Eco-friendly features that increase home value and those that don’t

Investing in eco-friendly enhancements for your home is not only a way to protect the environment, but it can also help you save on monthly energy costs and increase the value of your home. Energy-efficient features can really set your home apart when it comes time to sell, but certain green features tend to add more value than others. To help you make the change for a greener tomorrow, below are the eco-friendly features that can add value to your home, as well as those that don’t…

FEATURES THAT ADD VALUE
Upgrade your home insulation 
Updating your home’s insulation is always a worthwhile investment. Insulating the roof and ceiling will keep a home 5°C warmer in winter and 10°C cooler in summer, which will significantly lower your energy consumption costs and save you some cash in the long run. As a bonus, a lot of the newer insulation also has sound-proofing qualities. These benefits can be incredibly appealing to buyers. 
Adding solar panels 
Solar panels are also an appealing feature in warmer parts of the country. If you’re interested in solar panels, it’s best to consult an expert and do plenty of research before installing the panels. This is generally an expensive addition, so be sure that the solar panels are proven to work and are reliable. 

FEATURES THAT DON’T 
Energy-efficient windows 
Energy-efficient windows can often be an expensive upgrade that can take as long as 15 years before the energy-cost savings cover your original investment. You might not need to purchase specially designed energy efficient windows as long as all windows and doors are properly fitted and well-maintained so that no heat is lost and that no cool air is filtering in. 
Eco-friendly décor
Another emerging trend that will not add as much investment value is eco-friendly redecorating. Some sellers remodel certain rooms using renewable materials in the new design. While sustainable hardwood flooring or recycled materials for kitchen cabinets and countertops will appeal to an environmentally conscious buyer, it may not carry as much value for the average consumer. 

HOW TO MAXIMIZE RETURNS
If you’re doing these renovations purely for the investment returns it’s vital to do thorough research and reach out to a real estate professional who can offer you guidance on which features would add the most value to your home. Should you decide to sell your home, don’t forget to mention any eco-friendly renovations so that your real estate agent can highlight these features when marketing your property. If you’re on the fence about eco-friendly renovations, keep in mind that going green is the best decision you can make as a homeowner because in the long run these features could increase your home’s value, lower your electricity costs, and protect the environment.