Your home plays an integral part in your life. It’s where you spend most of your time, and it is a canvas for your personal tastes and style. It can be a financial investment that will help you and your family down the line, too.
Even if you’re not planning on selling your home right now, it pays to invest in your house and add value when possible. For some assistance in that regard, here are five ways to improve the value of your home.
1. Refresh the decoration
When you’re putting your house on the market, it needs to appeal to buyers. While the number of rooms, garden space, and overall size of the house will be among the key selling points, the decoration can also play a big role. A home with a fresh, modern design is going to instantly pop out to those looking through property listings.
Even correcting small, superficial defects can help you achieve a maximum selling price. Here’s a quick list of defects which could scare off buyers:
• Dripping taps
• Peeling paint
• Cracks to plasterwork
The great news is that these issues can easily be resolved by anyone with even modest DIY skills, or the ability to watch YouTube instructional videos.
2. Replace your old windows
If you want to make your home more desirable, you should place a particular focus on your windows. Not only can new windows provide a slice of elegant design, but they can also boost your home’s energy efficiency – an aspect that is particularly enticing for those on the hunt for a new house.
When replacing your windows, you obviously want to go with double glazing. However, you should also consider the frame of the windows. For instance, Canon Double Glazing offers uPVC windows, which are becoming increasingly popular. They avoid rot and other damage that can affect timber windows, and there’s also no corrosion like aluminum windows. The result: uPVC windows will remain the same after years and years of use.
3. A kitchen renovation
There’s a general feeling that the heart of any home is the kitchen. As a result, it makes sense to place a particular emphasis on this area of your house, especially if you’re trying to appeal to homebuyers.
However, before you rip out your current kitchen fittings, take the time to consider its shape and position. Would the kitchen work better if you took out a wall and changed its structure? Perhaps it should be relocated to an entirely different area of the house?
If there are no major structural changes, the good news is that kitchen renovations can often be carried out with a modest investment. Even relatively small alterations such as better lighting and replacing unit doors or worktops can create a huge positive impact.
4. Bathroom updates
Another important area of your house is the bathroom. Even if it’s not a particularly big space, the bathroom still needs to have a fresh and hygienic appearance. You can then think about adding a slice of luxury – the type that will supply value and the wow factor for would-be buyers.
A shower is a given in this day and age. If you go with a more upmarket option, such as a rain shower, this will help make the bathroom stand out. You should pay attention to the flooring, as well. Tiled or vinyl flooring makes the most sense in the bathroom.
However, before you pop this flooring down, explore the possibility of installing underfloor heating. If you’re putting down new flooring anyway, it makes sense to also include a heating element as part of the package. This type of addition is a touch of luxury that can help seal the deal on a potential sale.
5. A garden makeover
Yes, your main focus will typically be on the internal elements of your home. Nevertheless, it’s vital you don’t ignore your garden (if applicable). A well designed front garden helps to give your home instant curb appeal, while the back garden can be an enticing space that acts as the perfect extension of your house.
The great news is that, like other areas of the house, you don’t necessarily have to spend bundles of money to increase the value of your garden. Simply keeping it well-maintained will help, as will planting a vibrant and colorful array of flowers. Having a focal point, such as a patio or fire pit, can also make a big difference.
