Environmental impact and sustainability are some of the biggest concerns that most consumers consider today. So, if you’re looking to sell your house at any time in the future, adding some green upgrades can provide the much-needed boost to stand out in a competitive housing market.
This article shares some of the most significant sustainable home improvement projects you can implement to increase its overall resale value.
- Add Rainwater Tanks
A rainwater collecting system can help keep your property become less reliant on local water supply mains and help conserve water. Due to increased water shortages and droughts in most parts of the world, conserving water has become more important. Plus, it also helps homeowners reduce water bills and in maintaining a beautiful garden, which is another great project to increase property value (more on this later).
Installing rainwater tanks makes your home more attractive to potential buyers. In particular, rural or drought-prone areas may even be required to comply with water restrictions. When choosing a rainwater tank, consider finding a reliable manufacturer and supplier. A provider like The Water Tank Factory offers quality and heavy-duty tanks delivered to your home, as well as offers installation services.
- Install Solar Power
Solar panels are making waves in the energy sector. Today, more homeowners are switching to solar energy, that’s why you can see more homes flaunting shiny panels on their rooftops. Such panels allow you to produce your own electricity, significantly reducing or even eliminating your energy bills.
During the day, solar panels can generate the needed energy to power your appliances and gadgets. Any excess energy can be stored in a battery to power your home throughout the night or you can sell it back to the grid. Due to their numerous benefits, solar panels can help significantly improve the value of your home.
In fact, a study revealed that solar energy systems can increase a home’s value by almost USD$6,000 for every kilowatt of solar panels installed. Although solar panels may have a significant upfront cost, due to their popularity and advancement in technology, prices have fallen in the last few years. Also, most governments offer subsidies, grants, and rebates on solar installations you can take advantage of.
- Replace An Old, Ugly Garage Door
Your home’s garage is one of the least energy-efficient spaces in your home. In general, indoor air tends to escape through the uninsulated walls and windows while letting the outdoor air in.
That said, your garage door, especially if its old and worn-out, is the biggest inefficiency in your garage. As the biggest door in your home, you’re going to open and close it about 1,500 times a year. If it’s old and rickety, it greatly contributes to a high energy bill.
So, consider getting a new garage door and have it insulated properly. Try looking for an energy-efficient door that has three layers to greatly boost overall garage use. This can help maintain a stable temperature inside your home, reduce noise levels, improve curb appeal, and boost your home’s security, all of which contribute to an increase in property value.
- Invest In Smart Home Technology
Technology has made people’s lives so much easier and more convenient. That said, future-proofing your home with automated systems and new technology can create a strong first impression on any potential buyers.
There’s a range of smart home technology you can install that can help increase energy savings and make the house more convenient to run, hence, increasing the overall value of your property.
You can start with smart thermostats. These devices can be programmed to automatically adjust the heating and cooling temperature in your room. Some devices also use artificial intelligence that automatically detects daily trends in your schedule and adjusts the temperature accordingly.
Another smart technology option you can implement is smart lighting. Although it may not create a drastic impact like a smart thermostat, being able to control your light from a smart device or your phone can potentially help you save energy. Plus, it’s quite convenient for homeowners, particularly for older adults.
- Spruce Up Your Garden
As more people crave a connection to Mother Earth, adding a garden can be a sustainable way to help improve property value. In fact, did you know that a garden could add up to 16% to your home’s value? Gardening isn’t only beneficial to the environment, but also plays a critical role in any home’s curb appeal and is critical in making a great first impression.
Consider landscaping with native plants since they’re easier to maintain in a climate that’s most suitable to them. Also, make sure to keep your garden easy to manage to attract buyers that may not have a green thumb. Make sure to decorate your garden with eco-friendly and recycled materials, such as plastic bottles or tin cans. You can also use paving made of recycled concrete aggregate for more sustainable hardscaping.
Takeaway
Sustainability has become a popular trend, extending into the real estate industry. By providing numerous benefits, including a reduced impact on the environment and energy savings, sustainable homes have become more appealing to potential buyers.
So, whether you’re planning to sell your home soon or just want to make a positive impact on the environment, the above eco-friendly updates can help you create a more sustainable and greener home.
Infographic Provided By The Solar Energy Company, Route 66 Solar
