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Weatherproofing Home Projects That Pay Off

ByStan S.

HOME BUYERS – To get the best exclusive listings visit www.vreg.ca and go to “EXCLUSIVE DEALS”

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Extreme weather can wreak havoc on your home and cost you thousands of dollars. That’s why home hardening is a fast-growing trend among homeowners looking to protect their properties and pocketbooks.

Home hardening involves making upgrades that specifically protect against climate and weather disasters. Not all projects are necessary, and some don’t offer a return on your investment when you decide to sell. However, prospective buyers see value in the right upgrades. We asked experts in the climate prep space to offer tips on the renovations that have the most impact and best return on investment.

The Value of Home Hardening Renovations

 “The best weather-resistant home hardening upgrades depend on several factors, including your home’s materials, location, and local weather risks,” says Peter Piotrowski, chief claims officer at Hippo Insurance.

“Hippo’s Extreme Weather Survey found that a strong majority of homeowners surveyed (88%) said they’d pay more for a home with climate-resilient features, with 1 in 5 homeowners saying they’d be willing to pay up to $10,000 more for a home built to withstand extreme weather,” Piotrowski adds.

“Real estate professionals in high-risk areas are already seeing increased interest in properties with impact windows, fire-resistant materials, backup power, and flood mitigation features,” says Lauren Dowling, a senior vice president at World Insurance. “These homes tend to stand out in listings, sell faster, and generate fewer concerns during inspection or insurance review. As climate events continue, demand for resilient homes is only expected to grow.”

Choosing the Right Upgrades for Your Home

With more devastating weather events happening every year, potential home buyers and current homeowners are becoming more interested in ways to protect their property.

“Our 2025 HousePower Report saw an increase in homeowners’ concern for extreme weather preparedness year over year, with 25% reporting it as a top issue in 2023 and 28% in 2024,” Piotrowski says. “This all points to a trend in homeowners valuing more climate-conscious design and a growing desire to ensure that their home and long-term finances are protected.”

Agent Aaron Tetzlaff of Coldwell Banker Warburg said he’s seen firsthand how these upgrades are becoming more important to homeowners, buyers, and insurers alike. “From a real estate perspective, upgrades that are both visible and functional tend to offer the best return,” he says.

Protecting your home while ensuring a return on your investment shouldn’t be a guessing game. There are specific upgrades that show a return based on where you live.

Home Hardening Varies by Geographic Location

“Return on investment is tightly tied to geography. For example, in Florida, storm shutters and reinforced garage doors are practically non-negotiable,” Tetzlaff explains. “Meanwhile, in California, hardened roofs, defensible space, and fire-rated materials directly impact insurability and resale.”

Travel further east, and the game changes again. “As for us on the East Coast in coastal or low-lying areas, flood mitigation upgrades like back-flow preventers or wet flood-proofing are increasingly expected,” Tetzlaff adds.

Where you live determines whether your home-hardening techniques matter to potential buyers. “Buyers are becoming more educated, and often ask about these features before even touring a home,” Tetzlaff says. Your return on investment is directly tied to the buyers’ perceived value.

“When your home is equipped with climate-resilient upgrades that protect it from severe weather in your area, you’re not only better protected, you’re also helping preserve your home’s long-term value,” Piotrowski adds. These upgrades don’t just promise interest from future buyers; they also benefit your wallet in the short term through government rebates and incentives.

Location-Based Financial Incentives

“There are a growing number of financial incentives, depending on location,” Tetzlaff says. “Always check with your local municipality and province for incentives and rebates.”

Check for Home programs that offer retrofitting rebates for wildfire protection. You can also get federal or provincial tax credits for windows, insulation, and Energy Star-certified roofing.

“Homeowners can often recover 10–30% of project costs through these programs, improving ROI considerably,” Tetzlaff says.

5 Home Improvements with the Best ROI

Here are some improvements that experts say see the biggest return when selling.

