by Jeff Pittman | Jun 18, 2014 | Buyers, Homeowners, Homes, Sellers
Choosing eco-friendly products, conserving energy and building for sustainability has been popular within the past several years but when it comes to your home, what does it really mean to “go green”? According to the latest NAHB Remodeler’s survey, these are the most popular green building features for 2014 (in order of popularity): Low-emissive (Low-E) Windows High-efficiency HVAC systems Smart thermostats Energy Star appliances Other green features that homes have these days, most predominantly newly constructed homes, include water conserving fixtures and high-performance insulation. Let’s break down each of these green features for your home to help you decide if a green remodel (or new home) is right for you. 1.What are Low-E Windows? These windows are high performing and reduce energy loss by 30-50%. How you ask? They’re glazed with a microscopically thin metal layer which controls heat transfer through these insulated windows. Low-E windows are best at blocking heat transmission which means most importantly they keep your home cooler during the summer. This particular type of window is a low solar-gain low-E glass which is actually coated in several layers of silver (Werewolves and sweltering heat beware!). 2.How much do high-efficiency HVAC systems cost? High-efficiency HVAC systems cost anywhere from $2,000 to about $6,000 and they easily pay for themselves in utility expenses over the years. Upgrading your HVAC system can reduce your house’s energy consumption up to 40% and save you hundreds every year. It also increases the value of your home when it comes time to sell. Not only do these HVAC systems save you money over time, they also improve the quality of air you and your families breathe....
by Jeff Pittman | May 15, 2014 | Homeowners
Your backyard called, it needs some love and attention. Our backyards and other outdoor spaces are often forgotten, neglected and overlooked because we’re too busy focusing on our houses. It’s important to remember however that the backyard is an essential piece of the home and holds quite a bit of untapped potential. So listen up, especially you Southern California homeowners, because here are 4 good reasons to put some time, money and love into revamping your backyard. 1. It Adds Value To Your Home. If you put money into your backyard and outdoor spaces, you will see a return on your investment when you’re ready to sell. HGTV reports adding a deck to your home will increase your usable living space and sellers can look forward to recouping 70% or more of their investment. Some fun outdoor ideas to enhance up your backyard include a firplace or firepit, lounging space, or grill area. Putting that effort into your outdoor spaces will also attract more buyers when it’s time to sell because they value these kinds of special amenities. Better Home and Gardens 2013 survey of luxury home buyers found that they put a huge value on outdoor amenities and even consider some as essentials in their new home. Features such as a garden oasis, firepit and guest house were among the must-haves for home buyers. According to the same study, 60%of those surveyed would rather have more upgrades than more space. 2. Year Round Enjoyment. Living in Southern California means we enjoy several perks and benefits including, but not limited to, Disneyland, proximity to the beach and mountains, In-N-Out and of course amazing weather...
by Jeff Pittman | Apr 29, 2014 | Homeowners
Going green isn’t just a fad, it’s a smarter way to live. Whether you’re looking for a way to increase the value of your home and attract buyers or simply create a more eco-friendly environment for the family, making a few energy efficient or “green” choices can help you make it happen. Not only is going green fun and easy, it can help you start saving money on your energy bills. So stop fighting it and give into the green life, starting with these 5 home renovations. 1. Lighten Up and Change Your Bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs are a thing of the past; it’s time to upgrade your bulbs to compact fluorescents. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are the swirly bulbs you’ve seen and not only do they use less energy, they also last 10 times longer than your old bulbs and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Other green lighting options are LEDs and Philips Classic bulbs. There are even some government incentives available, click here and find out how you can start saving today with smarter lighting. 2. Update Your Floors with Bamboo or Cork. New flooring will make your whole home look new again and instead of choosing another shade of blah beige carpeting, opt for eco-friendly materials like bamboo or cork. They can be purchased at your local Home Depot and are cheaper than your average hard wood flooring. Bamboo is denser than some woods like oak, so that means you’ll get a much stronger floor with less chance of warping over time. 3. Repaint – Without VOCs. Paints can be full of harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds or VOCs. These...
by Jeff Pittman | Apr 24, 2014 | Homeowners
by Jeff Pittman | Mar 20, 2014 | Homeowners
Some want privacy, others want great public schools… what’s important to you?...
by Jeff Pittman | Jan 14, 2014 | Homeowners
Expecting to recoup most of the money you poured into home improvements when it comes time to sell? Think again. In fact, some projects can actually reduce the value of your home. Make such improvements for yourself or your family to enjoy. Above all, avoid the five following improvements, especially if you’re hoping to sell soon. They simply won’t add any value to your home, at least not enough to pay back the cost of the project itself. Swimming pools – Even if you live in a sweltering hot climate and can easily picture your friends and family lying by the pool on a hot summer day, potential homebuyers may not. Instead, they’re imagining hours of upkeep, expensive costs and dangerous liability. Upscale landscaping – There are two problems with fancy landscaping: taste and upkeep. Instead, keep it simple with native plants that require little water and maintenance. You’ll spend less overall for a picture-perfect yard. Wall-to-wall carpeting – Not long ago, wall-to-wall carpeting was the norm in many suburban homes. Today, that’s not the case. In fact, many home buyers prefer hardwood floors or a wood/carpet mix. High-end upgrades – Many people think high-end upgrades will increase the value of their home, but that’s not necessarily true. The amount of money you spend on top-of-the-line appliances in your kitchen, rare marble countertops or imported tiles for your bathroom may do little to increase a home’s price. Invisible improvements – Just because you spent a lot of money on new plumbing or a new HVAC unit doesn’t mean the potential buyer will pay you more for the property. It is always a good idea to invest in these projects for...
