By Knox Bardeen on Jul 19, 2007 in Energy Efficient Real Estate, Home Improvement | 1 Comment
I’m still thinking green, and I came across two home improvement items that could help with energy costs around the house.
Attic Wrap — Another Energy Saving Technique
“Without going into too much detail about the mechanics, methods and materials of Dupont’s Attic Wrap, suffice it to say, it is similar in use and function to other Tyvek weatherization products . . . but specifically designed for roofing systems as a semi-permeable barrier to keep attics warmer in winter and cooler in summer.”
Cutting Energy Costs With Paint — The Case for Ceramic Insulating Paint
“While not as widely used as might be expected, insulating paint is worth a second look. A NASA spinoff technology, ceramic paint and ceramic paint additive offer a number of advantages over regular paint at reasonable cost.”
By Knox Bardeen on Jul 17, 2007 in Energy Efficient Real Estate, Home Improvement | 0 Comments
One of the things that I have decided to do to enrich my every day life, is to live a “little more green”. You know what I am talking about. I want to conserve electricity, lower my energy bills and just simply help the environment in any way I can.
In the beginning portion of my research I came across a blog called, Living Green. The author, Aaron Doyle, is a fellow realtor and an EcoBroker. Her blog introduced me to 16 Ways To Green Your Home. The link is to a .pdf at the U.S. Green Building Council, which takes a more in depth look at the 16 ways to lower the impact of everyday living. After that, go check out the Living Green blog.
- Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
- Program Your Thermostat
- Plug Air Leaks
- Tune Up Your Heating and Cooling (HVAC) System
- Choose ENERGY STAR® Appliances
- Reduce Water Use
- Switch to Green Power
- Buy Local
- Use Low-VOC Products
- Use Wood Alternatives or FSC-certifi ed Wood Products
- Use Rapidly Renewable Flooring Materials
- Plant Trees to Provide Shade and Wind Protection for Your House
- Use Native Plantings
- Use Nontoxic Gardening Techniques
- Carpool, Use Public Transportation, Walk or Bike When Possible
- Buy a High-efficiency Car
By Knox Bardeen on Nov 11, 2005 in Home Improvement | 0 Comments
If you have any questions about how home improvements affect the sale of your home please use the contact form to find multiple ways to get in touch with me.
By Knox Bardeen on Nov 8, 2005 in Home Improvement | 0 Comments
One of the rooms that’s closest to the top of the list with people searching for a new home is the kitchen. The kitchen needs to wow the prospective buyer or at the least not be a detractor. This being said, when most sellers decide to spruce their place up or do some renovations, the kitchen is one of the main places to hit. The Remodeling Online figures from their 2004 Cost Versus Value Report show that doing a minor kitchen remodel will recoup 92.9% of the cost put into the project. If you choose to perform a major upscale kitchen remodel you’ll recoup 80.3% of the cost and with a major mid range kitchen remodel you’ll get back 79.4% of the money you put into the project. These numbers lead me to believe that if you’re remodeling to sell quickly, go with minor kitchen remodel due to the higher value added percentage. However, if you plan on staying in the house and enjoying your upgrades for awhile, go ahead and do the major remodeling project.
Here are a few other sources of information regarding kitchen remodeling:
The Kitchen Sells Your Home [Realty Baron]
Trade show reveals latest in kitchen design [RealEstateMate.com]
Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Remodeling Kitchens: Getting Started [Hometime]