1. Drainage Improvements

Whether you’re focusing on downspouts or landscaping, improving the drainage around your home is good practice for regular home maintenance and a necessary upgrade for those living in areas where rain is frequent and threats from hurricanes and other storms are regular.

“There are several ways to improve drainage,” says broker Suzanne Weinstein of Coldwell Banker Warburg. “One, keep gutters in good repair and make sure the downspouts carry the water a respectable distance from the home. Two, add a French drain to the periphery of the home, with a connecting drain pipe to carry excess water to the street. Three, if water builds up in the street outside your home during storms, consider asking the city or township to partner with you financially, to add a drain to which you can connect your property’s runoff.”

“Keeping water from collecting on your property will do a lot to maintain its condition and value,” Weinstein adds. “Although none of these will do much in catastrophic circumstances, they can make a huge difference in hurricanes, tropical storms, and downpours.”

Talk to an insurance agent to ask about flood insurance requirements in your area and to find out which flood-resistant home upgrades can help.

Along with landscaping upgrades, Piotrowski suggests looking into upgrades to home systems and your home’s structure to protect against flood damage. “Additional upgrades like installing sump pumps and sealing foundation cracks are important steps to prevent costly damage,” he says. “Water damage is one of the most common and costly issues for homeowners, so it’s important to understand your risks and take steps to prevent them.”

When you make upgrades that mitigate flood risk, you also make it easier for yourself to secure flood insurance. “Many homeowners don’t realize that flood damage isn’t covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy,” says Piotrowski. “Flood insurance can help provide additional financial protection. Although 99% of U.S. counties experience flooding, only a small percentage of homeowners have flood insurance.”

2. Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors

Another key upgrade for those living in hurricane territory is the installation of impact-resistant windows and doors. “They look great, they’re new, they add curb appeal, they boost security, and can lower your insurance,” says broker Bill Kowalczuk of Coldwell Banker Warburg.

The impact on your home value is multi-dimensional. “They protect from storms and improve energy efficiency, noise reduction, and aesthetics,” Tetzlaff adds.

While you’re making improvements in this area, Kowalczuk recommends skipping decorative storm shutters. “They’re called decorative for a reason,” he says. “They don’t actually protect anything.”

3. Fireproof Roofing

States such as California experience catastrophic wildfires each year. You can protect your home from less serious fires by having fireproof roofing and siding added.

“The roof is a critically vulnerable area as it’s the largest and most exposed exterior surface on a home,” says Harry Statter, a wildfire ecologist and the founder of Frontline Wildfire Defense. “A Class A Fire-rated roof is designed to resist ember ignition and radiant heat which dramatically reduces the chance of ignition. A new roof also has a tendency to strengthen resale value.”

Fireproof roofing is only good for ROI if you live in an area regularly threatened by fires. “Particularly in wildfire-prone areas, these upgrades add significant value and are often viewed as essential rather than optional,” Tetzlaff says.

“Clay, metal, or composite shingles are common choices. Just make sure you’re using top-grade materials,” Kowalczuk adds. If you’re interested in protecting against wildfires with methods that work and get you money back, he recommends skipping less effective options such as fire-retardant sprays or coatings.

“On their own, they won’t do much,” Kowalczuk says. “They only work if they’re part of a full system of fire protection. Doing just this is pretty much useless.”

4. Smart Home Upgrades

These days, smart home features are offered on nearly every home appliance and major home system. These improvements include everything from smart thermostats to video doorbells. One particular way to harden your home involves purchasing smart home systems with features that alert you to major problems.

Dowling suggests automatic water shut-off valves and leak detection systems. “Water damage is one of the most frequent and costly insurance claims. These systems catch issues early and can prevent thousands in losses,” she explains.

Central station fire alarms and monitored smoke detectors also offer early detection and ensure a fast response from first-responders, Dowling says, which can reduce fire damage severity dramatically.

