6 Plumbing Upgrades That Add Value to Your Home

Are you preparing to place your home on the market? Maybe you’re gradually upgrading it to improve its overall value for future sale. Either way, plumbing upgrades such as updating your plumbing fixtures is a great way to boost your home’s ability to sell. It also improves its practicality and the appeal of its appearance. A property’s plumbing system is a vital feature; it’s central to how comfortable and functional a home is. Plumbing is crucial for the operation of many things in your life, such as washing machines, dishwashers, toilets and showers. It’s an important consideration for any home buyer. They want to know that they are purchasing a property that has been well-maintained and built to last. The changes you choose depend largely on your budget and your needs.  There are a few popular upgrades that are sure to be a welcome addition to any home buyer.

1. Modernized Pipes

Many homes still contain galvanized, lead, clay, or cast iron pipes, which can experience corrosion or breakage. This can affect both the quality of your water and proper functioning of both your water and sewer systems.  Water can have a bad taste, but poor piping can also potentially pose a health risk to those who drink it. Corrosion can even build up enough to block your pipes or cause them to burst. The material of old pipes may also be trouble. They could be made of:

• Clay, which is notoriously fragile and prone to breaking
• Lead, which has serious health implications
• Cast iron, which corrodes over time

If your plumbing system contains any of these materials, consider replacing those sections immediately. Copper pipes for your water supply and PVC for waste outlets are good options. These materials are not prone to corrosion. One of the newest types of pipe is PEX pipe, adopted for its ease of installation, flexibility, and, in some cases, cost effectiveness. PEX can be easily shaped to your property’s requirements and can be installed in hard-to-reach locations. Two benefits of upgrading your pipes include:

• Adding value to your home
• Improving your plumbing system’s functionality and safety

Plumbing upgrades like modernized pipes can reassure buyers that they are purchasing a property that will not catch them off-guard with a plumbing disaster, such as flooding or pipes breaking.

2. Pull-Out Faucets

In the kitchen, why not upgrade your sink with a pull-out faucet? These mobile faucets can be operated with one hand and are extremely versatile.  They also make attractive additions for any practical homeowner. If there is space, you could also consider upgrading to a deep dual-basin kitchen sink. This increases the sink’s functionality by allowing you to keep part of it clear while still using the other section to wash dishes or soak garments. The increased sink depth allows for pots and pans to fit underneath a faucet, so you can easily fill and clean them. Plumbing upgrades like this that add utility to your home are especially valuable, as they set your property apart from the rest.

3. An Efficient Water Heater

One of the most vital plumbing fixtures in any home is the water heater. No one wants to be stuck without hot water, so it is important to ensure that this feature is well-maintained and in good working order. If you’re looking to replace an old or outdated version, there are many styles to choose from, including tankless varieties. These can be especially helpful in a smaller property by keeping your home from looking cluttered. It may help to get the advice of a professional plumber when making your decision. Consider whether a gas or electric heater would be best for your property. This can depend on the placement of gas lines, since installing additional gas drops can be costly and disruptive. Also, be sure to check the energy rating of the water heater you choose. An efficient water heater will save money for future homeowners, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

4. An Extra Bathroom

If your home only has one bathroom, plumbing upgrades like adding a second bathroom can really add some home-value punch. This project can increase the profitability of your home by as much as 23%. It also gives you the option of installing luxury features, such as a jetted tub or heated flooring. A steam shower is another popular upgrade. Items like descalers are popular now to help reduce the amount of soap needed, making shower door clean-up easier and helping with the efficiency of all the home’s appliances. If space is more limited, choose a half-bath with just a sink and a toilet. This can still be an effective way to up the value of your home. A half-bath can be a functional use of space and a convenient addition, especially for a larger household. More bathrooms mean shorter wait times in the morning. A shorter distance to the bathroom can be helpful for older household members and those with disabilities.

5. A Laundry Room

An extremely attractive addition to your home is a laundry room. Installing washing and drying machines in their own space allows you to declutter your living space and possibly regain a storage closet all while keeping your washing and ironing away from the eyes of visitors. This adds utility to your home and can make a smaller home seem upmarket and well-thought-out. It is also a useful way to make use of a smaller space that might not work as an additional bedroom or recreational area. The layout of this room can be as compact as you need it to be now that washers and dryers can be purchased as stackable units. In contrast, a property with low ceilings may be better-suited to side-by-side units. Consider that stackable units may turn some buyers off if they are unable to reach the upper appliance due to their height, age, or physical ability.

6. Eco-Friendly Installations

Green building is becoming more important as homeowners seek to reduce their carbon footprints and save money on utilities. Thanks to this, upgrading to eco-friendly fixtures is a good way to maximize your home’s value. Look out for the energy star on installations like washing machines, water heaters, and icemakers to ensure that they have been certified as energy-efficient. Replacing faucets and shower heads with low-flow alternatives can save gallons of water and reduce the strain on your plumbing system. Installing a dual-flush toilet has a similar benefit: It uses less water to flush. And, unlike syphon-flush toilets, a dual-flush toilet uses gravity to remove waste from the system. It also includes two flushing modes. One uses 0.8 gallons of water and is designed for liquid waste. The other, intended for solid waste, uses 1.6 gallons. Homeowners may also want to consider upgrades like tankless and heat pump water heaters and low-flow showerheads.

Thinking Plumbing Upgrades? Call C & W Plumbing

There are countless other changes you can make to add value to your home, but these ideas are an excellent place to start. Be sure to contact your plumber before proceeding with any work to ensure that everything is installed correctly. With this guidance, plumbing upgrades can add value quickly and safely, allowing you to focus on selling your home and giving you plenty to show off to potential buyers.