Green home improvements that add the most value to your home
We live in an era of rapid and significant climate changes that affect our lives. Because our climate is much different than it used to be only a few decades ago, homeowners are becoming more environmentally conscious. On the other hand, green home improvements are able to do a lot for the planet as well as your budget. Once you decide to sell your home, some of these green additions will make you more money than you thought.
Solar power
A significant number of people shy away from installing solar panels because they feel it’s a huge investment. On the other hand, Germany, China, and Italy have begun using solar power more and they encourage their citizens to do so too. Not only will you save a significant amount of money on electricity bills within a few months, but you’ll do something good for the environment as well. You will be able to use electricity as you usually do but you’ll know that it comes from a renewable source. What is more, you’ll be able to get more money once you decide to sell your home because more and more people are willing to pay a higher price for a home that’s eco-friendly.
Smart tech
Because technologies evolve so quickly, it’s virtually impossible to pick the ones that’ll be around in the years to come. Certain high-tech features, however, have proven worthy over the years, and if you decide to install them, you’ll be able to return your investment once you sell your home. Programmable thermostats are always a good idea, as well as smart door locks and good security systems since these features can be controlled with a smartphone, a trait that’s particularly appealing to Millennials all over the world, according to Forbes. It’s also a good idea to have next-generation appliances that we use every day (refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, etc.) but that are able to save energy.
Recycling and removing toxic materials
Recycling is also a great way to be more sustainable, but only if you’re doing it right. Separate your waste properly and learn the best ways to handle different types of trash. In Sydney for instance, all bigger items you no longer need, you should rely on local professionals, whereas items such as cardboard, paper, metal, and plastic should be properly separated and recycled. On the other hand, materials such asbestos or lead paints are highly toxic and should be treated with caution. If your house is built before 2000th you should consider asbestos testing in Sydney before you sell it. You could also try building a compost bin in your backyard – a simple way to reduce the amount of waste you produce and help plants and vegetables in your garden grow.
Rainwater collecting
Rainwater harvesting is a simple way to conserve water usage in your home. You can hook up an ordinary barrel to the gutter downspout and collect rainwater instead of letting it go to into the street. You can use this water for many things, namely for watering your garden or even for washing your car. Remember that water can be contaminated if there are leaves, debris, and pine needles in it, so install simple filters onto your gutters to ensure that your collected rainwater stays clean.
Water recycling
Another great way to save water is to recycle the water you use at home. You can start by using water that’s leftover from boiling pasta and washing veggies to water your garden, but you could also take it a step further. Gray water systems are becoming more popular all over the world because they allow people to re-use water in a safe and environmentally-friendly way. Gray water doesn’t contain sewage but is still waste – it’s the water that goes down the drain when you do your laundry or wash your hands. There are systems that allow you to divert that water and use it again for example to flush a toilet and by installing these in your house, you’ll make it more valuable on the market.
Better windows
A lot of modern homes need to replace their windows, and if that’s the case with you too, why not opt for a ‘greener’ version while you’re at it? Energy-efficient windows are a thing, and even though they’re pricier than the regular old windows, they can make you a bit more money when selling your house. You can choose from a number of different energy-efficient windows: from the ones with a special coating that reflects light and keeps your home cool in the summer to storm windows that improve thermal insulation and windows with low e-coatings.
By choosing to be more environmentally conscious, you’re making a difference and having a good impact on our planet. In addition to this, eco-friendly appliances and systems will return a great deal of your investment if, at one point, you decide you want to sell your home. Even though a number of these green improvements cost a lot, they are still a great investment you should definitely consider.
