I have been contemplating a cross-country move from where I live in Arizona, to South Florida for the last couple of months now. I haven’t officially decided what to do, but I know that if I go, selling my house will probably not be easy. The market here has seen home prices dropping, and taking much longer to sell than in the past.
Lately I have been fixing various things around the house, and making any improvements I can think of. New paint, landscaping, new flooring, bathroom and kitchen upgrades are kind of a given when it comes to getting top dollar for your home. In doing some research for cheap, but effective home improvement tips, I landed on THIS PAGE, which details some recession-proof home improvements.
As flipping has stalled, and many would-be sellers are sitting out the market, they’re turning to green changes as a way to reduce their energy bills and improve their quality of life. The 10 recession-proof changes they recommend are:
- Cork Floors: Cork is quickly becoming an alternative to pricier tile and wood-plank flooring. Low-density cork is an effective insulator, plus it doesn’t rot when exposed to water (think wine bottles), nor does it absorb dust.
- Bamboo Countertops: Compressed to the thickness needed for a countertop, bamboo is significantly harder and more dense than woods such as maple–often used for cutting boards–which makes it last.
- LED Lighting: LED lighting systems use less energy than standard bulbs, which translates into a lower electric bill. LED lights are more expensive than conventional light bulbs, but can pay for themselves over time.
- Garage Doors: Luxury carriage-door models and revamped pavement leading up to them can boost your home’s curb value; this is especially important if your garage is one of your home’s dominant features.
- EnergyStar Windows: You’ll definitely pay a bit more for an EnergyStar certified window, but you’ll get a 10% rebate from Uncle Sam. You’ll also enjoy hundreds per year in saved heating costs.
- Water-Saving Toilets: Based on the American Institute of Architects’ 2008 research, homeowner demand for water-saving toilets has grown.
- Water Heater: Conventional heaters warm water continuously. Some models heat water on demand, a more energy-efficient system that in some households might pay for itself in a year.
- Radiant Heat: The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that radiant heating is 20% more efficient than conventional heating systems.
- Landscaping: Besides the aesthetic and health benefits of a garden and yard, it’s often the first thing buyers see when they’re looking at a home. The National Association of Realtors estimates that 70% of home buyers start the buying process online, and if your front yard pushes people away before they even come to visit the house, you’re in trouble in this kind of market.
- Doorless Showers: Also called walk-in showers, this is a design trend that likely isn’t the function of a down economy, but is mentioned again and again by builders and architects as something consumers want. They are popular among boomers as they get older, and are a design element that can also be found in high-end urban apartment complexes.
I think for certain situations these could be some great upgrades to look into. Obviously they won’t work for all homeowners in all markets, but “going green” is a trend that looks to only get bigger.