MAKE THESE UPGRADES TO SAVE ENERGY & BOOST YOUR HOME'S RESALE VALUE

As the temperature continues to fluctuate this Spring, we want to share some ways on how you can keep your energy costs down and keep more money in your wallet.

Source:  Realty Times Staff

Most homeowners would benefit from a home energy audit, especially those with older homes. An audit will uncover where your home is wasting energy and how to best remedy the situation. Remodeling your kitchen, bathroom or living room may add to your home’s resale value, but the following energy-efficient upgrades add value and save you money on your monthly utility bills - and you'll help the environment, too.

Replace Windows & Roofing

If you have old, drafty windows with loose frames or gaps that let conditioned air escape, you're losing money. Replace them with energy-efficient windows. You will improve your indoor comfort and reduce heating and air conditioning costs. In addition, window treatments can keep you cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that treatments such as awnings and blinds reduce solar heat gain by as much as 77 percent, and shutters and storm panels reduce heat loss in winter.

The same principle applies to your roof. A new, properly installed roof will lower your energy costs and increase your home's resale value, according to Champion Home Exteriors. Make sure you use a reliable contractor who knows how to properly ventilate the attic, or you risk mold and premature peeling of interior paint and wallpaper.

Seal & Insulate

Take the time to seal your home's walls, windows, vents and any other cracks or gaps, and consider adding insulation, too. Not only does this improve comfort and save on utilities, but it also reduces outside noise, prevents an inflow of dust, pollen, insects and debris, and provides better humidity control. Brett and Elna Wells of Shelbourne, Vermont, told Mother Earth News how they added 19 inches of insulation in their attic and added foam sealant around their foundation, and not only did they lower their energy consumption, but they received a $2,900 rebate from their electric utility, too.

Replace Siding

One of the home improvement projects with the best return on investment is replacing your current siding with new vinyl siding, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report. It provides a whopping 78 percent return on investment. To realize savings on your energy bill, make sure the contractor uses ENERGY STAR-rated underlayment and corner wrap to protect your home from moisture.

Get an Energy-Efficient Furnace

Linda Barnwell is a certified eco-broker with the real estate franchise company Keller Williams. She told Fox News that an energy-efficient furnace will boost energy savings and a home's resale value. Airtight homes with newer furnaces are what homebuyers are looking for, and it can even drive the outcome of a real estate deal. Sellers whose homes have furnaces that are 20 or 30 years old may see sales negotiations stall, or buyers may demand you replace the furnace as a condition of the sale.

If a professional home energy audit isn't possible, try using an energy saving calculator from the DOE.

Tired of of having to repair your furnace or insulate your home? Looking for a way out of your hold home & into a new one? Let us help you! We can answer any question about your real estate struggles. Give us a call today! (301) 467-1622

Attic Renovation Tips

Spring has finally arrived and its time to do some Spring cleaning. Having difficulty deciding what to keep or what to throw out? Let us help you with some helpful tips from our trusted home inspector, Rocky Banks.

Many are already planning to renovate their attic as they start to build their budget for home renovations. Renovating your attic is a financially smart decision and can be an inexpensive way to add living space to your home. These six tips will help you plan for and overcome many of the challenges of remodeling an attic into living space.

Plan carefully. 
Remember that the order in which inspections must be obtained will dictate your schedule. Think through every aspect of both the design and the project, consider possible challenges, and devise plans to overcome each challenge.

 Design the space for the type of room. The way you design and remodel the space will vary with the uses you plan for the finished room. For example, a bedroom may have different requirements than a playroom.

Plan access to the new room(s) carefully. Creating access to the new space is challenging in some homes. If you are trying to reduce costs for your project, you will want to find and construct the stairs in the best point of access and in a way that involves the least modification of the existing structure. You will also need to check local building codes with reference to exit points.

Decide how you will work with the slope of the roof. This is an important aspect of planning, and it will affect your cost and the appearance and functionality of the new room. Do you want a pitched or a cathedral ceiling? How will you construct it? How will you install adequate insulation?

Remember that ventilation and insulation are critical. Remember that heat rises. Attics can become very warm. You will need to plan for adequate ventilation and insulation to keep the room comfortable without drastically increasing your heating and cooling costs.

Plan for wiring and plumbing well in advance. Electrical wiring and plumbing can present unique challenges in attics. You will need to ensure that the flooring does not rest on any wires. A bathroom will cost less if placed in close proximity to another existing supply and drain line. If you are planning to finish or remodel your attic into living space, careful planning and attention to the unique challenges presented by the space will be essential. You can expect to gain valuable living space as well as some increase in the value of your home.

 For more tips on attic renovation, please call your local Pillar To Post office or inspector. Rocky Banks Rocky.Banks@pillartopost.com www.pillartopost.com 1-301-455-5994

Not interested in renovating your home because of the maintenance? Are you thinking its time to find your dream home? Let us help you! Give us a call at 301-437-1622.