As a homeowner, every time you think about investing in a home improvement, you mentally weigh the impact it might have on your home’s value when the time comes to sell. You might be considering one or a few of the most obvious home improvement projects to increase value, such as upgrading your kitchen or bathroom, installing new flooring or roofing, or repainting the entire house. However, have you considered improving your home’s insulation?
Ideally, the time to undergo an improvement project is early enough before selling to enjoy it yourself, but not so early that by the time you sell, the update is outdated and has to be updated again to be “move-in ready” for potential buyers. One home improvement that won’t go out of style before you sell, even it’s years down the road, is home insulation installation. And, you get the added benefit of the cost savings on your utility bills, so your new insulation can pay for itself over time.
Are Buyers Really Looking at Your Home Insulation?
Believe it or not, installing quality home insulation can positively impact your home’s resale value and overall attractiveness to potential buyers. You probably won’t hear buyers walking through a house talking about how beautiful the wall or attic insulation is, but good real estate agents point out key upgrades, like insulation, to buyers. Why?
Buyers are increasingly looking for energy-efficient and/or green homes that save them money on utility bills. Today’s buyers are facing all-time high home prices and higher mortgage interest rates, and they want to make a positive environmental impact. According to the National Association of Home Builders, energy efficiency ranks as one of the most desired features for new homes among buyers. While your home isn’t “new,” upgrading your insulation is a step toward energy-efficiency and helps level the field for buyers when comparing new-build to existing homes.
Along with your HVAC system and windows, home insulation is one of the most important components of a house’s energy efficiency. Insulation is designed to keep heat in during the winter and keep heat out during the summer. In turn, the HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable living environment. Installing quality home insulation can help reduce energy bills by up to 30 percent, not to mention lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the HVAC system’s energy consumption.
By decreasing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home, insulation also helps create a more sustainable living environment. Sustainable homes not only benefit the environment, but they also help to improve the quality of life. A home that is energy-efficient is less expensive to own, and the savings on utility bills can be redirected towards other important expenses, which is very important to home buyers.
If your home is in a busy area, soundproof insulation also helps reduce any noise pollution that could turn buyers away.
Selecting the Right Home Insulation Material
When it comes to selecting the right home insulation material, there are several factors to consider, including the climate in the Kansas City metro, the size and layout of your home and your budget. The most common types of home insulation are fiberglass, cellulose and spray foam.
Fiberglass insulation is a popular choice for many homeowners because it is affordable and easy to install. However, it is not the most effective material for insulation. Fiberglass insulation can lose up to 40% of its insulating properties over time due to settling, moisture and air infiltration.
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper and is treated with fire-retardant chemicals to increase its resistance to flames. It is an environmentally friendly option that is also affordable and effective. However, it can be difficult to install, and it can settle over time, reducing its effectiveness.
Learn more: An Insulation Contractor Explains When It’s Time to Replace Attic Insulation
Spray foam insulation is the most effective type of insulation available. It creates an airtight seal that prevents air leakage, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home. Spray foam insulation is also moisture-resistant and can help to prevent mold and mildew growth in your home.
Hiring a Professional Insulation Installer in Kansas City
When it comes to improving your home’s insulation, the most important thing you can do is hire a professional insulation installer. Professional installers have the knowledge, experience and tools needed to ensure that your insulation is installed properly and meets the necessary standards. Our installers are certified, experienced and can help you select the right insulation material for your home and provide you with guidance on how to maintain your insulation over time.
Professional insulation installers can also provide you with documentation that shows that your insulation meets the necessary standards. This documentation can be important during resale inspections, as it demonstrates that your home is energy-efficient and has been properly insulated. If your home is more than 10 years old, chances are high it won’t pass today’s inspection standards for proper insulation.
The Bottom Line on Home Insulation and Resale Value
Installing quality insulation in your home can positively impact its resale value. Insulation is one of the most important components of a home’s energy efficiency and buyers are increasingly looking for green and money-saving options, like home insulation.
Whether you plan to stay in your home for years or thinking about listing it for sale in the near future, our licensed and knowledgeable insulation contractors can evaluate existing issues that need to be fixed and help you choose the right insulation – not to mention save you up to 30% on utility costs. Call us at (913) 281-2250 or visit insulatekansascity.com/contact to schedule a free, no obligation evaluation.