Green Building & Design

To Build or not to Build… That is the Question.

By Joshua Zinder

Over the last few months as the economy and many of us have struggled, I have had numerous people ask whether it was the right time to do work on their home. In other circumstances, some of these individuals might have moved to a more suitable locale or dwelling. But now they are looking at what they have and how they can best take advantage of their home. My answer to them is as one might expect – now is the ideal time to improve your home.

For most Americans, our homes are our single greatest investment. While investing in stocks, bonds and other market-driven investments have people perplexed and fearful, development of your home can increase its worth and your enjoyment of its environment. Simple changes can go a long way in maximizing the value of your home.

In making modifications to your home, you need to carefully evaluate your plans and look at projects that will have the most impact for the least amount of money. There is a balance between cutting corners and cost overruns. Focusing improvements on your kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and public space would clearly be a wiser investment than adding a hot tub to the backyard. Don’t be afraid to work with a design professional, as architects and designers can help guide you through the renovation process and actually save you money.

We were recently contacted by a prospective client to discuss providing an addition to their home. During the initial walkthrough, the client showed us the area to be expanded – a spacious dining and living room area painted in deep colors of Wedgewood blue and Burgundy. While the physical space itself was quite large, these dark colors made it feel small and cramped. Rather than embark on the larger, costlier project, we suggested an alternate path.

We selected a new color palette for them and repainted the rooms with No VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints. Upon completion, the client was relieved to find that they would save the cost of the addition because the new colors helped them to rediscover the space they already had. Ultimately the client came away feeling that we added value to their home without overburdening their budget.

Not all issues have such simple solutions. Fortunately, there are many projects that can add value to your property. These include: adding a bedroom (three and four bedroom homes are the most sought after), installing a master bathroom, remodeling your kitchen (or simply installing new kitchen cabinets), updating your lighting and plumbing fixtures, converting a basement or attic to a living space. The list is long, but not without rewards. Projects like insulating your walls and replacing your windows will not only improve your homes, but also reduce your monthly expenses. All of these suggested improvements can be integrated into your home in a sustainable manner. A recent survey found that seven out of ten homebuyers would pay more for an energy efficient home and half would be prepared to pay $15-$20,000 extra for a home with “green” amenities.

There are many paths you can take toward greening your home, but a good place to start is with an energy audit. There are many programs such as Energy Star certified homes and LEED for Homes (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) that can provide you with state and federal rebates, making your home project both cost and energy efficient. A design professional can guide you through this process and down a path to energy efficiency, while simultaneously improving the aesthetics of your home.

A stressed housing market proves an ideal time to increase the value of your home by investing in your existing space. Don’t put off the improvements. Whether it is repainting, remodeling the kitchen or taking advantage of an unused space, look at what you have and work to continue its growth, which ultimately will increase the equity of your home. A small yet well thought out improvement can go a long way in transforming your space into a positive environment for you, your family and guests. To build or not to build… there is no question.