Buying new windows is right up there with probably one of the biggest home improvement projects you can make. It’s also one of the smartest. Did you know that research shows that new, energy efficient replacement windows will give you one of the biggest ROI’s (return on investment) than most other home improvement projects? Expect to get back around 80% of what you invested. Energy efficient vinyl siding, gutters and bathroom and kitchen remodeling are all big investments. The good news is that they are also among the smartest. Residential roofing is also shown to impress potential buyers and give you a nice ROI.
Let’s talk about traditional asphalt shingles which come in many styles and price points. They are appropriate for any climate, and are easy to maintain. The basic asphalt shingle is a 3-tab shingle and is available in a variety of colors, however it offers no textural interest. The other main issue with asphalt is that it doesn’t last forever and will need to be replaced after 15 or so years.
Another option that is definitely picking up steam in the residential arena is a metal roof. If you truly want a worry free roof that will withstand any weather condition, metal is for you. Metal roofing is available as a panel or shingle for residential applications. Shingles are made to look like other materials and panels present clean and more modern lines. Metal panels are lightweight, but strong enough to endure severe weather, and snow easily slides off the roof. Finally, metal lasts longer, conserves energy, and requires virtually no maintenance. Many are even investing in a metal roof because it lasts three times as long and is by far the most durable. Local realtors say, another great perk is that investing in metal can drastically increase the resale value of your home.
Local realtors say, buyers love when they see metal because they know that means they won’t have to give the roof any attention. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and would love to show you why metal is fast becoming a favorite among homeowners.
When it comes to home investments, we all know there is certainly a lot to choose from. It always seems that as soon as you invest in one improvement, another area needs updating. The same is true with fixing things that break around the house. That’s just how home ownership works. Whatever project you decide to take on, make sure it’s a good investment.
If you want to make a smart home improvement, new energy efficient windows, vinyl siding, and a new roof are the way to go. Not only will you get a good ROI, or return in investment, both of these improvements will dramatically up your curb appeal.
Over the years, vinyl siding has gained in popularity and is now found on about 30 percent of homes. Today’s product is far different than your parents siding. It lasts for years and years and withstands most weather conditions. It also won’t fade. The beauty is that it is so easy to maintain and doesn’t need to be repainted.
In addition to improving the look of your home, installing vinyl sidingbenefits your budget. Because it requires little maintenance, you can save on costly repairs and upkeep. Vinyl is also substantially less expensive than other types of exterior siding materials. It acts as added insulation for the house as well, so it can boost energy efficiency and save you money in the long run.
If you have old, leaky windows, you absolutely can’t afford not to replace them. Sure, replacing your inefficient windows with new Energy Star approved windows is an investment. Keep in mind that it is hands down, one of the smartest home improvements you can make. Did you know that research shows that replacing your windows with new, energy efficient replacement windows will give you an ROI, (return on investment) of 80-90%? Plus, replacing them with new Energy Star approved windows will save you a lot of money on your heating and cooling bills.
Now let’s talk about your old roof. Local realtors say residential roofing can be a huge deal breaker when trying to sell your home. Many are even investing in metal roofing because it lasts three times as long and is by far the most durable. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and can show you why investing in your roof can drastically increase the resale value of your home.
Before you start house hunting , home improvement experts say you really need to understand what exterior style of home you love. Knowing this, will definitely help you when it comes time to purchase your next home. No matter what style appeals to you, make sure the home is an energy efficient home. If not, plan on shelling out big bucks on heating and cooling bills. Two big areas to watch for are updated windows and a newer roof. There are many styles to choose from.
First up, the Colonial. Some of the first homes were built by English colonists. They feature a step roof line; wood clapboard siding or wood shingled siding and multi pane double hung windows.
The Cape Cod is definitely a favorite of many. The Georgian Colonial is the one that is most common today. They have a very rectangular, symmetrical and formal style to them. Typically, they are made of brick, but up north, wood siding is popular.
Bungalows are also popular. They have one and half stories, low pitched roofs and a horizontal shape. They’re known for having an extremely efficient floor plan.
Ranch styles became *the* style around 1945 when World War 11 ended and the soldiers came home. Developers bought huge tracts of land because soldiers needed homes. They built them very simplistically and very affordable.
If none of these styles work for you, you may want to take a look at modern contemporary homes. Or “neo-eclectic” homes. These are large homes that borrow styles from many different styles of homes. No matter which style of home you pick, choosing an energy efficient home is always an appealing style. Look for an energy efficient roof. Many homeowners are even going metal, and choosing a metal roof. They last three times as long as a traditional asphalt roof, and they are known for being green and extremely energy efficient. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and would love to come out and show you why metal will save you energy dollars!
Skylights are sometimes viewed as a luxury addition to the home, they can actually be a green home improvement. Think about it, a skylight is really just a window, so all the advantages of installing energy-efficient windows apply. That includes improving your home’s looks, lighting, energy efficiency, and overall comfort.
There are a few reasons that skylights are so popular in living a green lifestyle. The first is that, like any window, the right skylight has the potential to help increase energy efficiency in your home (and reduce energy costs), especially when it comes eliminating heat transfer and making the most of passive solar heating.
The other reason skylights are so green, is that they maximize natural lighting,
as well. Though they are not automatically an energy improvement; they must be placed strategically and be shaded in the summer to maximize energy savings. A skylight with southern exposure, will provide your home with valuable passive solar heating in the winter months, reducing home heating costs. A skylight on west-facing roofs will add to your cooling costs all summer long.