The term “future-proof” is relatively new, but the concept has been long applied in a simpler sense. When purchasing or building a home, it’s natural for homeowners to imagine their needs in the years to come. Whether a couple is planning for children or anticipates the need for a mother-in-law suite — it’s important to think ahead before making the investment!
To future-proof your home means to anticipate the advancements in smart home technology and make decisions that will ease your daily routine and add value to your investment should you decide to sell. If you’re in the position to renovate or in the process of working with a custom home builder, here are 3 future-proof elements that we consider to be especially important.
Home Wiring
Wiring your home with intention from the start saves you from the future hassle and cost associated with updating wiring throughout. This interconnectivity will not only allow you to skip batteries when installing Hunter Douglas PowerView Motorized window treatments, but it also opens the door for better control over lighting, sound, air conditioning, and security throughout the home.
This video from New Home Source overviews what a home with a control panel will look like and be capable of thanks to wiring from the ground up.
Home Automation
While you probably haven’t given much thought to the wiring of your home, you’re likely more familiar with automation and how recent tech developments are now commonplace in a modern household.
Automating elements like window treatments have the ability to simplify your life immensely! Imagine being able to signal bedtime with the closing of shades and waking up naturally rather than to a harsh alarm. Read all about the benefits of a Hunter Douglas PowerView Motorized system here.
By installing smart-appliances and implementing automation, you’re able to differentiate your home from others on the market, which is an important factor when selling. Complete systems like Control4 can add real monetary value, whereas lighter touches like the Google Nest can add to the reasons a buyer would opt to purchase your home over one with an outdated system.
Energy-Efficiency
Energy-efficiency should not be skimped on during the home building process. When choosing a builder or your specific build, discuss whether the home is Energy Star Certified. This certification requires a multitude of inputs from the builder, including high-efficiency heating and cooling, complete thermal enclosure, water protection system, efficient lighting and appliances — all with independent inspections and testing to ensure everything performs as promised.
If you’re considering renovating for the sake of energy-efficiency, here are a few pieces to look into that will future-proof your home and provide long term value.
Windows
Your window panes have a big impact on the energy efficiency of your home. The selection process varies depending on whether you are replacing your current windows or choosing the panes for new construction.
This guide will help you select the best window option within your budget!
You can improve the efficiency of your current windows in a few ways, including:
- Add caulk or weatherstripping to remove air leaks.
- Add solar control film directly to the window pane.
- Add exterior screen shades to reduce solar heat.
Window Treatments
Window treatments have come a long way in terms of technology over the years! We highly recommend the Hunter Douglas Duette® Honeycomb Shade for its revolutionary energy-efficient design. Fun fact – up to 50% of a home’s heating and cooling energy can be lost through its windows. This particular window treatment traps air in distinct pockets to help keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Added bonus — there is no need to trade function or fashion for energy-efficiency. The Duette® line is available in a wide-range of pleat sizes and colors.
HVAC System
While it’s not necessary to have the fanciest system with all of the bells and whistles, having a system that is less than 10 years old, features the Energy Star rating, and receives periodic maintenance will all impact your energy savings.
Automated thermostats allow homeowners to optimize their energy-efficiency without sacrificing comfort by adapting to your schedule. The combination of an automated thermostat with window treatments can make a major impact on your monthly electric bill, a benefit you’ll continue to receive long after installation.
Here is a list of steps you can take to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
Roofing
Roofing systems that are not regularly inspected every three years are likely to have hail and wind damage that allow air to escape and water to creep in. Systems that are beyond their lifespan not only stand the risk of causing expensive damage during a storm but they are likely negating your other energy-efficiency efforts.
In terms of energy-efficiency ratings for roofing insulation, the goal is as close to an R-60 as possible for Texans, which essentially means there is no hot or cold air transfer between the attic and the outdoors. If you haven’t had a roof inspection in the last 3 years, it’s time! Having a roofing system that is well insulated and sealed will positively impact your energy savings and make it easier to sell in the future.
At Austintatious, it is our mission to serve you in a way that makes home a more enjoyable place for you and your family. Taking the above steps to future-proof your home can simplify your routine, improve energy-savings, add value to your investment and potentially prevent the need for emergency or last-minute repairs. Let us know how we can help future-proof your home!