By Art Gib

Not as many people in America are trying to sell their homes right now since the real estate market bottomed out; instead, homeowners are doing everything they can to help make their houses more livable and increase their values for when the market goes up again. Here are five great investments that will help improve the quality of life while you live in your house and help it to sell more easily when the time comes.

1. Put on a new roof

If your roof is more than 30 years old, it”s probably time to look into replacing it. There is a huge variety of materials to choose from, of course, so make sure to select shingles or tiles that fit both the style of your home and the neighborhood. Most people choose asphalt shingles since they are both cost-effective and universally acknowledged as durable and versatile materials. To determine if you need a new roof, check the attic and see if there is leakage or other signs of deterioration. Take a critical look at your home from the street: does the roof look ragged? Does it have loose shingles or mildew? Although a new roof may seem like a big investment, it will pay off in the long term.

2. Add a patio or deck

Outside living spaces are sure-fire positive features when it comes to attracting potential buyers. If you”ve been living without accommodations for barbecuing and other kinds of outdoor entertaining, perhaps it”s time to look into your options. Today”s decks can be constructed from weatherproof materials that last a lifetime with very little to no ongoing maintenance. When you go to sell, put out great pots of flowers to make it look really homey.

3. Have replacement windows installed

Today”s energy-conscious consumers are always looking for ways to cut down on consumption and lower their bills in the process; installing replacement windows is a great way to accomplish both goals. Most older homes have single-paned windows that do not have energy-efficient casings. Aluminum conducts both heat and cold and acts as a temperature transfer conduit from outside to inside and vice versa. Today”s new windows are double-paned for extra insulation and are virtually sound-proof. The casings can be made from wood, vinyl, or fiberglass composite, none of which transfer hot or cold air. You will immediately see a difference in your heating and cooling bills, and when you go to sell your home the new windows will be a real selling point.

About The Author

WoodburySupply (http://www.woodburysupply.com/) has provided products and services to our construction, architectural and interior design, onnecticut replacement windows. Art Gib is a freelance writer.