Available in smart home and regular options, surge protection systems are ideal in areas prone to electrical problems. “These protect high-value electronics and appliances from costly damage due to lightning or grid failures,” Dowling says.

5. Generators

Severe storms of all kinds lead to power outages, which can be costly at best and dangerous at worst. Whole-home backup generators ensure your food won’t spoil and you’ll maintain use of life-saving medical equipment, all while keeping your devices charged and ready.

“Especially valuable in areas prone to outages, they help maintain climate control, prevent frozen pipes, and keep sump pumps running,” Dowling says.

Like other upgrades on this list, you won’t see much return on your investment if you opt for a generator that is not frequently used. “Some resilience products don’t live up to their marketing,” Tetzlaff says, including generators on that list. Oversized generators or off-grid systems aren’t worth it unless frequent and prolonged outages are common for you, he says.

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    5 Warning Signs Your Light Switches Could Be a Fire Hazard

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    Credit: JGI/Jamie Grill / Getty Images A flickering overhead light doesn’t necessarily mean your electrical wiring is faulty, but it can be a red flag. Sometimes the flickering simply means you need to replace the bulb, but it could also be a sign that your light switches are a fire hazard. To help you watch for the warning signs of faulty electrical wiring, Johnny Sharif, electrical expert at Frontdoor, shares exactly what you should be on the lookout for. The electrical expert shares that any heat and sounds coming from a light switch should raise concern, as should any change in the switch’s normal operation. If you notice any of the main warning signs that Sharif mentions, have your light switches inspected by a professional as soon as possible so they can assess the severity or the issue and help prevent a potential fire hazard. Top 5 Warning Signs to Watch For These are the main warning signs that your light switches are a fire hazard, according to Sharif. If you notice any of these signs in your home, he says it’s best to have the light switch inspected as soon as possible to prevent a potential fire hazard. Discoloration of the light switch Heat coming from the light switch or the surrounding area Unusual sounds such as crackling or buzzing Flickering Any change in the normal operation of the light switch How to Know When There’s a Problem With Electrical Wiring A flickering light bulb may be a sign that your light switch is a fire hazard, but the flickering may also just be the result of a faulty bulb. So how do you know the difference, and how can you tell if there’s a real problem with electrical wiring that can potentially cause a house fire? Sharif says the first thing you should do when you have a flickering light bulb is to replace it in order to rule out a simple bulb issue. If the flickering continues even after you have replaced the light bulb, he says the issue could be a result of faulty wiring. “Signs of faulty wiring may include black marks or charring by the switch, any heat coming from the area, a burning smell or even hearing sizzling or popping sounds coming from the switch,” Sharif says. He explains these issues can suggest loose connections or issues with the wiring and should immediately be addressed and brought to the attention of a professional in order to prevent a fire. What to Do When You Notice These Warning Signs Knowing the warning signs to look for is the first step to preventing a potential fire hazard. However, what should you do if you hear a crackling noise coming from a light switch or suddenly feel heat coming from the switch and the surrounding area? “If you notice any of these warning signs or anything unusual with your electrical system, it’s best to turn off power to the circuit as soon as you can and consult a professional to assess the severity of the issue,” Sharif says. Keep an Eye on Light Switches Light switches may seem like a small and insignificant part of a room, however just like everything else, they do wear out over time. What’s more, many light switches are used multiple times throughout the day and are a high-touch item. Clean them regularly to prevent dirt buildup and discoloration, and keep an eye on them for both safety and aesthetic purposes. Call in an electrical professional if you notice any of the warning signs Sharif mentions, and replace any chipped, scratched, or dirty light switches to maintain a clean and polished space. When replacing a light switch, make sure it matches the color and style of the other light switches and outlet plates in the room to ensure a cohesive look and prevent it from looking distracting. Aesthetically speaking, replacing light switches and outlet plates is a simple and inexpensive way to update a space.

