The trend is to go green. What we are seeing is that homeowners are investing into “sustainable” and “renewable” materials and appliances and this observation is supported by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Homeowners are turning to green changes as a way to reduce their energy bills and improve their quality of life. Based on AIA research in February that polled 500 architects in the residential sector, buyers are willing to pay $5,000 extra for an energy-efficient home.
The growing interest is in eco-friendly features for kitchens, such as bamboo and cork flooring, concrete and bamboo countertops. It’s also available for the bathroom, where water saving toilets and LED lighting have displaced demand for luxury installations like towel-warming drawers, double-sink vanities and whirlpool baths.
Radiant heating, is a luxury buy, it is also economical. An 800-square-foot space that involves installing heatable coils below the floor surface, which can run between $5,000 and $7,000, according to the U.S. Department of Energy saves an estimated 20 percent a year in energy costs.
While energy-efficient features like these will undoubtedly require an outlay, many come with large tax rebates. In heating costs alone, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates as much as $465 in savings when EnergyStar windows are used to replace single-pane ones. What’s more, you’ll get a tax rebate of 10 percent of costs, up to $200.
Home appraisers state that simple cosmetic touch-ups often have the highest rates of return. It can be as simple as making sure landscaping looks good, or that the exterior paint is fresh. This is especially true for median to luxury homes, curb appeal is important. That means additions like carriage-style garage doors or a well-manicured flower bed. Garages, in particular, can take up one-third to one-half of a home’s exterior, and a sharp door and drive might impress online house-hunters and create a favorable impression once they get there.
You might have to settle for these improvements merely to help sell your home faster, as opposed to netting more cash at the bargaining table.
Just SCV’s Best can help you to determine what sort of improvements offer the most value for your home. They’re ready to help you in considering these and many other possibilities. Learn more about the professionals of Just SCV’s Best at www.justscvsbest.com.