Home Remodelling & Renovation

10) Energy-Efficient Insulation
If your home lacks basic insulation, and has old doors that let in plenty of hot and cold air,
home inspectors working with potential buyers will include this in their reports. Homes that
haven’t been modified with energy efficiency in mind cost more to live in and maintain.
Updating your home to save energy doesn’t have to cost a lot of money and can make your
home more appealing to potential buyers. You can save $2,500 or more each year just by
making some changes. For example, you can add extra insulation to your attic for $200 or
less, and this small change can save you hundreds each year on your utility bill.
Seal cracks around the house to save even more money on energy costs, and to make your
home more appealing to buyers. The U.S. Department of Energy (USDE) estimates that the
average house has enough leaks to equal a 3×3 foot hole in the wall. You can find leaks in
your home during the winter. Anytime you feel a draft or cold spot, you’re in an area that
leaks air. You can purchase a thermal leak detector for $40 or less (e.g. Black & Decker
TLD100 Thermal Leak Detector). These handheld devices alert you to temperature
differences around your home. This then allows you to add caulk or insulation where you
need it the most.
You can often discover leaks, and areas that need more insulation, in these areas:
Around doors and windows
Around electrical sockets and light switches
In recessed lighting
Around the attic hatch
In the basement
Anywhere ducts or wires go outside the house
Another easy retrofit is to use CFL light bulbs in all light fixtures. CFL bulbs use 75% less
energy than traditional bulbs and each one saves, on average, $40 in energy over the course
of its lifetime. You also save on cooling costs because CFLs emit 75% less heat than
traditional bulbs. You can easily calculate how much you can save simply by counting the
number of lights you have in your home.
You can also install a programmable thermostat. Most buyers expect to see programmable
thermostats these days, and they can save you money. Energy Star estimates that installing
a programmable thermostat will save the average homeowner $180 per year in heating and
cooling costs.
If you need to replace your hot water heater, consider spending a bit extra to purchase a
high-efficiency water heater. Savvy home buyers know these water heaters can really trim
energy bills. If you use less than 41 gallons of water each day in your household, a tankless
water heater saves you 24%-34% on your water heating costs. If you use more, count on a
savings of 8%-14%.
11) A place for recreation- Recreation is becoming a fundamental concept existing in one's
life. But people mostly visit recreational places like park, zoo, museums, theme parks etc.
for recreation. How is the idea of having recreation at home? Don't get surprised! It's a