Are you preparing to place your home on the market? Maybe you’re gradually upgrading it to improve its overall value for future sale or for current enjoyment. Plumbing upgrades and other changes, like replacing an old HVAC system, are great ways to boost your home’s ability to sell. They also improve its practicality and aesthetic appeal. A property’s plumbing and HVAC systems are vital features, central to how comfortable and functional a home is. Home buyers want to know they are purchasing a property that has been well-maintained and built to last. The changes you choose depend largely on your budget and your needs. There are a few popular upgrades that are sure to be a welcome addition to any home buyer.
1. Up-to-Date Pipes
Many homes still contain galvanized, lead, clay, or cast iron pipes, which can experience corrosion or breakage. This can affect both the quality of your water and proper functioning of both your water and sewer systems. Water can have a bad taste, but poor piping can also potentially pose a health risk to those who drink it. Corrosion can even build up enough to block your pipes or cause them to burst. The material of old pipes may also be trouble. They could be made of:
- Clay, which is notoriously fragile and prone to breaking
- Lead, which has serious health implications
- Cast iron, which corrodes over time
If your plumbing system contains any of these materials, consider replacing those sections immediately. Copper pipes for your water supply and PVC for waste outlets are good options. These materials are not as prone to corrosion or breakage. One of the newest types of pipe is PEX pipe, adopted for its ease of installation, flexibility, and, in some cases, cost effectiveness. PEX can be easily shaped to your property’s requirements and can be installed in hard-to-reach locations. Two benefits of upgrading your pipes include:
- Adding value to your home
- Improving your plumbing system’s functionality and safety
Plumbing upgrades like modernized pipes can reassure buyers that they are purchasing a property that will not catch them off-guard with a plumbing disaster, such as flooding or pipes breaking underneath the home.
2. An Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning and Heating System
A functioning heating and cooling system is a must in North Texas, and it’s something almost every home buyer will ask about when touring your home. Make certain your HVAC system can cool your home and heat it efficiently too. If it can’t, installing a new, eco-friendly system will wow potential buyers. Often, people are on the look-out for big-ticket repairs that may be needed shortly following closing on a property and compare homes based on the age of equipment like heating and air conditioning units and water heaters. HVAC upgrades and updating your water heater equipment will remove those concerns and put your house at the top of buyers’ lists.
3. Pull-Out Faucets
In the kitchen, why not upgrade your sink with a pull-out faucet? These mobile faucets can be operated with one hand and are extremely versatile. They also make attractive additions for any practical homeowner. If there is space, you could also consider upgrading to a deep dual-basin kitchen sink. This increases the sink’s functionality by allowing you to keep part of it clear while still using the other section to wash dishes or soak garments. The increased sink depth allows for pots and pans to fit underneath a faucet, so you can easily fill and clean them. Plumbing upgrades like this that add utility to your home are especially valuable, as they set your property apart from the rest.
4. An Efficient Water Heater
One of the most vital plumbing fixtures in any home is the water heater. No one wants to be stuck without hot water, so it is important to ensure that this feature is well-maintained and in good working order. If you’re looking to replace an old or outdated version, there are many styles to choose from, including tankless varieties. These can be especially helpful if you need the attic or closet space where the current water heater is located Not all units are recommended for all homes, depending on variables like:
- Usage
- Family size
- Location of the unit
It may help to get the advice of a professional plumber when making your decision. Consider whether a gas or electric heater would be best for your property. This can depend on the placement of gas lines, since installing additional gas drops can be costly and disruptive. Also, be sure to check the energy rating of the water heater you choose. An efficient water heater will save money for future homeowners, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
5. An Extra Bathroom
If your home only has one bathroom, plumbing upgrades like adding a second bathroom can really add some home-value punch. This project can increase the profitability of your home by as much as 23%. It also gives you the option of installing luxury features, such as a jetted tub, dual shower heads, or heated flooring. A steam shower is another popular upgrade. Items like descalers are popular now to help reduce the amount of soap needed, making shower door clean-up easier and helping with the efficiency of all the home’s appliances. If space is more limited, choose a half-bath with just a sink and a toilet. This can still be an effective way to up the value of your home. A half-bath can be a functional use of space and a convenient addition, especially for a larger household. More bathrooms mean shorter wait times in the morning. Also, a shorter distance to the bathroom can be helpful for older household members and those with disabilities.
6. A Laundry Room
An extremely attractive addition to your home is a laundry room. Installing washing and drying machines in their own space allows you to declutter your living space and possibly regain a storage closet all while keeping your washing and ironing away from the eyes of visitors. This adds utility to your home and can make a smaller home seem upscale and well-thought-out. It is also a useful way to make use of a smaller space that might not work as an additional bedroom or recreational area. The layout of this room can be as compact as you need it to be now that washers and dryers can be purchased as stackable units. In contrast, a property with low ceilings may be better-suited to side-by-side units. Consider that stackable units may turn some buyers off if they are unable to reach the upper appliance due to their height, age, or physical ability.
7. Eco-Friendly Installations
Green building is becoming more important as homeowners seek to reduce their carbon footprints and save money on utilities. Thanks to this, upgrading to eco-friendly fixtures is a good way to maximize your home’s value. Here are a few things you can do:
- Look for the energy star on installations like washing machines, water heaters, and icemakers to ensure that they have been certified as energy-efficient.
- Replace faucets and shower heads with low-flow alternatives to save gallons of water and reduce the strain on your plumbing system.
- Install a dual-flush toilet, which uses less water to flush. And, unlike syphon-flush toilets, a dual-flush toilet uses gravity to remove waste from the system. It also includes two flushing modes. One uses 0.8 gallons of water and is designed for liquid waste. The other, intended for solid waste, uses 1.6 gallons.
- Consider upgrades like gas tankless or electric heat pump water heaters and low-flow showerheads.
- Replace your old HVAC unit with a green unit for energy savings home buyers won’t be able to resist.
Thinking of Upgrading Your Plumbing, Air Conditioning, or Appliances? Call CW Service Pros
There are countless other changes you can make to add value to your home, but these ideas are an excellent place to start. Be sure to contact one of our plumbing and HVAC professionals before proceeding with any work to ensure that everything is installed correctly. With this guidance, plumbing upgrades and other home improvements can add value quickly and safely, allowing you to focus on selling your house and giving you plenty to show off to potential buyers. Plus, when you work with CW Service Pros, you can expect quality service and financing that can be paid off after you sell your home.
