Home Improvements That Make Sense

You have a list of projects you'd like to get done on your house, and you're thinking about refinancing your home to get the money for them. Before you take any action, think about the possible return on your investment. In other words, a pool may increase the resale value of your home, but it also costs you more in terms of water, electricity, chemicals, and labor to take care of it. Double-paned windows, on the other hand, add insulation, which cuts down on your heating and cooling costs. Solar panels could even bring you some money, if you're adding more energy to the grid than you're using.

Going Green

Shelling out a large chunk of change for solar panels can put quite a dent in your home improvement budget, but the long-term benefits could more than make up for the temporary belt-tightening. Now, if you live in a state where the sun rarely shines, solar panels may not make as much sense, but if you're lucky enough to live where the sun is out 350 days of the year, you're going to see a lower utility bill if you take advantage of solar energy.

One home improvement that makes sense wherever you live is insulation. Insulated windows, draft sealants, and foam insulation can save you hundreds of dollars on your utility bills. And think about upgrading your hot water heater to a better-insulated type.

As for roofing, you might want to look into fiber-cement composite roofing. These are fireproof, long-lasting, and recycled wood fiber is often part of their ingredients. Also, when it's time to replace it, the fiber-cement product can be ground up into sand and recycled. Some people also grow grass or even gardens on their roof, but you might want to check with your HOA before you decide to do that.

If your kids have their hearts set on a pool, you can make yours more eco-friendly by having a saltwater pool installed rather than a chlorine pool. This is also a healthier option for kids with asthma, who can be sensitive to chlorine. You can also use a pool cover to help keep water from evaporating.

And if you're thinking of installing new flooring, take a look at reclaimed wood, recycled glass tiles, bamboo, and cork as alternative floor coverings. They're inexpensive, easy to maintain, and very eco-friendly.