Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: Home Improvements

  • Higher Costs Cutting into Your Home Improvement Budget? Opt for These DIY Solutions

    Renovations can add value to your home and increase the enjoyment of your dwelling, but the costs for various projects also have the potential to pile up. What do you do when you want to prepare a home for sale or give it a makeover without going into major debt or depleting your savings?

    Many homeowners turn to DIY solutions that may take some time and a bit of research but often prove worth it in terms of money saved and happiness gained.

    Projects like painting and power washing typically require only a few days to a week of your attention. Others, such as laying tile or resurfacing floors, may demand a lengthier commitment, but with the right attitude, they can produce years of benefit for little cost.

    Here are some DIY solutions you might want to take on if your budget is tight but your inspiration lofty.

    Paint Your Home

    Interior walls with scratches, scuffs, and outdated colors can use a new coat of paint. Fresh paint will likely make a dramatic difference in the overall look of your home and present it nicely to future buyers.

    Depending on your style and interior design goals, you may want to play with color, for instance, painting a statement wall or an entire room in a bold hue. Homeowners who plan to sell in the near future should heed expert advice that says to stick to a neutral shade carried throughout the house.

    Painting an exterior might take a little more work, especially if you have a two-story home. But, those not opposed to erecting and climbing ladders and scaffolding may want to dive into this project.

    With any painting project, it’s important to properly prep your surfaces, research the different paint types and materials, and test your color on a small section. While involved, this DIY solution is usually a much cheaper option than hiring someone to do the job.

    Update Fixtures

    Swapping old outlet covers, switch plates, curtain rods, door knobs, light fixtures, and faucets can be a cheap and easy way to give an outdated home a quick update. Often, homeowners overlook these minor parts of a home until they look so bad they can’t be ignored or it’s time to sell.

    Consider that attractive switch plates and outlet covers typically cost less than $5 each. Additionally, you can usually get modern curtain rods and door knobs cheaply. Good quality light fixtures and faucets may run you a couple of hundred dollars or more (especially for luxury versions with touch or sensor technology built in), but consider their impact on your home for a relatively low cost.

    And, remember that instead of paying a handyman, electrician, or plumber to install fixtures, you can do it yourself and save money. Some great video tutorials available online walk you through every step of the process. Of course, when working with electricity and plumbing, it’s wise to research ways to keep you and your home safe before you begin.

    Upgrade Window Treatments

    Shabby curtains, shades, and blinds don’t add value to your home and they may, in fact, decrease it. For just a small cost, you can upgrade your window treatments yourself to lighter, brighter, and more contemporary versions that provide privacy while giving your home an airy and open look.

    There are plenty of low-budget options available for beautiful drapes, shutters, and horizontal or vertical blinds. Some of the most impressive window treatments we’ve seen, however, require a bit more of an upfront investment (i.e., smart shades and blinds with voice-activated opening and closing) but are still a cost-effective solution if installed yourself.

    Restore or Reveal Hardwood Floors

    It’s possible to bring original or replacement hardwood floors back to their like-new splendor with a little time, elbow grease, and money. Consider that flooring often makes or breaks a room. Imagine, for example, how much more dramatic a dining room or study could be with pristine hardwood to set the mood.

    Likewise, pulling up old flooring to reveal hardwood underneath can be worth the effort, especially in a period home. Not sure if you have hardwood underneath your laminate, tile, or carpet? Some homeowners are willing to take the risk of time and money to pull up a small corner of old flooring and potentially reveal a treasure underneath.

    Stain or Paint Kitchen Cabinets

    Purchasing and installing new cabinets, or even new cabinet doors, is not cost-effective in many markets. Instead, homeowners often trade a little time for a fresh coat of paint to breathe life into a stale kitchen or bathroom.

    As on walls, new paint on cabinets and cabinet doors can completely transform a room. Depending on your design and real estate goals, you may want to paint cabinets a neutral shade or go bold with a dark or bright hue, or lather on an ultra-high gloss.

    Remember, though, that before you start this DIY project, it’s essential, again, that you research methods for prepping your surface and choosing the right materials.

    Are you considering fixing your home and putting it on the market? Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® can help you when you’re ready.

