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What Plumbing Upgrades Add Value to My Home?

What Plumbing Upgrades Add Value to My Home

Home improvements serve a dual purpose. Firstly, they make our time in our homes a little more pleasant. Secondly, they can make the difference between a great price and a less ideal one when it comes time to sell and move on.

If you’re looking to get the best price possible, there are a few aspects of your plumbing that could be upgraded. These range from the luxurious to the functional, but they’re all things savvy buyers will place a premium on.

Why Plumbing Upgrades Matter for Your Home

Let’s put it in simple terms. There are two potential homes that you’re interested in, one with a comprehensive series of upgrades and one without. Which would you prefer? Your potential buyers feel the same way.

Upgraded homes command better levels of buyer appeal for multiple reasons:

  • Energy and water efficiency: We all have to weigh our environmental impact against our personal comfort levels. Generally speaking, more modern systems allow a more luxurious lifestyle with less impact on the planet thanks to being considerably more efficient.
  • Long-term cost savings: Following on from the last point, no one wants to spend more than they have to on their utilities. Modern, efficient systems can save money as well as the planet. Having an upgraded system also means there’s one less job to do after moving in.
  • Enhanced home comfort: When you buy a home, you’re really buying a lifestyle. Upgraded plumbing can make this considerably more convenient and comfortable for you or any potential buyer.

Top Plumbing Upgrades to Increase Home Value

While there’s no such thing as a valueless upgrade, a few stand out as offering the biggest bang for your buck.

Kitchen Plumbing Upgrades

The kitchen is the place where we probably use the most water after the bathroom. That means there are several ways to make things more functional and add that little touch of class that buyers love:

Modern Faucets

Faucets have come a long way in recent years. Whether you go for pull-down models to make dishwashing quicker and easier or touchless taps to avoid cross-contamination, you have options to consider here.

There’s also a great variety of designs and styles, so if aesthetics are your thing, this is an easy way to improve them.

Upgraded Sinks

There’s a surprising variety of sink designs out there, so there’s no need to go for the classic aluminum ones. Opt for a large, deep-fill sink in stainless steel, ceramic, or composite granite for that perfect point between form and function.

Water Filtration Systems

While the municipal water supply in the U.S. is generally pretty good, it can always be better. Water filtration systems can help improve both quality and taste and even help tackle plumbing issues. You can either opt for an under-sink unit for a single location or a whole-home model to improve water quality throughout the property.

Bathroom Plumbing Upgrades

The other area that sees the most daily water usage is the bathroom. There are even more potential upgrades that can be undertaken here, but these are our three favorites:

Low-Flow Fixtures

As a room that sees a lot of water usage, the bathroom is a great place to look for savings. Low-flow fixtures like faucets and showerheads, or even toilets, can provide a luxury user experience without the waste.

Walk-In Showers

While nothing beats a long, luxurious soak in a claw-footed tub, showers are more practical for day-to-day usage. A walk-in shower is easy to maintain, quick to use, and, with a little thought, can offer a real luxury touch. Options like drench heads or multiple jets can elevate your shower from functional to fantastic.

Dual-Flush Toilets

For eco-conscious buyers or those looking to save on utilities, a dual-flush toilet is a real selling point. Without the need to fully empty the tank every flush, these can significantly reduce water usage without compromising effectiveness.

Water Heater Upgrades

On the more functional end of the scale, upgrading your water heater can present a host of benefits.

Tankless Water Heaters

While most U.S. homes are still on traditional, tanked systems, the market is changing. Tankless hot water systems save space (freeing it up for something more interesting) and offer serious energy savings. Opting for a tankless water heater installation can really boost your asking price.

Energy-Efficient Models

Whichever type of water heater you have, there’s likely a more efficient model available. These can save you money and reduce your environmental impact. Look for ENERGY STAR®-certified models to turn them into a real selling point.

Smart Plumbing Upgrades

Controlling your home from your phone might seem a little sci-fi, but with smart systems, your plumbing can be customized to fit the moment at the tap of a screen.

Leak Detection Systems

Leaks cause damage, and the longer they go undetected, the worse that damage will be. A leak detection system can send alerts to your phone or even shut off the supply before this happens, saving you money and stress.

Smart Shower Systems

Customize and enhance your bathing experience by adjusting the water pressure and temperature before you set foot in the shower. No more awkward fiddling with the dials—just perfect showers every time.

Whole Home Upgrades

Some upgrades stretch through the whole system.

Pipe Replacement

The nuclear option: replace aging infrastructure wholesale and upgrade in the process. Older pipes are prone to leaks and, in the case of galvanized steel or lead, can cause serious issues. Opt for modern PEX or copper pipes for an affordable alternative without the inherent problems.

Sump Pumps and French Drains

Protect your basement from flooding and water damage and see a potential 25% uplift in your offers.

Water Pressure Regulator

Installing a pressure regulation valve (PRV) means you’ll see consistent pressure throughout the home. It also protects your fixtures, fittings, and appliances from the ravages of excessive pressure.

<h2>The Financial and Environmental Benefits</h2>

Upgrading is a good idea, even if you’re not planning on selling just yet. Who doesn’t want to cut their utility bills while protecting the environment?

Modern systems tend to be more efficient, saving you money on both water and energy bills. This also means you’re reducing your impact on the planet by wasting less water and burning less fuel. There may also be government incentives to upgrade, including rebates, tax credits, and subsidies.

How to Choose the Right Upgrades

If increasing your home’s value is your biggest concern, you’ll want the most impact for the least expense. Consider:

  • Your home’s needs: Smaller houses and families need less intensive plumbing. Fixing recurring issues is generally more important than upgrading a system that’s already functioning well.
  • Focus on high-impact areas: Kitchens, bathrooms, and water heaters are at the forefront of every buyer’s mind. Prioritize these areas for the best rewards unless there’s a pressing need elsewhere.

Whatever you choose work with a qualified and licensed plumber to discuss your options and install the best upgrades to turn your home into the perfect sales pitch.

Ramon is Upbeat Geek’s editor and connoisseur of TV, movies, hip-hop, and comic books, crafting content that spans reviews, analyses, and engaging reads in these domains. With a background in digital marketing and UX design, Ryan’s passions extend to exploring new locales, enjoying music, and catching the latest films at the cinema. He’s dedicated to delivering insights and entertainment across the realms he writes about: TV, movies, and comic books.

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