Over the last few decades, the building and remodeling industries have kept statistics on the home improvements and renovations that have the highest payoffs for home buyers. Recent data released by Remodeling Magazine Indicate that the home buying public values energy efficiency and curb appeal highly.
Upgrade the Attic Insulation
It won’t make any difference in the appearance of your home, but it certainly will in its comfort. For decades, people who are actively looking for a home rank energy efficiency as one of the most important factors impacting their purchase decision.
Inadequate attic insulation lets heat escape in the winter months and enters during the summer. Between the high return on your investment when you sell, your home’s heating and cooling bills will drop with the optimal amount of insulation in the attic.
Change the Front Door
The power of first impressions starts at your front door. If you want to cement a positive attitude in others’ minds about your home, upgrade the door. Choosing one that’s energy efficient will pack even more punch. When choosing the door, look at its efficiency ratings on the National Fenestration Rating Council’s website.
Steel and fiberglass exterior doors are low-maintenance, while wood doors require periodic attention. The door style should be compatible with the exterior elevation of your home so it complements rather than distracts from its appearance. Beautiful glass doors with sidelights give your home a striking appearance from the street and work with many architectural styles.
Garage Doors
If, after hanging the new front door, the garage door looks old and dated, consider upgrading it as well. Remodeling Magazine reported in its 2017 survey of home buyers that a new front door will return about 90 percent of its cost, while a garage door averages an 80 percent return.
While the return on investment is below 100 percent for either, the statistic not reported is how many people an old, dated and weathered garage door turns away. Sprucing up the appearance from the street makes an intangible and invaluable impression.
Lose the Carpet
The shift from carpeting to hard surface flooring is more than a trend. Laminates, hardwood and ceramic are durable, easy to clean and stand up to pets and children. Once installed, the cost of maintenance is minimal, unlike carpeting that needs professional cleaning periodically and regular vacuuming.
Choose colors that are compatible with any décor. Hues in the mid-ranges are preferable over extremely light or dark tints. If you’re unsure about how well the flooring will look in your home, buy a small amount to see how it will match the interior.
If you’re installing new flooring to maximize the resale value, save the manufacturer’s literature and warranty to show serious buyers the lifetime of the product. Some, like hardwood and ceramic, stand up to decades of use, while laminate and vinyl flooring products last up to 30 years with adequate care.
Change the Siding
Not only does worn siding detract from the appearance of your home, it also opens the door for insect, animal and mold invasions. A home whose siding has cracks or gaps also loses energy through the walls.
Replacement siding like vinyl will stand up to harsh weather for decades and resists moisture and cracking. However, the type you use depends on your climate and local architectural codes or practices. Homes in southern states have masonry siding, like stucco, because UV light and heat don’t affect it adversely. You’re more likely to find wood or fiber cement and cold climates. Before choosing new siding material, be sure to check with the experts first.
Author: Damien Justus
