How Much Green Does ‘Green’ Mean?

By Denise Pajak

Most homeowners want to make eco-friendly upgrades to their homes and home buyers are starting to expect energy e cient features. Going green is more a ordable than ever. But how green can you go?

e answer is di erent for every homeowner. Of course, you want to save money on utility bills. But it’s also about improving your family’s comfort, reducing their toxic chemical exposure, and lessening your environmental impact. It depends on how long you’ll live in the house, as well, and if the initial cost is worth it. Here are some things to consider.

Tankless water heater. For under $500, a hot water recirculation pump could save you its cost in about a year, depending on your water use. A reliable pump like Grundfos manufactures, for example, keeps hot water circulating so you don’t waste gallons of water waiting for your shower to heat up. Peter Michaelson, CEO of Renewal Design Build reminds us, “ ink about how much energy is used to capture, clean, distribute and heat clean water in our community.” With that pump, you’ll reduce your water bill along with the carbon footprint of your city’s water supply. Tankless water heaters used to be cost prohibitive, but are now a ordable and common in new homes and, according to Energy Star, can save $100 or more per year. ere’s also a federal tax credit for installing one.

Soy insulation. Another easy, a ordable green upgrade is soy insulation that’s blown into your home just beneath the roof and oor. e soy has fewer volatile organic compounds than traditional insulation. If you have a dra y house, you’ll feel the results instantly, as will your power bills. An added bonus is its soundproo ng from outside noise.

Manage your expectations. Keep in mind the return on investment for any renovation is not 100 percent.

According to Real Estate Agent Kelly Walsh at Adams Realtors, “a renovated kitchen will bring a 75 percent return on

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investment, which is the largest return for any renovation.” Appraisers have a tough time with adjustments for green upgrades because they must nd similar green upgrades on neighborhood homes that have sold recently. Real Estate Valuation Certi ed Appraiser Gary Johnson says, “As demand for energy-e cient homes increases, and more homes in your neighborhood have the features, the easier it will be to nd comps to support the value of the upgrades.” So if you’re concerned about resale value, consider upgrades others in the neighborhood are doing as well.

Green aesthetics: beauti cation saved from land lls. Green aesthetic updates have brought a new “cool factor” to homes. Buyers love a home with functioning character that sets it apart from the competition. Kara O’Brien of Kara O’Brien Renovations, LLC turns parts of salvaged buildings into new things. “We build custom doors, cabinets and vanities from antique wood that would have gone to a land ll, like beams from an 1840’s cotton mill, and 80-yearold science lab countertops from high schools and colleges.”

Bottom line. Pick the green upgrades that you will enjoy the most while you live in the home. at’s the direction the market is heading. In the long run, the bene ts will far outweigh their costs.

Denise Pajak is Vice President, Mortgage Banker with Private Mortgage Solutions based in the Private Bank of Decatur o ce in downtown Decatur.