Here’s The Way For Realtors To Sell The Value Of Green Retrofits
“These before-and-after photos show how health-and-safety measures added the majority of a projected $200K increase in market value of this home.”
In 2025, the National Association of REALTORS® survey of the top drivers of projects that increase home value are still the usual suspects: kitchen upgrades, new roofing, bathroom renovations, and a fresh coat of paint.
It’s no surprise — these are the projects buyers can see. However, what realtors overlook is that the majority of today’s green retrofit dollars are not just being spent on air sealing and insulation — they’re being spent on making homes safe, healthy, and durable again - things that add tremendous value to a home. For older homes especially, green retrofit investments start with essentials: radon mitigation, electrical rewiring, insulation, ventilation, moisture control, and heating renewal. These “invisible” upgrades don’t show up in glossy listing photos, yet they determine how a home performs, how long it lasts, and how livable it is.
✳️ What Our Numbers Really Show — Health and Safety Drive The Retrofit
In the Green Home Club’s first supervised project (shown in the before-and-after photos above), over half of the $153,000 investment (≈52%) was devoted to essential health, safety, and structural renewal. These are the upgrades that rarely make a “Top 5 REALTOR® Projects” list, yet they’re what give a home its real long-term value.
Key Improvements (investment = 153K) For A Historic, 1916 St Paul Home
Health & Safety Renewal ($78 K ≈ 52 %)
Basement demolition and asbestos abatement
New concrete slab, vapor barrier, drainage, and radon system
Knob-and-Tube removal + full electrical rewire
Plumbing and insulation upgrades
Gutter repair and exterior moisture control
Structural framing, Insofast wall insulation system, and sound insulation
Mechanical & Air-Quality Upgrades ($46 K ≈ 31 %)
New hydronic piping including in-floor heat
Two new glass block windows + new insulated exterior door
Energy-efficient heat-pump dryer
Finishes & Comfort ($29.5 K ≈ 19 %)
Manufactured hardwood flooring, drywall, and paint
Trim, pocket-door wall, and custom finish carpentry
Design, project management, and waste removal
🏗️ Results
This project transformed the basement and part of the first floor of a into a fully conditioned, code-compliant, healthy living space.
All major mechanical, electrical, and structural systems were renewed to 2025 standards, resulting in a projected, unofficial Home Energy Score increase from 3 → 7 and an estimated 40% reduction in energy use. Next steps include adding an EV charger and an air-to-water heat pump for ~80% of the heating and 100% of the cooling — moving toward a near-net-zero home.
Possible Value Impact
800 ft² of new conditioned living space+ ≈ $200 K
Structural / health risk removal+ $25 – 40 K
Modern HVAC + ERV + insulation+ $15 – 25 K
Exterior improvements (door, windows, gutters)+ $10 K
Total uplift potential≈ $200 – 250 K
Sample Highlights Realtors Could Use For MLS / Showings
“2025-standard mechanicals and envelope – completely renewed infrastructure.”
“Lower level now full living area – quiet, dry, and temperature-balanced year-round.”
“ERV fresh-air system and high-efficiency boiler provide superior comfort and air quality.”
“Ready for easy addition of legal bedroom or guest suite (with egress in place).”
“All major systems new: wiring, plumbing, insulation, and concrete foundation floor.”
Documentation Available
Itemized cost and trade list
Permits & inspection sign-offs
Before/after photos of mechanicals and envelope
Energy-score improvement summary
