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.