I read recently a blog from a home inspector who was discussing the decisions some home owners make about putting in granite counter tops rather than properly insulating their home. His argument was that people are not particularly drawn to a high efficiency heating and cooling system. They would rather see a beautifully done kitchen. Why? Because kitchens and bathrooms sell homes! People are so drawn in with kitchens that they will overlook insulation issues if the kitchen is pretty. It is a cold hard fact. I live in an old row house built in 1910 with no sub floor and no insulation. When I say I have no insulation in my house, truly there is none to be found. None in the walls and non in the ceiling the only insulation you will find is the newspaper I stuff into my clothing to keep warm during the winter months.
I have lived there for three years and I have a running list of things to fix. Do you know what’s at the top of my list to do? No, not my energy problem, my kitchen problem. Granted I can argue my kitchen does not in fact function properly, the drawers are all broken, the cabinets don’t close or open, and the storage space is limited. I’m always looking for creative ways to decorate my kitchen with food because after the first couple of bags of food there isn’t any more room. Not only am I disgruntled with my kitchen but now when I think about it I’m freezing and annoyed! I see my curtains move from the air that circulates in through the cracks but if I just had new counter tops the cold wouldn’t bother me. Winter is only a season but a kitchen is used daily. What if I did fix my energy issue wouldn’t I save money to put into my kitchen? I have to agree with the home inspector, insulation just isn’t as sexy as granite counter tops. There just isn’t two ways about it. Maybe it’s my northern blood talking but I think I can handle one more winter for a new kitchen. I will be freezing in my new kitchen but happy. My old house is cold and creaky but it’s charming.
What would you do first? Kitchen or insulate?
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I agree Christy! I’d rather have a beautiful home that’s cold (or hot in our case) rather than pay for something I can’t see. That’s what blankets and fans are for!
Exactly!