  • Long-Term Eco-Friendly Home Investments for a More Sustainable Future

    Eco-friendly home improvements can significantly benefit the planet and your wallet. While making choices like purchasing energy-efficient appliances, replacing windows, and switching to renewables to power your home will require an up-front investment, over time, they can make a remarkable difference in the amount of energy you use and waste. Read on as we reveal some of the long-term investments you can make to reduce your carbon footprint while creating a comfortable and eco-friendly home.

    Convert Your Home from Gas to Electric

    As cleaner, renewable energy sources become more available, the benefits of converting your home from natural gas to electric multiply. Air source heat pumps are considerably more energy efficient than gas-powered furnaces. And while gas line leaks are relatively rare, carbon monoxide poisoning from home equipment is a consideration, particularly during the winter months when windows aren’t open for venting.

    The advantages of electric kitchens alone may make you consider electrifying your home, despite the cost of capping off gas lines. Rachelle Boucher, executive chef, electric kitchens expert, and founder of Kitchens to Life, explains to Martha Stewart Living: “‘Natural gas creates unacceptable amounts of pollution with methane and particulate matter in the air. With induction there’s less need for air conditioning and ventilation.’” You are also eliminating open flames in the kitchen, which reduces the chances of you (or your children) being burned or sparking kitchen fires. You might be surprised at another advantage of transitioning to an eco-friendly induction cooktop: faster, precision cooking.

    Choose Air Source Heat Pumps

    If you have a traditional combustion or electric resistance furnace (or boiler) and want to create a more eco-friendly home, it may be time to transition to an air source heat pump. A modern air source heat pump (aka mini split) is a cooling and heating system that is highly efficient, provides consistent temperature comfort (even in frigid weather), and offers precise temperature controls. It also can save up to 40 percent off your energy bills. Existing state and city energy programs may be available to subsidize your transition — making this investment even more attractive.

    Invest in Eco-Friendly Solar Power 

    One of the best ways to save energy and design an eco-friendly home is to make the switch to solar power. Zillow Lifestyle Expert Amanda Pendleton advises Real Simple: “‘Not only can adding solar panels to a home save energy costs and help the environment, but Zillow research finds homes with solar panels sell for 2.6 percent more.’” While the initial investment is pricey (approximately $15,000), you will start seeing your energy savings immediately. On sunny days, you are likely to generate far more energy than you need to consume; that energy can be traded to the utility. On high-usage days, you still have access to the grid, should you need more power. Additionally, your bill will not fluctuate the way it does when it is tied to fossil fuel prices. There are also numerous tax credits and rebates (federal, state, and municipal) to help pay for your new solar system. In fact, you can get about 30% of the total system costs refunded to you through a federal tax credit when you file your annual income taxes.

    Martha Stewart Living recently highlighted the Solar United Neighbors organization that represents “solar homeowners, community-based solar projects, and clean energy” as a resource for anyone thinking of making the change. Think of it as a “Solar Co-Op” where neighbors commit to enjoying the benefits of investing in sustainable energy together. The Magazine applauds: “SUN is especially unique in that it helps homeowners throughout the entire installation process, from recruiting co-op members, to assessing your roof and finding the right installers.”

    Add New Layers of Insulation 

    When your home doesn’t have the optimal amount of insulation, your heating and cooling systems strain to keep your rooms comfortable. The pros at Better Homes & Gardens advise that “[adding] fiberglass insulation to your attic floor and house walls [can] save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs,” as it can significantly mitigate energy loss. Other insulation products, like mineral wool, polyisocyanurate panels, sheep’s wool, and denim insulation are also environmentally friendly options The Spruce recommends.

    Install Skylights

    Maximizing your home’s access to daylight can be critical to keeping energy use low. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens suggest hiring contractors to “install skylights in rooms with no windows.” As the Magazine advises, well-positioned skylights can bring so much daylight into your space that “during the day, you might not need to turn on a light.” Skylights can also help you warm the room naturally during the colder months. And not only can skylights improve the value of your home, but you may be eligible for tax credits to help offset the cost of installation.

    Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows

    If you want to upgrade to a more eco-friendly home, it might be time to invest in new windows. Real Simple is a fan of installing double-pane options. The Magazine reports: “According to the Edison Electric Institute, heat leaks through a single glass pane about 14 times faster than it does through a well-insulated wall.” The experts at Better Homes & Gardens agree and suggest looking for “Energy Star-rated windows” that are “labeled low-emissivity (low-E) or spectrally selective,” which reduce “thermal heat transfer.”

    Buy a Tankless Water Heater

    If you have started assessing your options for replacing your current water heater, you’ll want to consider the benefits of transitioning to a tankless system. While swapping your system will require a bigger investment than replacing it with a more conventional model, experts estimate that tankless water heaters can reduce your energy usage by up to 25 percent and significantly limit water waste – a particularly appealing benefit if you live in areas of the United States that are plagued by drought.

    For homeowners, a whole-house tankless water heater is likely to be more beneficial than installing point-of-use tankless heaters because, as The Spruce explains, these “units have higher GPM flow rate capacity and can handle the demand for more than one fixture at a time.” Among the units favored by the Magazine, the “Rheem Performance 7.03 GPM Tankless Electric Water Heater” gets a nod for the best overall electric unit because of its performance and ease of operation.

    Purchase Energy Star Appliances

    Better Homes & Gardens cautions: “Major appliances are your home’s third-biggest energy hog, behind heating, cooling, and water heating.” It’s not surprising that investing in eco-friendly Energy Star appliances can lead to a significant reduction in energy waste and sizeable savings on your bills. The Spruce reports, “appliances carrying the Energy Star rating typically are 10 percent to 20 percent more energy efficient than non-rated models.” Check the bright yellow EnergyGuide labels that specify each appliance’s annual energy consumption and the costs of operating the machine while investigating which models will work the best in your home.

    Landscape to Save on Energy Costs

    Creating eco-friendly homes includes making smart landscaping choices. In regions that will support them, Better Homes & Gardens proposes “[planting] deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your house” because [in] summer, the leaves will shade your house; in winter, the bare branches will let the sun through for added warmth.” In areas experiencing water restrictions due to drought, consider removing grass in favor of sustainable native plantings that require less water while still attracting and supporting birds, butterflies, and bees.

  • 10 Tips for a More Energy-Efficient Home

    Energy-efficient home improvements, even small changes, can lead to a more sustainable home and significant cost savings. From budget-friendly window coverings to additional insulation or new appliances, a range of options are available and can make a real difference in your home’s energy consumption. Below, we reveal some of our favorite tips for creating a more energy-efficient home.

    Use More Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

    There has been a widespread movement toward swapping incandescent light bulbs for LED versions. This quick fix allows you to immediately make your home more energy-efficient, as the new LED light bulbs “use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs,” according to the experts at Better Homes & Gardens. As a bonus, the longer-lasting bulbs will save you cash over time in replacement costs. You may also want to audit your overhead lighting and table lamps. Not all areas of your home require bulbs boasting the same wattage. Changing a brighter bulb for a more intimate glow where it is effective can also yield noticeable energy savings.

    Apply Low-Emissivity Film to Windows

    While many new windows have embedded coatings to help protect against the heat and ultraviolet rays that flow into the home, older ones rarely have this feature. Enter low-E film. As The Spruce explains: “Low-E films usually contain metal or metal oxide as the material that counteracts the UV rays.” In addition, the Magazine reports: “Manufacturers often state that low-E films reflect between 70- and 80-percent of solar heat gain in the summer or conserve over 50-percent of interior heat in the winter.” And because it reduces the amount of UV light that comes into your home, the product eases the amount of sun damage to your artwork, furniture, and rugs. This coated plastic film is easy to apply. It’s available in rolls and can be cut to fit your windows, no matter their shape. It’s a quick way to create a more energy-efficient home without the higher cost of installing new double-paned windows.

    Wash Laundry in Cold Water

    Washing laundry in cold water may seem like it goes against all of our early teachings, especially when cleaning white fabrics. But many detergents are now formulated for cold water loads. Merely turning the setting to cold takes seconds, but it yields measurable savings, as “up to 90 percent of energy spent on washing goes towards heating the water,” according to the pros at Real Simple. As for drying your clothing, if you live in an area like Southern California that rarely sees rain, consider hanging your clothes outside to line dry. You can also set up line drying systems inside your utility room or an airy room in your apartment. If that isn’t feasible, ensure that your dryer has a full load before hitting start.

