Top 5 improvement projects to increase the value of your home

Making good investments throughout our lives is essential if we are going to be able to meet our financial goals. Unfortunately, most investments do not tangibly improve the quality of our lives while we are waiting for them to mature. Home improvements are one very profound exception.

When you invest some money into improving your home, you are increasing its value, so home improvements are indeed a good long term investment. But you are also improving your own quality of life on a day-to- day basis, and many home improvements can save you money on home maintenance and/or energy costs as well as adding to the value of your home. With those thoughts in mind, here are our top 5 home improvement projects for increasing the value of your home.

1.) Install Energy Efficient Windows

Due to the The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, homeowners receive a 30% tax credit on the cost of having Energy Star qualified windows installed into their homes. This is a boon for homeowners who would like to invest in the value of their homes while saving money on energy costs immediately. You get brand new energy efficient windows at a 30% discount, your power bills go down, and the value of your house goes up when you choose to take advantage of this rare opportunity.

2.) Have Vinyl Siding Professionally Installed

Protecting the exterior of your house from the weather is one of the most important home improvement steps that you can take to maintain and increase the value of your home. Vinyl siding looks spectacular, and it requires virtually no maintenance, and that saves you money. You never have to paint the exterior of your house again when you have vinyl siding installed, and it never cracks or fades under the hot sun.

3.) Energy Star External Door Installation

Home improvements pay for themselves over time if and when you decide to sell your home, but the installation of energy efficient Energy Star doors puts money in your pocket right away due to lower energy costs. And because of the The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, if you have Energy Star doors installed, you are entitled to a tax credit equal to 30% of the purchase price. Now is the time to improve your home and get some free money from Uncle Sam with Energy Star doors.

4.) Get Gutter Covers

We all love the lush green foliage during the warmer months, but that very same foliage can and does waft down from our shade trees and into our rain gutters. They can clog and back up a couple of times a year, and it is dangerous to try to climb up on the roof and clean the gutters yourself with less than professional equipment. When you have gutter covers installed, your gutters remain clear, there’s no need for unnecessary maintenance, and the value of your house goes up.

5.) Under Decking System Installation

Adding livable space to your property is one of the best ways to increase its value, and under-deck ceiling systems are a creative what to create additional square footage. You can add 10% of livable space for a play area the children will enjoy, a quiet reading area, or some additional waterproof storage space. An under decking system provides immediate enjoyment for the entire family while making your home more valuable.