The Importance Of Insulation To A Home’s Value

The Importance Of Insulation To A Home’s Value

What Does Insulation Do To A Home’s Value

When you’re in the market for a home, insulation may not be the first thing to come to mind, but considering its overall role in the home’s ability to provide a comfortable living environment.

And to avoid astronomical heating and cooling bills, checking the insulation of the home must be on the inspection to-do list. The quality of insulation effects the cost of owning a home as a result of the need to heat and cool the building.

For a seller of real estate, it is important to make sure that the place is well insulated as it is a good selling point that add value to the house.

Planning To Buy A Home

Checking on the quality of its insulation is a necessary part the process when buying a home. Unfortunately, it is impossible to look behind walls to inspect for insulation.  

If the owner can provide evidence of the type and “therm rating” of the insulation, that should give you some insight. Sometimes there is a certificate of installation issued by the installing contractor.  

It’s also possible that an older house may have originally had lacked wall insulation, but had it blown in at a later time. .

Two types of insulation that can be personally inspected are floor and attic insulation. Checking the floor insulation makes it necessary to go into the crawlspace or basement but that should be done for other reasons as well.

If the floor is well insulated, there will be sheets of insulation called batts under the floorboards that will be seen. If all you see are the floorboards, then there is no insulation.

Checking attic insulation, likewise, involves going into the attic. If the attic is not boarded over, you will see the blown fiber insulation. It will look like cotton on the attic floor. If all that is seen is wood, wiring, and drywall inside the attic, then there is no insulation.

Planning To Sell A Home

Considering the quality of its insulation when selling a home is important. Selling a properly insulated home is not only a good selling point, but it improves the value of the house as well.

It would be a good idea before putting a house on the market to check its insulation. If you have already improved the quality of the insulation of the house, and provide the buyer with a copy of the certificate of installation that is often issued by the installer.

If one wasn’t given, you may be able to call the installer and ask for one. Most installation companies will send a new one as customer service for free, but occasionally they may charge a nominal processing fee.

When selling a house that lacks proper insulation, consider having it installed. It will increase the value of the property and make it easier to sell.

The increase in value will be more than the price of the work and a good investment. Showing potential buyers certificates of installation and contractor receipts for any work or improvements made to the home can be a big selling point.

When In Doubt, Ask Your Realtor

Both buyers and sellers need to keep insulation in mind. The buyer will get a better and more cost-efficient house. The seller will not only get better value for the house but have a helpful selling point as well.

Insulation is an important part of a cost-efficient home, so as long as both buyers and sellers keep it in mind both will benefit.  If you have questions about insulation in your home buying process, or need help finding the best home for you, discuss it with your Realtor.

Most Realtors will recommend a professional home inspection as part of your buying process, and more information about a home’s insulation can often be found in one of these types of inspections.