When you are looking to sell your home, it goes without saying that having green, or eco-friendly elements will help to attract buyers, as well as increase the value of your property.
Of course, many people are somewhat resistant to upgrading the eco-efficiency of their home, due to worries that it may cost a fortune. Not all upgrades or add-ons have to be expensive, and here are five areas to investigate when trying to tick the green box, while also trying to up overall value.
New Windows
It is very rare that a property doesn’t have double glazing, but if the home you are trying to sell doesn’t, or even if you want to upgrade to triple glazing, it is worth looking at Aladdin replacement windows to add appeal to the property.
Upgrading windows will help you to improve the energy efficiency of your home, as well as prevent noise pollution. Both can make your home more attractive to buyers, as the higher energy efficiency means that the cost of heating the property long-term will be lower. If potential buyers have kids, they will likely want to prevent excess noise from coming in (or getting out) onto the street.
New Insulation
When was the last time the insulation in your attic was updated?
Depending on the type of insulation you have, it may be time to update it. If you have mineral wool insulation, this will need to be replaced every 30 to 50 years. For glass wool, it will need replacing every 20 to 30 years. Check the type of insulation and aim to have it refitted to keep the heat in, add to the energy efficiency of your home, and make the property more appealing for buyers.
Water Saving Features
Not a massive upgrade, but one that can add value and is easy to install: water-saving add-ons. These can be as simple as low-flow toilets, as well as faucets on the taps to prevent drips and excess water use. For eco-conscious buyers, these kinds of upgrades are highly sought after, and best of all, in some countries, the eco-friendly add-ons can be free or low-cost from water companies.
Solar Panels
Last, but not least, solar panels are one of the most popular ways to add value to your home and tick the eco-friendly box at the same time. Depending on where you live, you can apply for a solar panel grant, which can help cover the cost of the installation, and will keep costs down. These will have an obvious appeal to potential buyers, as they can reduce the cost of energy bills in a home by up to 30-50%.
Energy-Efficient White Goods
You may be wondering what the point is in having low-flow toilets if you are still using a lot of water in your washing machine or dishwasher. There are now energy-efficient white goods, like washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, and so on, which look stylish in any kitchen and will give your home a modern look and feel to buyers. Aim to get appliances with labels that show Energy Star, FSC, and GOTS.