You love your current home, but you might only live there for a while. That fact might lead you to make changes that would benefit both you and the future owner, so you can get as much of a return on your investment as possible when you sell the house.
However, there’s much more to consider than making attractive updates. Planning on ways to help the environment and reduce your home’s carbon footprint will attract eco-conscious buyers, lower energy bills and make you feel good about your choices. These green renovations are well worth the money.
1. Choose Energy-Efficient Windows
Upgrading your windows could save money and help you heat your home properly. The newest, most energy-efficient windows will keep the temperature-controlled air inside and avoid leaks. Alternatively, adding a coating to your windows reduces energy loss and prevents UV rays from getting inside, thanks to thermal protection. This film can also keep the sun from discoloring your furniture or starting a fire.
2. Build a Deck
A deck can improve ROI because everyone loves to gather outside when it’s warm. A house on the market with a designated space for outdoor entertaining is attractive to buyers. Plus, decks and patios are luxurious upgrades that can transform an entire area and add more appeal to an otherwise unused backyard.
If you don’t already have a deck in your backyard, consider building one with composite wood rather than regular hardwood. Composites bind several materials, including sawdust and wood, to create a plank. It lasts a long time and requires very little maintenance, and it’s also great for the environment because it’s often made of recyclable materials.
3. Upgrade Your Toilet
Adding a bidet can save you money on toilet paper without replacing your toilet. Alternatively, if it’s time for a new model, you can opt for one that allows you to save water for liquid waste.
While replacing your toilet, you should also consider upgrading the other options in your bathroom to ensure they work well. That way, you can avoid water damage that can lead to mold and other detriments to your health. Plus, new plumbing options will increase your home’s value, making it one less thing to upgrade when you plan to sell.
4. Replace Your Water Heater Tank
Switching to energy-efficient appliances is one of the best upgrades you can make for your home. However, if you’ve already replaced most things, you should think outside the box — starting with your water heater. A tankless version can lower your monthly bills and take up less space than a giant water heater tank.
A tankless water heater doesn’t store water. Instead, it heats it as needed, which can help with conservation. You should install one closest to where the hot water will be used most often, like the kitchen or the bathroom, to ensure it gets to the faucets quickly.
5. Insulate Your Garage
One area you might be losing a lot of money is your garage. These areas usually aren’t properly insulated, which can lead to cold or hot air seeping into the home through the walls. Switching to an insulated garage door can reduce your energy loss by over 70% in that section of the house. If you notice your energy bills creeping up each month and have exhausted your efforts to find the source, consider upgrading your garage doors.
6. Put in a Skylight
Consider installing a skylight to let natural light flood in during the day. This can help warm your home during colder months and may also improve your mood.
Skylights can be an aesthetic addition that can open up a room, so you can expect them to have a great ROI in your home. They might not be a great fit for every location, so research to see if they’d work for you. If not, you can still receive as much natural light through your windows with sheer curtains.
7. Replace Your Lawn
Landscaping can add so much to a property and turn a house into a home, greatly improving its curb appeal. Many options are personal and reflect the needs of a family. For example, you might need more than grass to make your yard visually appealing.
You can lean into native plants, which will thrive in your area while also attracting wildlife that supports the ecosystem. Certain plants may attract pollinators, which could help the local flora and food supply, not to mention your garden.
8. Select Flooring Responsibly
Wood flooring is always an excellent option for your home if you can afford it. Maple and oak are typically sustainably farmed and are durable. Bamboo is another fantastic eco-friendly choice. This hardy grass species grows rapidly and is quickly replaced once harvested to make a strong and beautiful floor.
You also have the option of laying down carpet. However, some can be problematic. Some carpets include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that harm the environment, along with endocrine disruptors that can damage your health. Always search for a nontoxic carpeting option, especially if it will be installed in high-traffic areas.
9. Install Solar Panels
Solar panels might be pricey depending on where you live, but they could be a worthwhile investment that saves you money on your energy bills. Plus, you can take advantage of tax credits on their installation, making it a worthwhile investment.
Solar power can lower your carbon footprint and reduce air pollution levels, among other net benefits. Adding a renewable energy source to your home will increase its value and might even be a deciding factor for a future eco-conscious buyer.
10. Invest in a Metal Roof
This drastic change can increase your home’s curb appeal while providing several benefits. A metal roof resists fire and fungus, making it a lifesaver in natural disasters. It also helps keep your home cool in the summer, cutting back on the cost of some of your energy bills.
This roof option is also attractive and available in many colors, making it an aesthetically pleasing addition. If it’s time to replace your roof, consider upgrading and bringing the benefits of metal to your home.
Focus on Green Renovations
You may not remain in your home forever, but the memories you make in it will stand the test of time. Upgrading your quality of life now can only benefit you in the long run, and it’ll provide a significant ROI when you’re ready to sell.
Don’t hold out on living a more eco-friendly life just because you can’t see yourself remaining there much longer. Make the upgrades where you live now and you’ll know what to prioritize when looking into a new residence.