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    Reasons Your Dishwasher Is Clogged and How to Fix It Fast

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    Credit: Volodymyr Bushmelov / Getty Images A clogged dishwasher can result in slow-draining or standing water in the dishwasher tub, foul odors, and dishes that never seem to get fully clean. If these symptoms sound familiar, you likely have a clog, but before you can fix it, you need to locate the clog, which is often the most challenging part of the job. Learn where to look for dishwasher clogs, how to unclog a dishwasher yourself, and when you should call a professional to inspect your appliance and plumbing. How to Clear Common Dishwasher Clogs The appropriate method for unclogging a dishwasher depends on the type of clog you’re dealing with. This list outlines the most common sources of dishwasher clogs and provides instructions on how to clear each type. Before attempting to unclog your dishwasher, disconnect or turn off the power supply to the appliance. 1. Drain Filter Clogs Drain filter clogs are among the most common dishwasher clogs. Most dishwashers have multiple screens and filters with different-sized holes to capture food debris and grime, preventing it from being washed further downstream. However, the dishwasher drain filters should be regularly removed and cleaned to ensure that dirty water can still drain efficiently from the appliance, as they’re prone to clogging. To remove the filter, follow these steps: Remove the dishwasher rack. Remove any standing water. Lift out the upper screen. Lift out the filter. Clean both the filter and the upper screen. Check for any clogs or food debris inside the filter housing. Reinstall the filter, upper screen, and dishwasher rack. 2. Drain Hose Clogs Occasionally, debris can make it past the dishwasher filter, potentially leading to a clogged dishwasher drain hose. This is even more likely to result in a clog if the drain hose is kinked, which is a common occurrence. To check the hose, access it beneath your sink. However, you may need to disconnect the hose and pull the dishwasher out of position to fully assess the hose. If the hose is kinked, redirect it so it flows freely. If you find a clog, disconnect the hose and flush it with hot water until the clog clears. Related 3. Spray Arm Clogs Sometimes, the dishwasher clog can be inside the spray arms. If this is the case, your dishwasher still drains as usual, but you’ll likely notice dirt, debris, or a greasy film on your dishes after the wash cycle because the clogged spray arms aren’t washing and rinsing as intended, leaving the dishes dirty. To clean the spray arms, follow these steps: Remove the spray arms. Most models unclip or twist out of their position. If possible, disassemble the spray arms. Some spray arms can be opened for better access for cleaning the inside. Use a toothpick to clean the small holes. Soak it in a warm water and vinegar solution to loosen up stubborn grime, then rinse until clean. Reassemble and reinstall the spray arm. 4. Garbage Disposal Clogs If you have a garbage disposal, check to ensure it’s not full of food debris, as this can prevent the dishwasher from draining properly, leading you to believe that the dishwasher itself is clogged. How to Clear Deep Clogs If you believe the dishwasher drain is clogged beyond the filter, you can use a drain snake to gently clear the clog. Follow this with a vinegar and baking soda rinse to clear any stuck-on debris. Use 1/4-cup of baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar, to produce a foamy reaction that helps loosen stubborn grime. Once it stops fizzing, rinse off the residue. After clearing the clog, run a dishwasher cycle without any dishes or detergent to clean the interior and flush out the drain. Add a cup of vinegar to the dishwasher to freshen the interior and help clear out the drains. When to Call a Professional If you’ve checked all the common dishwasher clog locations to no avail and your dishwasher is still draining slowly, it may be time to have a professional take a look. Plumbers will be able to rule out any clogged plumbing beyond the dishwasher, while appliance technicians can ensure the dishwasher is working as intended.

