Daleet Spector Design

Go Green to Add Value to Your Home

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Halcyon Iron Ore Herringbone Recycled Glass Tile

With so many amazing eco-friendly building products on the market (like the recycled herringbone tile pictured above) we can all toast to a future of more sustainable and earth friendly building practices. Although it’s so important that we don’t harm the earth as we improve our living, working and playing environments it is a fact that sustainable methods and materials often come at a premium and it can be hard to convince clients that the investment is worth the cost. 
 
Educating ourselves about available sustainable methods and their financial and environmental impact is an important part of facilitating change. So, when I was approached by Homelight about posting one of their articles discussing how green design impacts a home’s value I jumped at the chance. While return on investment isn’t always my number one driving force when I work with clients (enhancing lifestyle is), it’s interesting to see in real numbers that these green changes can add value to a house. 
 
Here’s what Homelight has to say on the topic –
 

A Green Home Can Attract Buyers

Eco Friendly Apartment in New York City, As Seen on Design Sponge

“Going green” isn’t just a slogan or catchphrase anymore. It’s a lifestyle, and it’s also a feature in your home that can attract tons of buyers (especially millennials) when it comes time to sell. In fact, a Nielsen study found that 66% of over 30,000 surveyed millennials are willing to pay more for conservation-conscious, sustainable products. So what does this mean for you, savvy homeowner? Making “green” home improvements can really add value to your home! We know, we know. Going green comes with a price tag, but it could be worth the investment. 

 

Going Green is Worth it

Eco friendly cottage in Portland, as seen on Martha Stewart

If you live in an area that’s popular with millennials, then investing in your home’s green features and getting green-certified may help you sell your home for more money. For instance, markets like Washington D.C. and Los Angeles County saw green home values increase between 2 to 6%. Other studies suggest green homes sell for up to 7% more. Getting green-certified may also help your home sell faster. Not only do energy efficiency measures save money for buyers on their future utility bills, but some lenders also offer lower interest rates on green-certified homes. What if you aren’t ready to sell just yet? It’s still wise to stay informed when it comes to sustainable features in your home. Because so many younger buyers are looking for eco-friendly amenities in existing homes, 79% of remodels in 2018 are expected to factor in green building standards.

 

Eco Friendly Enhancements for the Home 

theEFFORTLESSCHIC.COM, FIRECLAY SUSTAINABLE TILE, PHOTO CREDIT: KATIE JAMESON

One way you can enhance your home’s green quotient is by becoming an “Energy Star Certified Home.” However, the national Energy Star Certification requirements and the certification processes are complex, time-consuming and expensive depending upon the current age and efficiency of your home. If getting Energy Star Certified before selling isn’t practical, try a DIY energy audit to determine where you can best conserve power. Also, try these easy eco-friendly home improvements – 

  • Replacing Insulation – attic insulation helps to regulate the temperature within your home, conserving energy and cutting energy costs. This is why it was one of the top home improvement upgrades in 2017 with a high 107.7% return on investment!        

  • Weather Stripping – energy-conscious millennials will appreciate fresh weather stripping around your doors and windows because it helps to keep things dry and warm inside. Weather stripping is a relatively inexpensive project that costs an average of $168 nationally.

  • Eco-Friendly Water Systems –  studies show buyers will pay more for high-performance features such as water filtration systems, tankless water heaters, and water-conscious landscaping features, all of which are eco-friendly ways to save water at home. A solar water heater is a pricey upgrade but can save up to 80% on your hot water bill in the long run.  Also, replacing old toilets, shower heads and faucets (ones that are pre-1994) can save water as new fixtures are required to meet federal standards and be more water efficient. Installing a low-flow toilet like this one can save about $90 a year on your water bill.
  • Sustainable Flooring – flooring is one of the main elements in your home so choose an eco-friendly option such as bamboo, jute, or wool. If you’re going for wood, look for  Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure your flooring has been harvested responsibly. Recycled cork is another sustainable flooring option. It’s durable, warm and non porous which makes it a great choice for families.
  • Low VOC Paint – paints with low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are safer for you as well as the earth because they are made from natural materials and they help to improve indoor air quality and cut down on off-gassing.
  • A Cooler Roof – if you need to replace your roof consider roof tiles that are lighter in color as they will absorb less heat. It may see counter intuitive but metal roofs keep things cool and can last for decades.
There are plenty of ideas for making your home more environmentally friendly. If you’re getting ready to sell your home, you may consider adding “green” touches throughout the house. After all, it’s good for both the Earth and for the resale value of your home. 
 
 

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