(BPT) – When asked what kind of upgrades homeowners would like to make in their home, most have a similar wish list that includes features like marble or granite counter tops, an open concept kitchen, a remodeled bathroom and a deck.
There are plenty of good reasons why people opt for these features. They’re beautiful, create a certain atmosphere, and who doesn’t want to come home to a stylish kitchen and relax on their deck? But experienced homeowners will tell you, it’s not just these big showy upgrades that are important. Often, it’s the unseen upgrades you might not be immediately aware of that really make a difference and impact the quality of life in your home. It’s especially important to remind first-time homeowners of these five considerations to keep in mind when building or renovating.
Privacy is key. With televisions, computers, music and lively conversation, even a small family can make a lot of noise. Bring quiet to the home with the right kind of drywall. SilentFX QuickCut by CertainTeed Gypsum is a revolutionary type of drywall specifically designed to dampen noise and prevent sound from carrying from room to room.
Upgrade the roof. It might cost more, but investing in a high quality roof has two main advantages. One being, it will last longer, so you won’t have to face the expense of re-roofing in another 15 or 20 years. The second is that if you go to sell, having a high quality roof that will last years — even decades — will equate to a better resale value.
Improve indoor air quality. Adding plants and opening windows are two of the easiest ways to improve the indoor air quality of your home. However, there are things you can do in the building process as well. One of these is to install a drywall, such as AirRenew, which is a specialty drywall product designed to actively clean formaldehyde and other volatile chemicals from the air.
Invest in a new furnace. If you find yourself taking too many days off work to meet the furnace repairman, it might be time to have a new furnace installed. Not only do the modern, energy efficient furnaces save as much as $200 a year, but they’re quieter, require less maintenance and, should you go to sell, are a huge perk to potential home buyers.
Fill the cavities between the walls. No matter what climate zone you live in, insulation is incredibly important. There are many types of insulation out there, so be sure to talk to your contractor or builder about what kind is best for the area where you live. The right kind and thickness will save you money on both heating and cooling bills.
These upgrades may not wow your guests or be the envy of your neighbors, but they will certainly make an enormous difference in your day-to-day living and contribute to the overall comfort of your house. For more information about what innovative drywall solutions are available today, visit certainteed.com/drywall/residential
