Remodeling “Green” can earn you more green when time to sell

It goes without saying that the housing market is in one of the tougher periods experienced in decades, a period not seen since the Great Depression (according to those that draw such comparisons). In fact, experts have predicted that 2008 sales could be down more than 40% from their peak of a few years ago.

The question remains though . . . what if you really need to sell your home right now? What if the need to relocate requires you to sell, or perhaps the desire to buy a bigger home due to an ever-increasing family size? Quite simply, what if you can't afford to wait until the market improves?

The good news is you have the ability to do work on your home that puts you head and shoulders above the other houses for sale in your price range by making smart and quick eco-renovations, i.e. remodeling/renovating/upgrading “green”. In a market such as this one where buyers are looking for added value in their every purchase, making smart green remodeling tweaks invariably makes your home more competitive, not to mention reducing your energy bills, reducing your water waste, improving your indoor air quality, and bettering the fate of the planet.

Here for you now are a handful of ways to make your “green” house stand out from the rest:

Do it yourself projects
• Save Energy—Plant trees to provide necessary shade
• Seal all exterior holes leading in with better caulk
• Repaint using Low-VOC or No-VOC paints
• Replace older, single pane windows with double pane windows
• Add more insulation to walls, ceilings, attic
• Install a water heater timer
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Install a ceiling fan to improve efficiency
• Install energy efficient lighting

Projects requiring a contractor
• Install new green flooring; be it natural fiber carpet, cork, bamboo, sustainable or reclaimed wood
• Install energy recovery ventilators
• Install a tankless water heaters
• Retrofit radiant heat
• Have an energy audit and thermographic inspection
• Install a whole house fan

Obviously there are assorted other green remodeling tips one could take on with the simple concept in mind that any of the above will invariably increase your home’s value and make those living in your home healthier and happier.