Insulation tops the list for most lucrative remodeling project

Every year Remodeling magazine puts out a Cost versus Value Report, which analyzes the average cost for 30 of the most popular home remodeling projects and compares it to the value those projects retain at resale. Year after year, the results are similar, but in 2016 a new leader rose to the top, and I’m excited to say it’s one that I have been advocating for years.

For the first time ever, Remodeling added fiberglass insulation to the list, which took the top prize, netting an average nationwide value of $1,482 for an average nationwide cost of $1,268. It’s the only remodeling project on the list where the value actually exceeded the cost! What’s even better is that in Hartford County, our chilly winters made the value of this project even more lucrative. Locally, the cost of an insulation install averaged $1,310, but netted an average of $2,125 in resale value. That’s a 162.2% return on investment.

So why is insulation so good? Simply put, it acts as a barrier against heat flow, helping to keep the warm air inside the house by slowing the flow and stopping the heat from getting outside. So while it may not have the cosmetic appeal of a new entry door or a beautiful stone walkway, what it lacks in looks, it more than makes up for in energy efficiency.

I spend a lot of my time in attics and I can safely say that 75% of homes in our city are not properly insulated. This rings especially true for older homes. The United States Environment Protection Agency says that with proper insulation, the average home in our area can save approximately 16 percent in total heating and cooling costs. For older homes, that number skyrockets to nearly 50 percent.

So how do you know if you need insulation? Insulation is measured by its R-Value, and the higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. There are eight climate zones in the United States, and according to Energy Star, Connecticut sits in Zone 5, which means the recommended R-Value of insulation for us is between R-49 to R-60 for an uninsulated attic, or between R-38 to R-49 for an attic that already has three to four inches of existing insulation. If you’re wondering how your home stacks up, take advantage of a free inspection from a home improvement professional to find out.

With regards to the installation process, it is actually fairly simple and involves blowing loosefill fiberglass insulation on top of existing insulation until the correct thickness and R-Value are achieved. The good news is it can be done in less than a day.

If you’re thinking about ways to spruce up your home that will offer real value at resale, you can’t go past insulation for its cost-effectiveness, comfort quality and ease of installation. But don’t take my word for it. To read the Cost versus Value Report for 2016 in its entirety, visit remodeling.hw.net or pick up Remodeling Magazine at your local newsagent.  

Don't let a leaky staircase freeze you out

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a love/hate relationship with your attic. On the one hand, it’s a great place to store away Christmas decorations and bulky suitcases that you don’t often use. On the other hand, it’s not the easiest place to get in and out of, and it’s also the single biggest pain point when it comes to heat and air leaks in the home.

Most people around this area access their attic through a pull down staircase or ladder. In terms of heat and A/C seepage, this huge hole in your ceiling is your number one problem. While it gives you access to extra storage, it can also cost you hundred of dollars in energy waste that you’ve probably never given a second thought to.  

I faced this problem myself many years ago, and recognizing the issue, I built myself an insulated box that I fit inside the attic and over the hole where the stairs sit above the ceiling. This simple barrier stopped the heat that was escaping out of the house and through the roof, and immediately my energy bill started to drop. Being in attics every day, I am surprised how many homeowners don’t realize that they have the same problem.

If you access your attic through a pull down staircase, do yourself a favor this winter and get it insulated. A simple box or tent, usually made from polystyrene, will close the space between your home and your attic, sealing the gaps where cold air gets in and heat gets out. The box itself is inexpensive and installation is quick and easy. It’s a simple fix that will pay for itself in spades over the course of this winter and for years to come. 

Get your home ready for the cold

In just a few months winter will be upon us again, and for homeowners, that means keeping our families comfortable and protecting our homes by keeping the warm air inside and the cold air out in the cold! Unfortunately for many people, especially those with older homes, there are a number of ways that houses can lose heat, which can result in both an electric bill shock and a long, chilly winter indoors. So before the cold weather sets in, give your house a quick once over with my six point checklist.

1. Feel for a draft around your windows. Many single pane, wood sash windows are terrible for keeping in heat. You can either replace them, or at the very least, cover them or use a DIY insulation kit to caulk up any substantial gaps.

2. The same goes for the doors. Older doors tend to warp, creating large pockets between the door and the frame. New vinyl doors are inexpensive and can give your home a more contemporary look while retaining a significant amount of heat.

3. On the topic of doors, take a look at your door sweep. If you have one and it's in poor condition, have it replaced. This will help to keep warm air inside.

4. Check the insulation in your attic. Most of the homes I visit are not properly insulated, which means that heat is escaping right through the roof. Make sure your home has enough insulation by contacting a local contractor for an inspection.

5. Close up your fireplace when you're not using it. By leaving the flue open, you're letting the cold air seep right into the house. Have some glass doors installed so you can easily access the fireplace when you need to.

6. If you have a forced air heating and cooling system, check the ducts for leaks. If you find a crack, don't worry, it can easily be repaired with duct sealant. Your local hardware store will have it in stock.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing air leaks in your home can save you between five and 30 per cent on your heating bill, so do yourself a favor and give your house a quick check up before the winter. Your family and your wallet will thank you.