enables owners to maximize the value of renewable energy features such as solar panels or geothermal heat pumps. Without adequate insulation, a building will ultimately waste energy on climate control.

Small cities can make a big impact. In fact, many are leading the way in terms of energy efficiency. Energy Star, which certifies high-efficiency appliances and home improvement products, is actually run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In addition to the residential side, Energy Star also certifies commercial and municipal buildings and ranks cities on their volume of energy-efficient buildings.

Ductwork is a fundamental aspect of heating and cooling systems. These conduits are necessary in homes with any type of forced-air heating or central air conditioning.

Often unseen, ducts are easily forgotten about, so it is common to underestimate their importance. According to Energy Star, up to 30 percent of the heated or cooled air that moves through ducts could be lost to leaks, improperly sealed joints, or a lack of insulation.

Even basic home improvement projects can turn into pricey undertakings. The cost of quality wood and hardware needed to fabricate a simple cabinet or bookshelf, for example, is surprisingly high. One way to avoid some of this expense is to opt for recycled or salvaged materials, which can significantly lower the price tag for do-it-yourself (DIY) endeavors. Homeowners can also ask their contractor to limit costs by using second-hand products whenever possible.

Home swimming pools provide entertainment, relief from the sweltering summer heat, and a great way to exercise. They can also consume a significant amount of energy. In fact, homes with pools use 49 percent more electricity than comparable homes without pools, according to a study published by Opower, an Oracle-owned company. That extra power translates to about $500 in additional energy costs each year.

Does owning a pool mean you are stuck paying such high energy bills year after year? Not if you make the necessary changes to conserve power.

Homeowners are generally aware that problems could arise during an improvement project, but most do not realize they can lower the chance of setbacks by taking certain steps before and during the process. Here are 10 common pitfalls that often surprise homeowners when they are making major home improvements. Not only can this knowledge lower stress levels, but it can also save money.

The year 1949 marked the invention of color television, the first Emmy Awards and the debut of the Volkswagen Beetle in the United States. It also marked the beginning of an escalating demand for electricity. Since then, in all but four recession-impacted years, electricity demand in the United States has steadily increased. While the rate of escalation is lower than in years’ past, the U.S.

Homeowners often opt for sizable upgrades to increase the value of their property. Major projects can certainly improve the odds of a better sale price, but simpler (and cheaper) changes can prove just as profitable in the long run. Easy fixes and do-it-yourself upgrades require a greater time investment, but because they typically cost less, homeowners may be able to do more. Each simple fix brings additional value to a home and lessens the chance of a potential buyer finding something he or she dislikes about the property.

Landlords can yield greater profits from rental properties through creative income streams, such as making improvements that warrant a rent increase.

The dark winter months may seem impractical for home improvements. However, upgrading your home during this slow season can improve your stress levels, as well as your bank account. Instead of hibernating this winter, why not transform your home into a sleek, energy-saving dwelling with optimum comfort to fit your lifestyle? Depending on your climate, some outdoor projects are unfeasible due to winter weather. Inside, there are plenty of options—from adding insulation and replacing your HVAC system to installing water-efficient plumbing and retrofitting your lighting.

Some traits of a green energy property are clearly visible: solar panels, a wind turbine in the backyard, or reflective roof shingles meant to repel the sun’s heat. Other features, however, are just as important, but not as noticeable.

Appraisers and real estate brokers are becoming familiar with the importance of efficiency in the real estate market. They now understand that while major upgrades can lower energy costs, sometimes it is the unseen upgrades that best increase a home’s value.

Homeowners who want to improve the efficiency of their property should ask themselves these two related questions: which upgrades will save the most money on energy costs and which will add the most value to my house? Choosing simpler upgrades may be the best initial course of action. For example, adding sealant around windows and installing weather stripping around doors is inexpensive and these “quick fixes” can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.