    Lower the Water Temperature

    Check your water heater’s thermostat. As Better Homes & Gardens explains, “most water heaters are set much too high at 140 degrees Fahrenheit.” If this is the case, consider lowering the temperature by 20 to 30 degrees. The Magazine reassures that even with this change, “the water will still be comfortable.” And you’ll see the savings in terms of the amount of energy needed to run the unit and in your pocketbook, whether you use gas or electric to power your water heater.

    Set a Programmable Thermostat

    Speaking of thermostats, adjusting your home’s programmable thermostat is another quick and effective way to achieve a more energy-efficient home. This easy fix isn’t just about raising your home’s cooling system a few degrees or lowering your heat in the winter. Better Homes & Gardens applauds the fact that programmable thermostats allow “you to set times for the air-conditioner or furnace to run and won’t waste energy on an empty house.” The Magazine also loves that this small change can “save about 10% on your energy bill.”

    Monitor Your Refrigerator

    Minor adjustments to your refrigerator or freezer can help you along the way to a more energy-efficient home. Start monitoring your refrigerator and freezer settings to ensure that you aren’t keeping the settings too cold. Real Simple reveals: “Recommended temperatures are 35° to 38°F for the fresh food compartment and 0°F for freezers—anything colder means wasted energy.” How you store your leftovers may be critical to how your refrigerator operates. According to the Magazine, just covering liquids and wrapping up leftover foods will give your compressor a break. When left uncovered, food and beverages can release moisture that may force your compressor to work harder than necessary. Lastly, check to be sure that your refrigerator and freezer doors seal tightly. If not, replacing the seal is an affordable way to get your refrigerator running optimally.

    Seal the Gaps

    The average house or apartment loses considerable heat or air conditioning through gaps around windows and doors. In homes, cracks throughout the attic or basement can create air leaks that force your HVAC system to work overtime. Start by applying weather stripping around doors to help create a stronger seal. As a bonus, the weather stripping will dampen sound, so jarring slamming noises also will be cut to a minimum. Add caulking to your windows and any cracks you find.

    The experts tell Real Simple that “‘ducts are also a common source of leaks, so have your contractor look for holes, tears, and other signs of leaking ducts and seal them.’” You may want a contractor to check your chimney and plumbing stack for energy drains, as well. These basic changes are not only energy-efficient home upgrades, but they’ll result in a more comfortable home no matter what the season.

    Replace Filters and Tune Up Your HVAC

    When was the last time your HVAC system was checked by a licensed professional? Has your HVAC filter been in place for more than three months? Better Homes & Gardens cautions that “a dirty filter increases your energy bill and shortens the life of your heating and cooling systems.” You can help by bringing in a professional to check your systems every year to verify that they are working at peak efficiency. Meanwhile, simply washing or replacing your HVAC filter every three months will improve your air quality and extend the life of your system.

    Add Eco-Friendly Home Insulation

    It’s not unusual for older homes to be under-insulated, which forces your HVAC system to work harder to keep the temperature at a comfortable level for you and your family. Upgrading insulation in the attic floor and inside the walls can go a long way toward creating a more energy-efficient home. With this in mind, the editors at The Spruce began investigating several eco-friendly options that you may want to consider. Fiberglass (aka glass wool), mineral wool, sheep’s wool, polyisocyanurate panels, denim insulation, and cellulose insulation have all gotten high marks from the Magazine’s experts.

    Invest in Energy-Efficient Home Appliances

    Better Homes & Gardens reports: “Major appliances are your home’s third-biggest energy hog, behind heating, cooling, and water heating.” This means that older, inefficient appliances are likely to be pulling too much energy when operating, and your repair bills may be mounting. If you have been thinking about making a change, and have the budget to do so, start reviewing appliances that have an Energy Star label because, as The Spruce reveals, “appliances carrying the Energy Star rating typically are 10 percent to 20 percent more energy efficient than non-rated models.” As there is an array of Energy Star products, review the Energy Guide label for all new large appliances to get more insight on how much that appliance will draw under normal usage. It also will help you determine the energy and cost savings you’ll enjoy as you invest in these more environmentally friendly products.