From Eveningsnews.com
The Sky's The Limit For Boosting A Home's Value
By
Nov 3, 2005, 20:01
(NAPSI)-It's always been one of the more envy-provoking features of any home. But now, with real-estate prices on everyone's mind-whether you're thinking of cashing in by selling or just looking to one-up the neighbors-skylights are becoming an increasingly popular addition.
According to one national mortgage company, owning a home "suffused with light" can "substantially increase" its resale value. And when that light is coming from a skylight-not just regular windows-it makes a dramatic difference in the look and feel of the home overall.
Traditionally, kitchens and baths have been popular and profitable rooms to update with skylights. The lights can be an easy way to add the feeling of space and openness to a room that may otherwise feel small. Plus, analysts say kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects consistently return the most in resale value and "almost always" help sell a house.
However, skylights aren't just limited to kitchens and baths. Today's homeowners are using the lights throughout the house-either to enhance an already open floor design or to add warmth and style to a room or area. The lights are now used in family rooms, hallways, laundry rooms, home offices and even walk-in closets.
If you're considering having a skylight installed, it's important to review a few facts. For energy cost savings, find out a skylight's U-factor before purchasing it. The U-factor has to do with how much heat a light lets into a house and lets escape from a house. It's also important to consider what type of material is used to let the light in, and how the skylight opening will be flashed (or sealed).
GAF Materials Corporation, the largest roofing manufacturer in the U.S., offers a DVD about its HeavenScape Skylights. The skylights have a number of features homeowners tend to look for. For information about the skylights or the DVD, call 1-800-766-3411 or visit www.gaf.com.
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