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    5 Mistakes Youre Making in Your Backyard That Could Be Raising Your Energy Bill This Summer

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    Between watering the lawn, grilling, and spending more time outside overall, the backyard uses a lot of energy during the hot summer months. While much of the energy consumption is necessary, there are five major pitfalls experts say you can avoid to keep energy bills down. Actions as simple as unplugging string lights when you go in for the night or turning off the grill as soon as you’re done cooking decrease energy use and leave more money in your wallet. Read on to discover five hidden backyard issues that could be driving up your utility bills and expert-approved ways to fix them. Tim Heneveld is the country director for PERGOLUX North America, a pergola and other outdoor products company. Mark Feygin is the founder and CEO of PowerSetter, a digital energy comparison platform. Lou Manfredini is the resident home expert at Ace Hardware. Andy Fox is the filtration and indoor air quality specialist at 3M. 1. Lack of Shaded Areas in the Backyard A pretty pergola is a great way to upgrade your outdoor space, but thanks to the shade it provides, the structure can also lower your energy bills if placed near your home. “When your backyard lacks shade, the sun will beat down on your home’s exterior, and this will raise indoor temperatures, especially through South and West-facing windows,” says Tim Heneveld, country director for PERGOLUX North America. This forces your air conditioning unit to work overtime, which causes spikes in your energy bills. Heneveld recommends strategically incorporating shaded areas, including structures and landscaping, into your backyard for one of the smartest and most underrated ways to cut cooling costs. “If you install structures like a pergola or a retractable awning, you can block intense afternoon sun while still letting in airflow,” he says. 2. Plugged-In and Wired Outdoor Lights Whether it’s wall sconces or string lights, plugged-in and wired outdoor lights can kill your energy bills. “With longer daylight hours and more time spent outdoors, many homeowners run these lights more than they realize, which adds up quickly on the electric bill,” says Mark Feygin, founder and CEO of PowerSetter. He explains this is especially true if the lights use older, inefficient light bulbs or stay on for long periods of time every night. To reduce your energy costs, Feygin recommends switching to solar-powered outdoor lights. “They charge throughout the day using sunlight and require no electricity from your home, meaning they provide ambient lighting at night without increasing your utility bill,” he says. The switch is a simple upgrade that can lead to noticeable savings in the summer. 3. Leaving a Grill Plugged In for Too Long If you fire up the grill regularly over the summer, there’s a good chance it’s making your energy bills higher. Ace Hardware’s home expert, Lou Manfredini, says that if you are using a gas or electric grill, it should generally take 15 to 20 minutes to get it to the right temperature, after which you should do your grilling, then turn the appliance off. “Allowing too much time for warm-ups and forgetting to shut things down can add to your energy bills,” Manfredini warns. 4. Dirty HVAC Unit Cranking up the air conditioning unit is inevitable during the hot summer months, but a dirty HVAC unit could be contributing to excessively high energy bills. “If the small metal fins on the outdoor unit get clogged with dust, grass clippings, or airborne seeds, the overall cooling efficiency of the HVAC system will deteriorate, and the system will consume more energy to provide the same cooling effect,” says Andy Fox, filtration and indoor air quality specialist at 3M. For this reason, Fox stresses the importance of regularly cleaning your outdoor unit. “Consider using a shop vac to remove large debris (if you have access) and then use a hose to wash the remaining debris away after first turning off the electrical power,” Fox says. Additionally, he advises that you change your HVAC filters at least every 90 days for best performance. 5. Overwatering Your Lawn A lush green lawn is the ultimate way to boost your home’s summer curb appeal, but regulating how much water you use is key to preventing high energy bills. Overwatering your grass can lead to a huge water bill, and forgetting to turn off the irrigation system can waste large amounts of water. To avoid using too much water and seeing your utility bills skyrocket, Manfredini recommends adding a water timer that helps get the right amount of water on the lawn and turns off by itself.

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    7 Things in Your Garage You Should Never Throw Away

    ByStan S.

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    Can You Paint the Side of a Neighbors Fence That Faces Your Yard?

    ByStan S.

