Improvements that will help you use less energy but may not have a positive impact on the sale price:
- Add foam insulation to outlets and switch plates
- Caulk or apply spray foam areas where air might be escaping, entering or moving
- Install CFL light bulbs
- Install programmable thermostats
- Weatherstrip all exterior doors
- Weatherstrip, seal and/or insulate attic access hatch, house vent, and fireplace draft
- Insulate hot water heater, hot water pipes, and heat pipes
- Evaluate windows - are they operating properly for a full seal?
Improvements that will help your home sell quicker and at a higher price:
- Conduct a home energy audit and complete all upgrades - provide before and after docs
- Change out your oil fired boiler to natural gas or propane and change from steam to hot water
- Separate hot water production from heat - use a wall mounted, on demand gas system
- Add mini-split heat pumps on the second floor for space heat and air conditioning
- Add a pellet, wood or gas fireplace or stove or two
- Upgrade or repair your windows (unless you are in a historic home)
- Spray foam basement walls and add insulation to the attic
Information Resources
Tom Landry is the owner of both Benchmark Residential Investment Real Estate and CornerStone Building and Restoration. This article originally appeared in the West End News and can be viewed here.
