A home’s plumbing system is among the most essential parts of its infrastructure, yet it might get overlooked when considering upgrades or renovations. However, investing in plumbing improvements can significantly enhance a home’s functionality, safety, and comfort while also boosting its market value.
As a home gets older, its plumbing becomes prone to leaks, clogs, and other issues that can turn into expensive repairs if left unaddressed. Replacing outdated or defective plumbing can help prevent such problems down the line. For homeowners looking to increase their property value before selling, plumbing upgrades should be at the top of the list.
According to a survey by CNBC, a homeowner spends an average of $6,000 on repairs and maintenance services each year. Proactive upgrades can help reduce unexpected costs and problems, and with the right improvements, homeowners can reap the rewards in the form of higher home appraisals and faster selling times.
Here are seven plumbing upgrades that can add value to a home.
Importance of Hiring Professional Plumbing Services
Hiring professional plumbing services is highly recommended for any major plumbing project. Licensed plumbers have the skills, experience, and tools to properly evaluate a home’s plumbing and determine where upgrades are needed.
They can also ensure that all installations and replacements are done correctly and up to code. These professionals often offer a comprehensive range of professional heating, cooling, and plumbing services, ensuring that every aspect of a home’s essential systems is addressed. Attempting extensive plumbing work as a DIY project can often lead to mistakes that end up being more costly to fix than if it had been handled by a professional initially. Professional plumbing services ensure the job is done right the first time.
Here are seven plumbing upgrades your home needs before you decide to sell:
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless or on-demand water heaters only heat water as needed, unlike conventional tank heaters that constantly heat and reheat water in a storage tank. This makes tankless heaters far more energy-efficient.
These heaters also provide hot water endlessly, which can add convenience in larger homes with multiple baths. Having consistent hot water can add value for potential homebuyers.
Tankless heaters also free up physical space as they are much smaller than tank heaters. The upfront cost of a tankless system may be higher, but they can yield savings of up to $100 or more annually on utility bills.
Modern Fixtures
Replacing outdated faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures with modern, high-end options can make a huge difference in bathrooms and kitchens. New fixtures not only provide visual appeal but also offer the latest innovations in functionality.
Features like touchless faucets, rainfall showerheads, and smart toilets can enhance a home’s luxurious feel. For a relatively reasonable price, upgraded fixtures can make the space appear bright and sleek, giving a refreshed look in potential buyers’ eyes. The clean and contemporary styling has nearly universal appeal.
Water Filtration Systems
Many homeowners are opting to install whole-house water filtration systems to remove contaminants, minerals, and particulates from their home’s water supply. These systems provide cleaner, better-tasting water throughout the house for drinking, cooking, bathing, and more. They also reduce buildup and residue in pipes and appliances caused by hard water.
For buyers concerned about water quality, a filtration system can offer significant peace of mind.
Eco-Friendly Plumbing
Homes with green plumbing upgrades emphasize sustainability and efficiency, and environmentally conscious buyers will appreciate eco-friendly plumbing upgrades like low-flow toilets and faucets. These fixtures conserve water and reduce monthly bills. The EPA estimates toilets account for nearly 27% of an average home’s indoor water use – replacing an old 1.6 gallon per flush model with a low-flow 1.28 GPF toilet can save thousands of gallons per year. Low-flow showerheads can use half the water of traditional models.
Repiping
Replacing corroded galvanized steel or lead pipes with copper or PEX piping improves water flow while eliminating the health hazards associated with lead pipes. Newer piping materials are also much more resistant to damage. Due to these benefits, it’s no wonder many homeowners are repiping their houses.
Repiping with durable piping ensures a trouble-free, high-performing plumbing system that will appeal to buyers. The cost to repipe a house can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $15,000, with an average of $7,500 that many homeowners pay. This considerable cost of repiping will pay off in added home value. Home inspectors may flag older piping as an area of concern – being able to assure buyers that repiping has been done recently can shortcut negotiations.
Improved Drainage Systems
Upgrading old or insufficient drain lines and sewer connections can prevent messy backups and flooding. Installing a sump pump protects against water accumulation, while French drains around the foundation keep water from pooling in basements and crawlspaces.
Ensuring proper drainage deters moisture issues and foundation damage. Homebuyers will appreciate the reduced risk of plumbing emergencies and headaches with an improved drainage system. This is a worthwhile investment that can really boost a home’s appeal.
Smart Plumbing Technology
Smart plumbing utilizes technology like leak detection systems and toilets with built-in bidets. Leak detection systems send alerts to homeowners’ phones if they sense water where it should not be. This is especially helpful when homeowners are out of town or live alone but spend most of their time outside. When a leak is notified, you can quickly send for a repair person to take care of it and prevent more damage. Similarly, smart toilets offer customizable settings like heated seats and temperature-controlled washlets.
Some homeowners also use touchless faucets, which are turned on automatically with motion sensors. They can also automatically turn off after a few seconds, reducing water usage, so naturally, their demand is increasing. According to a consumer survey, about 85% of people expect to have a touchless faucet in the public premises they visit due to their convenience of usage, especially for children and disabled people. And with conveniences like these available in your home, it makes its use all the more enjoyable.
Conclusion
When preparing a home to go on the market, plumbing improvements should be a priority. Investing in new systems and fixtures pays dividends in increased home value. While costs can add up, the financial return and added peace of mind make plumbing upgrades well worth the investment. They also prevent much larger expenses down the road. Working with professional plumbers ensures all installations are done properly. Remember, when buyers step into a home with modern, efficient plumbing, they are willing to pay premium prices.
