Renovating your home offers more than just cosmetic upgrades. While how your property looks matters, making thoughtful changes can elevate everyday comfort and increase your house’s market value, all while lowering your environmental impact.
Here’s a look at eight quality-of-life, sustainable renovations that can make a difference to your resale value.
Install Solar Panels
Going solar is one of the most impactful renovations you can make for better energy efficiency and higher property value. Solar panels enable you to generate renewable electricity from the sun, slashing your reliance on the power grid. This decreases your electric bill by $25,500 to $33,000 over their lifetime and reduces carbon emissions.
To decrease your carbon footprint further, install solar-powered gadgets like fence post lights, decorative pool fountains or window blinds around the property. No matter how small, solar installations are sure to increase your home’s value. The best thing is that solar can work anywhere — even in Alaska.
Upgrade To Energy-Efficient Windows
Outdated, single-pane windows let precious heating and cooling leak out, driving up energy bills and your carbon footprint. Replacing them with Energy Star-certified double- or triple-pane windows can reduce your home’s energy usage by 7%-15%, saving money on utilities and decreasing your environmental impact.
What’s more, new windows can provide a return on investment (ROI) of up to 85% in your home’s resale value. You might even be eligible for rebates and incentives from local government or utility companies for having energy-efficient windows.
Upgrade To Efficient HVAC
Heating and cooling can account for up to 50% of a home’s total energy use. Upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system, like a heat pump in cold climates or an Energy Star-rated AC unit, can cut those costs by 10%-30%. This reduces your environmental impact while increasing your house’s value.
While installing an energy-efficient HVAC system may cost nearly $12,500, you can expect an ROI of around 60%. The new owners will be willing to pay more since they don’t have to replace an inefficient one.
Resurface Your Driveway
Traditional asphalt or concrete driveways are carbon-intensive to produce and contribute to water pollution by creating impervious surfaces that prevent proper drainage. Opt instead for permeable pavement, such as porous concrete or permeable pavers. These materials allow water to filter through, reducing runoff and recharging groundwater.
For added benefits, consider using eco-friendly paving materials for driveways and outdoor spaces. Asphalt paving is a popular, sustainable choice due to its longevity and 100% recyclability, which significantly reduces waste in the long term. Choosing high-quality asphalt will lead to substantial cost savings, as cheaper, low-quality options may need frequent repairs. It also looks good to potential buyers.
Opt For Eco-Friendly Flooring And Roofing
Hardwood, bamboo and cork flooring have become increasingly popular for their natural, sustainable properties. These materials are renewable, biodegradable and often recyclable. They also tend to be quite durable, requiring less frequent replacement. Buyers love the warm, natural aesthetic they add to any property.
Go the extra mile and replace your roof with energy-efficient materials, too. Installations like metal roofing with reflective coatings can decrease indoor temperatures by reflecting sunlight. A green roof is the perfect solution for urban properties low on garden space. Other than providing room to plant your favorite herbs, fruits and flowers, they help reduce stormwater runoff while insulating your home. These roofs reduce cooling costs in warm months, which lowers your energy needs and benefits the planet.
While roof upgrades can be costly, they offer a strong ROI and add significant appeal to buyers interested in sustainable home features.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Replacing older appliances with Energy Star-rated options can dramatically lower electricity and water use. Look for washers, dryers, refrigerators and ovens that have eco-friendly settings, use less power, and qualify for rebates or tax incentives. Energy-efficient appliances enhance quality of life by lowering utility costs and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Water-Conserving Fixtures
Swapping out old plumbing fixtures for water-efficient ones is an easy and impactful way to conserve resources. Consider low-flow showerheads, toilets and faucets, which use significantly less water without sacrificing performance. These changes can decrease your water bill and increase your home’s resale value, as eco-friendly plumbing solutions appeal to today’s environmentally conscious buyers.
Rainwater collection is a simple way to make your home more eco-friendly, especially for garden irrigation. Installing a rain barrel or underground tank can reduce water bills, lower municipal demand and provide a backup source.
Native Landscaping
Landscaping with native plants is an eco-friendly way to boost curb appeal, directly increasing your home’s value. It consumes less water, requires fewer chemical inputs and is low-maintenance, which gives you substantial cost-saving over time.
What’s more, a well-designed landscape is visually appealing. It will look good on listings to attract buyers who appreciate sustainable outdoor spaces.
Reap The Benefits Of Eco-Friendly Upgrades
Making these quality-of-life eco-friendly renovations boosts your home’s market value and contributes to a healthier, more sustainable environment.
Author Bio
Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about health and fitness. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for regular updates on his work, and subscribe to Modded Minute for more!
