Energy-Efficiency
Top
10 Energy Wasters and Savers
Add Green to Your Home
and Your Pocketbook by Remodeling
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how...
Investing in
Remodeling Pays Off in More than $$$
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Cost vs Value
Your home is your
castle, but sometimes that castle may need a facelift. Remodeling is a
great way to create a home environment that can meet your family’s
changing needs and tastes without you having to spend a lot of money.
Before you spend your
hard-earned dollars, however, make sure that the changes you make now
will have longer-term benefits for you when you look to sell your home
in the future.
The top middrange
projects cited in Remodeling magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report”
that provide the highest percentage return are:
Cost
Recouped
Project
78.9% Entry Door (steel)
68.7% Garage Door
65.3% Deck Addition (wood)
65.2% Minor Kitchen Remodel 63.3% Siding Replacement (vinyl)
63.0% Attic Bedroom
61.8% Window Replacement (vinyl)
60.5% Basement Remodel
60.0% Window Replacement (wood)
58.5% Deck Addition (composite)
These
numbers represent the West North Central region. To get information
on projects that are the best investment for your area, check
out the Remodeling magazine’s “2010-2011 Cost
vs. Value Report” published by Hanley Wood online at
www.costvsvalue.com.
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Top Five Home Maintenance
Projects
During
National Remodeling Month, review some tips from professional
remodelers on maintaining your greatest investment, your home.
Regular home inspection and repair will help maintain the
condition of your home and save on costly emergencies in the
future.
1.
Inspect the roof.
An examination of the roof will reveal spots that need repair,
preventing leaks that ruin home interiors and valuables. Regular
roof maintenance prevents roof problems leading to structural
damages and other expensive emergencies.
2.
Add insulation.
Most houses can benefit from installing or repairing the insulation barrier
in the home. Adequate attic insulation, in particular, keeps the home
from losing energy with wasted heating and cooling. A better insulated
home means less work for the heating and cooling system and lower energy
bills.
3.
Repaint surfaces.
A fresh coat of paint does wonders for a home by updating the color palette
and giving the home a shiny new start. Quality paint jobs also protect
surfaces and prevent problems like rotting wood. Consider using no- or
low-VOC paints for reducing fumes while drying and keeping the home air
quality more comfortable.
4.
Monitor flashing and caulking.
Worn window flashing and caulking allows water to penetrate the walls,
causing damage to drywall and framing. Asking a professional to inspect
windows can prevent water intrusion, saving thousands in major repairs
down the road. Additionally, examine caulking and sealing in bathrooms
to ensure water isn’t leaking into walls or floors.
5.
Check the water heater and heating and cooling system.
Waiting until the water heater, furnace, or air-conditioning fails will
cost more in emergency repairs. Bring in experts to assess these units
to ensure they are functioning and receive needed repairs. Newer water
heaters and HVAC systems can increase home efficiency, bringing down water
and energy bills.
Contact
a professional to get excellent advice – and your assurance
of a project well done.
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