Blog Archives
A Home Energy Audit Can Save You Money
A Home Energy Audit is the first step to finding out how much energy your home consumes. It also helps you evaluate what improvements you need to make to lower your energy bills and that can save you big money in the long run!
Not only will an energy audit save you money on your electric bills, but you will increase your own comfort and help your home’s marketability and value.
Typically an energy audit consists of:
- Visual inspection of the home and appliances/systems.
- Blower door test to determine airflow patterns and see where there are leaks that need to be fixed.
- Thermal imaging pictures to spot potential problem areas behind walls/ceilings and floors.
So if you are a homeowner with difficulty heating or cooling rooms, poor indoor air quality or excessive energy bills, then a home energy audit may be right for you!
Home Improvements on a Budget
Whether you are thinking about selling or just want to improve your home, here are some tips to increasing your home’s value on a budget.
PAINT, PAINT, PAINT
One of the simpliest and cost effective ways to increase your home’s value is to paint. Neutral colors will appeal to the most potential buyers.
INSPECT YOUR HOME
Hire a home inspector to do a full report on your home from foundation to roof. Finding hidden problems now can definitely save you money in the future. It will also help your home’s value by taking care of any issues that may arise when you try to sell.
LOW MAINTENANCE LANDSCAPING
Not only will sprucing up your landscaping add curb appeal but will help your home’s value if you go to sell. Finding plants and trees that are native to your area will help you conserve water and ultimately save money on maintenance.
CLEAN YOUR HOME
You only get one chance to make a first impression, especially if you are thinking about selling. Hire a cleaning company to give your home a full scrubbing from top to bottom. Clear out any clutter to make your home feel more spacious.
UPDATE YOUR BATHROOMS
You don’t need to completely remodel your bathrooms, but updating on a small scale will help increase your home’s value. Replace outdated fixtures and wallpaper.
Home Inspections 101
So you’ve gone under contract on a home, what’s next? We highly suggest having a home inspection on the property, whether it is old or new. An inspection will provide a “check up” of the house and let you know of potential problems.
According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), “the standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.”
Here’s a great article from RealtyTimes.com of the ins and outs of a Home Inspection.
Check out our preferred vendors page to locate a home inspector.
