The shaky housing market doesn't have to derail your home improvement plans – but you may want to rethink them a bit. While an expensive gourmet kitchen and spa-like master bath may have added to your home's resale value a few years ago, today's buyers may be more attracted to energy-efficient appliances and low-flow toilets. Even if you don't plan to sell any time soon, these home improvement projects can help you reduce energy bills and improve your quality of life.

Landscape. Planting hardy trees and bushes around the foundation of the house can help keep heating and cooling costs down while adding to your home's curb appeal.

Install Energy Star^® windows. Depending on the climate where you live, Energy Star-certified windows could save you hundreds in annual
heating costs.

Use eco-friendly materials. Cork can be less expensive than tile or wood flooring, plus it insulates well, won't rot if it gets wet and won't absorb dust. Bamboo countertops are hard and dense, which makes them surprisingly durable.

Think efficiency. A water-saving toilet uses half the water of a traditional model. Replacing standard light bulbs with LED (light-emitting diode) lighting systems can help reduce your electric bill. Installing an on-demand water heater means you'll never run out of hot water, and you'll eliminate the constant flow of energy necessary for a conventional type.

Start Today!
A home equity loan or line of credit from Chaco Credit Union can help you put your home improvement plans into action. Call or stop by today to get started!