    Credit: Getty Images / Vitalii Petrushenko Of all the costly outdoor groundskeeping on the to-do list, refreshing a fence might seem like light work. However, if it separates your property from the one next door, updating it with a fresh coat of paint or stain might not be so straightforward. Although changing the part that faces your house is tempting, you must determine who actually owns the fence and whether you have the legal or neighborly right to paint it. Altering a shared fence without permission can lead to legal disputes, homeowner association (HOA) penalties, and unpleasant interactions with neighbors. Luckily, fence ownership debates can be resolved amicably, but there’s an art to negotiating shared costs and exploring alternatives to maintain the peace. Determine Who Owns the Fence Determining who owns a fence that divides two properties isn’t always straightforward. Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO and broker at Echo Fine Properties, says it depends on each state and county’s rules as well as whether you belong to an HOA. A land surveyor or a legal agreement might resolve the issue. Not every fence is positioned exactly along property lines. If the fence is on just one owner’s land, then that owner owns it. What if you hate the way it looks facing your property? “Even if it’s facing your property, it’s no different than a neighbor’s blue house facing your property,” Lichtenstein says. “The side of the house is what you see, and the owner doesn’t usually see it. Still, you can’t paint it whatever color you wish.” Property surveys are often the most reliable way to determine where your land ends and your neighbor’s begins. In neighborhoods without HOA regulations or clear agreements, it’s best to obtain explicit permission before undertaking any action that might alter a structure your neighbor legally owns. If you can’t stand the condition or color of the fence facing your home, then you need to start a delicate negotiation. Related Negotiate with Your Neighbor Zach Peyton, brand president of Superior Fence & Rail, jokingly references the famous Robert Frost line, “Good fences make good neighbors, right?” Wrong. He says that a few considerations make all the difference. There may be cases when ownership can’t be easily established because neither neighbor has the original paperwork or the ability to schedule a property boundary survey. This may happen if neighbors had disputes in the past, if the land is rural or farmland, or if either property is part of an estate sale. In any case, if one neighbor paid for the original fence outright, that generally indicates ownership of the fence. However, if costs are shared or unclear, open and honest communication can help prevent future conflict. Peyton outlines a common scenario: “Mr. Smith wants to replace the fence during a larger backyard renovation, but Mrs. Jones, who technically owns it, doesn’t have the budget for it right now. If Mr. Smith is eager to proceed and has permission from the fence owner, he may opt to take on the full financial burden of replacing the fence. In that case, the new fence would belong to Mr. Smith.” In other words, if your half of the fence bothers, you might have to take on 100% of the responsibility for a fix that serves both you and the neighbor. Who Pays for the Paint Job? Cost-sharing can be a delicate issue. According to Lichtenstein, the simple rule of thumb is: “If you really want something, offer to pay for the entire job.” He explains that this approach usually removes friction, especially if the neighbor isn’t particularly concerned with aesthetics. “They get a benefit out of it, but it doesn’t require them to invest.” On the flip side, painting a fence without permission—even if you foot the bill—can backfire. Plain wooden fences may require a simple DIY coat of paint, but painting wrought iron, lattice, or brick fencing could damage the material irreversibly. Lichtenstein warns that homeowners who alter a fence without consent risk more than just neighborly tension. “You could be fined by the HOA, sued by your neighbor, and have legal penalties and judgments against you,” he says. What starts as a cosmetic improvement could become an expensive legal issue if the fence is ruined or the installation somehow affects your neighbor’s yard or lawn. Best Practices and Fence Alternatives “I tell every homeowner we know to buy their new neighbors a cookie cake and introduce yourself,” Lichtenstein says. While it may sound like a small gesture, taking the time to talk, explain your reasons, and ask questions can go a long way toward maintaining a collaborative approach. If you and your neighbor can’t agree, sometimes the best solution is to leave the fence as is. Create a new kind of boundary. Hedges, tall grasses, and trellises with climbing plants can provide privacy without encroaching on shared structures. “With hedges, it’s more common that you take care of your side and they, theirs,” Lichtenstein says, which can help avoid future fence disputes. If you have outdoor pets to protect, you may need to create other barriers on your side of the property line. Hardscaping or a secondary fence might be a suitable alternative. 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