Plumbing upgrades can both, directly and indirectly, add value to your home. From a resale standpoint, upgrading the plumbing can increase your home's attractiveness to a potential buyer. Meanwhile, you can also benefit from the potential luxuries and utility cost savings while you still call that house your home.
Here are six essential plumbing upgrades to help increase your home's value, now and in the future.
Install a Tankless Water Heater
One of the most common plumbing repair issues modern homeowners endure is the hot water tank. These outdated tanks are finicky and costly, as energy is exuded night and day to keep the contents warm.Tankless water heaters (also known as on-demand water heaters) are streamlined, functional, and cost-effective. These compact wall-mounted panels have pipes running through them. The water is heated on demand when you turn on a hot water tap. This setup offers two primary benefits: cost savings and efficiency.
As the water isn't heated until you need it, you aren't consuming electricity to keep water warm in the tank when it's not in use. As such, you're saving money on your power bill while positively impacting the environment. The other benefit is that you won't run out of hot water during those busy days when the whole family needs a shower and you're washing all the sports gear in the laundry.
Install a Steam Shower
Creating a home spa experience has become more common during the pandemic. Many homeowners have renovated their bathrooms for comfort and luxury. A steam shower is one of the more popular additions.A steam shower is a sealed shower stall that emits steam by heating a gallon or two of cold water. The vapor creates enough moisture to bathe without using the same amount of water as a traditional showerhead. People who switch to a steam shower can save 50 gallons of water every time they shower. Even better, you can spend 15-20 minutes lounging in the steam before that single gallon of water is used.
Adding a steam shower is like installing a functional sauna, making it an ideal upgrade for athletes and spa fans alike. Potential buyers will enjoy this touch of luxury and appreciate the notable difference when presented with your water bill.
Add Smart Temperature Controls
Smart temperature controls are another installation that offers both eco-conscious and spa-like benefits. These digital displays allow the user to set the water temperature to a degree. Some sophisticated temperature control showers also let you add presets, so each family member can choose their desired temperature.Add Smart Leak Detectors
Smart technology is making waves in all aspects of home management. Beyond convenience and luxury, smart tech also offers several functional benefits.Smart leak detectors are installed on pipes to monitor the activity, notifying the homeowner of a potential leak or freeze risk. These systems come with a low upfront cost and the potential to save thousands should a leak or burst pipe occur. The more sophisticated systems will automatically turn off the water and send a notification to the homeowner, potentially preventing thousands of dollars in water damage.
Install Faucet Aerators
Faucet aerators are a simple upgrade that has a significant impact. Aerators mix oxygen with the water as it comes out of the tap, effectively using less water to cover more surface area.When installed throughout the average household, faucet aerators can save up to 1,274 liters (336 gallons) per month— without minimizing water pressure or cleanliness.
Upgrade and Insulate Existing Pipes
Finally, replacing outdated pipes or insulating existing pipes may not have the same bells and whistles as other upgrades on this list, but this project adds a lot of resale value. This upgrade is an essential consideration if you have an older home or find yourself calling a plumber more often than you used to.Keep these six plumbing upgrades in mind when it's time to renovate your bathroom or put your home on the market. Many of the upgrades listed here pay for themselves.
.jpg)
.jpg)
