Recommended Home Upgrades

Its been a rough ride for home sellers understanding where to spend their money on upgrades.

Often when preparing to sell your home you may wonder what needs to be done or at least consider doing to present your home in the best light. These are some of the best ways to save energy costs in your home's structure:

Adding or replacing the insulation in your attic. You can hire someone or do it yourself. The ease or difficulty will vary based on the size and layout of your attic. Every house is different, and many companies, including Lowe's and Home Depot, as well as roofing companies and carpenters will do free estimates.

Another attic related project includes installing what is called a "boot" for the inside top of the pull-down ladder. This provides additional protection in keeping the hot air trapped in the attic from coming down in the occupied area of the home.

When it comes to reducing the cost of hot air build up in the attic there are many factors to consider. The main idea is to force the hot air to exit out and upward is the direction it will naturally go. So first to consider is to make sure fresh air come to enter through the lowest points, which mean ensuring soffet vents are generously placed and kept clear of debris and insulation. The best exit strategy for that hot air is a properly designed and installed ridge vent. This passive method is ideal based on the lowest installation and maintenance cost and maximum benefit.

Wind turbines are the least preferred because of extra cost and maintenance, a lesser amount of dynamic benefit, and vulnerability to damage from extreme weather. Some have moving parts, some are motorized, and some are stationary and passive. The passive type is similar to a miniature rectangular ridge vent.

Newer windows with higher E ratings and double panes are highly recommended, especially those facing the more southern direction. There is a lot more research to be done, so I will include a separate section for this issue.

Because exterior doors take a real beating from the weather, it is recommended to have some kind of awning or porch to give added protection. Otherwise, you may find yourself replacing or repairing that door more often than seems practical.