Homes Plus
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/554042
(BPT) — Perhaps your home is in pretty good shape — newish roof, well-maintained furnace and air-conditioning, and fresh paint throughout. Or maybe you've bought a brand-new house that's move-in ready. Even though you don't really need to do a thing to the home, you may still have the urge to update. But what can you do when everything is already just about perfect? Engaging in some out-of-the-ordinary upgrades can enhance a home's livability, your enjoyment of it and — in some cases — its resale value down the road. Before you settle on an upgrade, ask yourself these key questions: ■ Will it improve the home's livability? ■ Will it improve the healthfulness or security of the home environment? ■ Is it a special feature that appeals to your lifestyle? ■ How difficult or easy will it be to main- tain? ■ Does it have hidden dollar value? Here are some out-of-the-ordinary improvements that can increase enjoyment of a home while adding value: Skylights Skylights are a surprisingly affordable upgrade and it's easy to see the lifestyle benefits they bring, including their ability to make both small and large areas seem even larger. Skylights differentiate a home's appear- ance while significantly increasing the amount of natural light that enters a room — a huge bonus in spaces where wall win- dows aren't practical or desirable, such as master closets or baths where privacy is paramount. Energy Star-qualified, solar- powered, fresh-air skylights, like those from Velux America, also provide passive ventilation that improves indoor air quali- ty. Swimming pool The value of a swimming pool is subjec- tive, so the most important questions to answer are whether a pool will fit your lifestyle and if you'll be up to maintaining it. Pools can be a great way to relax or get in some exercise, bond with the kids or enjoy play time with friends. But you'll have to do some work for that fun, including regularly cleaning the pool, adding chemicals as needed and keeping the pump, lights, heater and other systems in good condition. You must also be aware of safety and take appropriate measures to protect children and pets when they're near the pool. Sunroom A sunroom won't improve your home's energy efficiency the way a skylight can, but if the home has a great view or you rel- ish communing with nature, a sunroom can help boost your mood. While some expert do-it-yourselfers may be able to tackle a sunroom addition on their own, most home- owners will want to work with a profession- al contractor to ensure the structure is sound, well-insulated, efficient and built to code. Backup generator While a backup generator is not a com- mon home improvement, installing one could be beneficial if your home is in a storm-prone area where power outages occur regularly. A generator may also be an important home enhancement if you have critical electrical systems that must stay on, such as medical devices for a home- bound patient. When you're considering upgrading a home, keep in mind that resale value isn't the only consideration. It's equally impor- tant that the upgrades make sense for the home and your lifestyle. AUGUST 2015 HOMES PLUS 7 245588001 BPT Energy Star-qualified solar-powered fresh-air skylights provide balanced natural light and passive ventilation in your home while providing decorating flare. Solar- powered fresh-air skylights and blinds, which are operated by remote control, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit as are installation costs. Doss Heating & Air Conditioning LLC. Honest Dependable Ser Honest Dependable Ser vice! vice! Installation: Furnaces, Air Conditioning, Thermostats & Humidifiers Service & Repair Gas & Oil Tune-Ups Gas Service Maintenance Plans Randy Doss Owner • 262.888.2724 • www.dossheatingandair.com $ 99 00 Gas Furnace or Air Conditioner Tune-up Special +Tax 245578002 Thinking outside the box for home improvements Enhance livability, property value with atypical projects