Houses are expensive; they’re probably the single biggest purchase you will ever make in your life, so it makes sense to take care of them and do what you can to maximise your investment. Fortunately, there are lots of simple things you can do to boost the value of your home that will, mostly, not cost you too much.
Make more space
Homes that are spacious, light and airy tend to be more popular with buyers, so do what you can to make more space. This could mean knocking down walls to create an open-plan living area, or you could even buy a conservatory to add some square footage to your home. Try a big de-clutter challenge over spring. Just half an hour a day can make a huge difference!
Give the Garden Some Attention
The garden is the part of your home that makes the first impression. If it is unkempt, overgrown and generally dishevelled, buyers might just give the place a miss before ever getting inside. Luckily, it doesn’t have to cost much to get your garden looking good again, Mow the lawn, prune the bushes, kill any weeds and perhaps plant some flowers to ensure your garden is inviting rather than off-putting.
See the Light
Light is important. No one wants to live in a dark, dreary property, so if you are looking for a simple way to add value to your home, invest in some good lighting and consider adding more windows if the property will stand for it. Natural lighting is more important than artificial lighting, so windows skylights and the like will add the most value.
Care for and Maintain
When you own a property, if you want it to either keep its value or ideally grow in value, you need to keep on top of repairs and maintenance. As soon as a problem rears its head, whether it be a leaking tap or an overgrowth of weeds, take steps to remedy the situation That way things will not get on top of your, and your home will always be in good condition. Keeping on top of repairs will also stop bigger problems from arising in many cases.
Spruce Up Your Kitchen
The kitchen is usually a big selling point, so do whatever you can to make it stand out and attract potential buyers. If you can afford it, you might consider a full kitchen remodel, depending on the current condition of your home, but if money is tight, simply giving it a new coat of paint can make all the difference.
Upgrade Your Flooring
Floors are important. A shabby looking carpet or scratched floor can put a buyer off in an instant, which is why you should consider spending a modest sum on upgrading your flooring. Solid wood floors are particularly good at adding value because they look and feel expensive, are easy to clean and can be maintained with relative ease.
If you are going to be living in your property for the long term, remember that any changes you make to add value to your home should also add to your quality of life – don’t make changes just because you think they will be useful in the future make them because they will improve things for you too.
