Whether you’re putting up your house for sale or just taking on a remodeling project, home improvement projects will typically increase the value of your home. Some projects will bring more monetary value while others are only for aesthetics.
Plumbing is the lifeblood of your home. Implementing some upgrades to your kitchen or bathroom’s plumbing can make your home more modern and more attractive while on the market. You should talk to a plumbing contractor before making major renovations to ensure you meet all local requirements and regulations. Let’s discuss some ways plumbing improvements that build value.
Upgrading faucets and fixtures
Simple improvements in your home’s plumbing offer aesthetics and a modern look. Putting in new faucets and fixtures that are from the same manufacturer and design family will coordinate rooms and make your home feel more unified. You can add ambiance through plumbing fixtures that are available in different colors and textures to make your bathroom and kitchen have their own personalities.
Upgrading to eco-friendly plumbing
Green homes are on trend while many people live more environmentally conscious. Water use is a big concern for homeowners. Adding low-flow devices to shower heads and faucets can help you (or a future homeowner) save money and be eco-friendly.
In addition, consider an energy-efficient toilet that only uses 1.5 gallons of water per flush versus older toilets which use 3 to 5 gallons. Environmentally conscious buyers who are looking for a move-in ready home will find this attractive.
Making capital improvements
Older plumbing can cause many problems for homeowners. If the water that comes into your home is discolored, it could mean you need an upgrade. Even if your incoming pipes are good, your outgoing pipes could be clogged from hair and grease that goes down the drain. If you have low water pressure, it could mean there is a small leak in your system.
Making a capital improvement by upgrading the pipes in your home gives future buyers confidence. You’ll live more comfortably until you sell without worrying about plumbing bills.
Installing a tankless water heater
A tankless water heater provides an unlimited supply of hot water, no matter how many people you have showering each morning. Even better are the energy savings. You should work with your plumbing contractor to make sure you get the proper tankless water heater for your home. This is a major upgrade that pays off in an increased home value and by using less energy to heat water.
Install a dishwasher
Older homes often don’t have a dishwasher, but potential homebuyers want the convenience. Installing a dishwasher makes your home’s value increase. Today’s dishwashers are eco-friendly, often using less water and soap than handwashing your dishes.
Then there’s the sanitary aspect. During cold and flu season, dishwashers run your dishes through several cycles of scalding hot water. You can rest easier knowing your dishes are sanitized and disinfected.
Home improvement projects pay off
Remodeling Magazine believes that personalized and streamlined bathrooms will be on trend in the next year. Thin whirlpool tubs are making their way into even small bathrooms, giving people more options. Rimless toilets, which focus on hygiene, are also on trend. Small improvements to your bathroom and kitchen keep your home modern and fresh, which makes it ready to sell.
Buyers want to assume that the plumbing works. No one wants to spend money on maintenance when they purchase a home. Kitchen and bathroom remodels are some of the best investments you can make to maximize value.
Whether you’re planning on living in your home for another 20 years or want to sell, the money on plumbing increases the value of your home and makes it more enjoyable. Talk to a plumbing specialist who can help you get the most value out of your remodeling budget.
Lisa Davis is the plumbing senior content creator at ABC Cooling, Heating and Plumbing, a professional plumbing service company located in Hayward, CA. Lisa has a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management and has been working within the home services industry for more than 10 years.