We all know we are still in a depressed real estate market. It’s a buyers market. Great time to buy a house but not a great time to sell a house. My realtor friend, Debbie tells me that buyers are spoiled nowadays. They want to essentially move their toothbrush in and call it a day. That means your home better be in tip top shape. If not, buyers will move on to the next house and not think anything of it. Ok, so now let’s talk about deal breakers. Debbie says there are three big ones. Foundation issues, roofing issues, and outdated bathrooms are the “big three” that she sees most. A bad kitchen isn’t a good thing either. The most common though, is a bad roof. Not a good thing to have when desperate to sell your home.
When it comes to residential roofing, most roofs are replaced, or at least repaired, every ten years. If that number doesn’t sit well with you, you should consider a roofing material other than asphalt. Most asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years but slate, aluminum, steel, and clay roofs all have life spans of 50-plus years, some lasting up to 200! Because of this, many homeowners are making the move to metal roofing. Realtors say, buyers know metal roofing will last a longer time and are attracted to homes with these types of roofs. Put it this way, if you have a problem roof, you will not get asking price for your house. If you do get an offer, (you may not) expect one that is at least twenty thousand dollars under your asking price!
Metal roofing is fast becoming popular for not only commercial but residential as well. It’s durable, fire retardant and almost maintenance-free. Metal roofing is also very energy efficient because it reflects heat and blocks its transfer into the attic. Research shows that metal absorbed 34 percent less heat than asphalt shingles, and homeowners switching to metal reported saving up to 20 percent on their energy bills. This is a great feature in both the scorching hot summer months as well as the cold winter months. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and would love to come out and give you a free estimate. We will show you why metal is picking up steam as the “go to” product in the roofing industry.
If you want to make a smart home improvement, new energy efficient windows, vinyl siding, and a new roof are the way to go. Not only will you get a good ROI, or return in investment, both of these improvements will dramatically up your curb appeal.
Over the years, vinyl siding has gained in popularity and is now found on about 30 percent of homes. Today’s product is far different than your parents siding. It lasts for years and years and withstands most weather conditions. It also won’t fade. The beauty is that it is so easy to maintain and doesn’t need to be repainted.
In addition to improving the look of your home, installing vinyl sidingbenefits your budget. Because it requires little maintenance, you can save on costly repairs and upkeep. Vinyl is also substantially less expensive than other types of exterior siding materials. It acts as added insulation for the house as well, so it can boost energy efficiency and save you money in the long run.
If you have old, leaky windows, you absolutely can’t afford not to replace them. Sure, replacing your inefficient windows with new Energy Star approved windows is an investment. Keep in mind that it is hands down, one of the smartest home improvements you can make. Did you know that research shows that replacing your windows with new, energy efficient replacement windows will give you an ROI, (return on investment) of 80-90%? Plus, replacing them with new Energy Star approved windows will save you a lot of money on your heating and cooling bills.
Now let’s talk about your old roof. Local realtors say residential roofing can be a huge deal breaker when trying to sell your home. Many are even investing in metal roofing because it lasts three times as long and is by far the most durable. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and can show you why investing in your roof can drastically increase the resale value of your home.
If you have old, inefficient appliances it’s time to consider replacing them.
There are so many benefits to replacing them.
The most significant benefit of energy efficient appliances is that it preserves the environment. This is based on the fact that the energy we use to run our homes comes from power plants. Power plants burn fossil fuels to power electric products. The burning of fossil fuels causes air pollution and is the main cause of acid rain, smog, and global warming.
Experts say, we could remove the need of 25 power plants if every American home used energy-efficient major appliances. Another benefit of energy efficient appliances, it saves money. Lots of money. By using energy efficient appliances, you can save up to $400 per year on utility bills.
Plus energy efficient appliances have an extended working life. By buying energy efficient appliances, you qualify for an energy tax credit on top of saving on your monthly utility bill. Happy saving!
Many people love the character older homes have, but not the problems that come along with them. Experts say there are things you need to do in order to properly maintain an older home.
The first thing you should do is get the roof repaired before any further damage is done. The next thing is to have the electrical updated to code to reduce chances of an electrical fire. Plumbing would be next, but make sure you have taken into consideration all that you plan to do to the home. For instance, you don’t want to have the plumbing modified, then decide to remodel a bathroom or kitchen and have to redo what you’ve already done.
Older homes will most definitely have windows that are far from energy efficient. There are window companies that can help you pick out new, Energy Star windows that will match your old world style. When you get your first energy bill, you’ll be glad you switched them out.
Are you trying to go green? Experts say if you want to start living a “greener” lifestyle, your bathroom is a great place to start! Some simple adjustments to a bathroom can reduce its impact on the environment.
Here are a few tips to green it up:
- Installing aerators on the faucet and showerhead will reduce the amount of water used.
- Faucets and showerheads with aerators use half the water flow with twice the power. If they were used nationwide, aerators could save 250 million gallons of water a year.
- Using a low-flow toilet will use less water.
- Replacing a tanked water heater with a tankless model will reduce the amount of energy consumed and the cost to heat water.
- A tankless water heater will heat only what is needed, when it’s needed.
- Compact fluorescent bulbs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer.
- When redecorating, look for paint with a low volatile organic compounds (VOC) label. These paints are less toxic.
- Even little things like selecting all-natural fabrics can help make your bathroom more green. Plus all your friends will think you are so hip and ahead of the times!