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They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and that may be true, but what would a hearty kitchen be without a highly functional kitchen sink or dishwasher? Even in this room where cooking and eating takes place, excellent plumbing is of paramount importance.
In fact, plumbing can make or break a home—literally. If a home has dilapidated pipes or leaky valves, you may not only be wasting water, but you may also be flushing the value of your home down the toilet—assuming it even works properly.
If you want to increase the value of your home while improving your quality of life, consider these four plumbing improvements recommended by experts in the field.
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Rain or hand showers
For many of us, showering isn't just a superficial way to keep our bodies clean; it's also a way to refresh our minds. A hot shower can quickly turn a bad day around and help us relax. That's why showerheads are so important.
A rain shower head, which – if you’re not familiar with it – is exactly what it sounds like, is a particularly sought-after item for home buyers.
“Rain showers are associated with spa-like luxury and can instantly make a bathroom seem more expensive,” says Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant, adding that handheld showers are also highly sought after because they are convenient and can assist people with physical disabilities or who want to wash their pets at home.
“From a value for money perspective, these two shower heads are among the best you can choose,” said Nally.
It's not clear how much these showerheads can increase your home's value, and probably not significantly, but every little bit helps — and neither is an expensive upgrade. You can get a rainfall showerhead on Amazon for just $30. Also on Amazon, you can get a handheld showerhead for just $17.
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A water heater
Tankless water heaters have been around for over 100 years, but their popularity has only increased recently as homeowners increasingly look for ways to save on their utility bills.
Geno Caccia, CEO of Caccia Plumbing, calls it “a revolution in the efficiency and attractiveness of the home.”
“A Zillow analysis found that homes with tankless water heaters sold 43 days faster and for 4% more than projected value,” Caccia said. “That could mean a $20,000 increase in value for a $500,000 home.”
Tankless water heaters can be expensive, but you'll still save a lot of money if you invest in one. You can get a tankless water heater on Amazon for around $430, but consult a plumber for proper installation and to make sure you get the right unit for your space. A plumber may recommend spending more money on this upgrade to get the maximum benefit.
A water softener
Have you ever heard of a water softener? If not, then pay attention: They're a cool feature and homeowners are increasingly loving them, as much as they hate “hard” water.
“According to the U.S. Geological Survey, about 90% of American homes struggle with hard water,” Caccia said. “That's why I recommend that each of my customers use a water softener. It improves water quality for home use, extends the life of appliances and plumbing, and helps prevent the buildup of minerals in them.”
Caccia added that while there is no exact data on how much value a water softener can add to your home, the benefits are obvious: “Longer-lasting appliances, less maintenance and better water quality. These elements can make your home more attractive to buyers and potentially increase its value.”
A water softener is available at Home Depot for $400.
Re-laying of pipes throughout the house
By far the biggest investment – and the one with the highest return – is replacing all the pipes in the house.
“Because new pipes can last 100 years or more, this is a smart investment,” Caccia said. “It fixes leaks, increases water pressure and gives buyers peace of mind.”
Caccia said replacing all of the plumbing can increase a home's value by 2 to 3 percent. “That can add $10,000 to $15,000 on a $500,000 home,” he said. “Customers appreciate knowing they won't have to deal with potential water damage or plumbing problems too far in the future.”
The cost of replacing entire house plumbing depends on several factors, including the size of your home and the materials used, but according to Reliant Plumbers, replacing the plumbing of an average home can cost between $6,500 and $35,000.
Another good reason to consider re-plumbing your home completely: When you sell your home, the potential buyer's inspector may want to inspect the pipes. Old or leaky pipes could easily cause a seller to back out of the purchase because it's a costly repair. So new pipes will not only increase the value of your home, but they'll also help you avoid a potential problem when you sell.
Pro tip: Keep receipts
An additional tip: If you make any renovations or repairs to your home, keep the receipts. Potential buyers will want to know when and where the plumbing was renovated. This can ultimately ensure you a satisfied buyer and a higher price for your home.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Plumbing Upgrades That Can Increase Your Home Value
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