Going Green in Chatham-Kent

Is your Chatham-Kent home “green?” How can you make your property “green?” Good questions. Creating the perfect “green” property in Chatham-Kent can be quite easy.

Driving anywhere in Chatham-Kent recently, you’ll see solar panels popping up near farm houses. These panels are a huge investment. Although these solar units will definitely transform your home into a “green” property, they can often harm your curb appeal, and the re-sale value of your house. The units need to blend into your property and not be the first thing you see from the road, or the inside of your home. Remember, Chatham-Kent real estate agents and home buyers are looking for quality homes, and anything that distracts from the features of your home, could decrease your resale value.

For those of you who aren’t ready to make such a large leap into the “green” scene, there are several things you can do within your home that are sure to make home buyers smile.

Inside Improvements

  1. Purchase efficient furnace and air conditioner. Home buyers in Chatham-Kent want energy efficient home that won’t immediately drain their bank account. The summers in Chatham-Kent can be scorching. Imagine a potential buyer walking into your house and sweating through the viewing. They won’t notice your fireplace or large bedrooms, they’ll think about the money they have to spend to install a new air conditioner. The key is to stay comfortable, while still conserving energy. An efficient heating and cooling system will accomplish both of these goals.
  2. Install air tight windows. Increase the value of your home, put less stress on your A/C and furnace, and increase the value of your home. New windows will decrease the energy requirements in your home, and are an instant selling feature in the Chatham-Kent real estate market. Many people prefer opening windows compared to running their heating and cooling systems constantly, so be sure to choose windows that open easily and will allow a refreshing flow of air through your home. Ceiling fans are another popular way to move air in a home, and often increase the value of your property.
  3. Update to energy efficient appliance. In the current Chatham-Kent real estate market, many sellers are including their appliances, and home buyers are coming to expect this. Home buyers are looking for new, energy efficient appliances throughout the house.

Outside Improvements

  1. Plant large shade trees on your property. Home buyers in Chatham-Kent love natural, large trees. Placing trees in locations that will block the sun from your windows in the heat of the day, without blocking the view of your house from the road. Remember, curb appeal is the first impression buyers get of your home and can make or break a real estate deal. As well, get rid of your old plug in walkway and patio lighting. Affordable and attractive solar lighting is available.
  2. Create an outdoor eating or cooking area. One easy way to increase the value of your Chatham-Kent home is to create an outdoor living area. The summer months are perfect for grilling and entertaining outside. As well, cooking on a barbeque can reduce the need for cooling your home by reducing excess heat from cooking, thereby making your home more energy efficient.

What else can you do? If you’re looking to save money and conserve energy in your home, consider having an energy audit performed. Energy audits are an easy walk through and test of your home to discover possible solutions for saving energy and will save you money when renovating. You can book a home energy audit by searching the Ontario Ministry of Energy website.

Still have questions, feel free to Contact Me or call me at 519-360-0141.