Whether you’re looking to sell your home or wanting to give it a new lease of life so you can continue to enjoy it without having to move, here are some ideas that will instantly add value to your property.
#1 Curb Appeal
This is one of the simplest and cheapest ways of instantly transforming a tired-looking property into something to be proud of. Easy fixes such as a tidy, well-kept lawn, some attractive shrubs and a clean, clutter-free walkway are important steps that will immediately create a great first impression.
If you don’t know where to begin, think about hiring a local landscaper or gardener to help you. It could be well worth the investment particularly if you’re thinking of selling up. Many buyers make their decisions on a property in the first few seconds of seeing the condition of the frontage.
#2 Doors and Windows
You’ll be amazed at how you can totally transform the appearance and feel of your home with new internal doors and windows. Not only do new windows look better, they will improve energy efficiency and can add almost $9000 onto the value of your property. While new internal doors may not add much to the value, they will improve the overall décor, create a fresher feel and depending on style, might even serve to open up the layout flow to give the impression of greater space.
#3 Beautiful Bathroom
Bathrooms can be a real deal breaker so it pays to have an overhaul if your bathroom has seen better days. If you’re updating one then it will also make sense to update them all to add even more value to your property. Bathrooms have become places of luxury in recent years and not just places to complete your ablutions. Sit down and plan what you can afford to add little touches of luxury to your bathrooms. Think about redecorating with light colors, a fancy bath screen, stunning mirrors, elegant lighting or a freestanding tub.
#4 Attic or Basement Conversion
This is one of the more expensive renovation projects but can dramatically increase the value of your home. If you have an attic or basement, the easiest way to gain an extra bedroom, bathroom or games room is to convert this unused space. Whatever you spend on an attic conversion you could double that amount in value added to the property. You’ll add light and space, perfect for growing families when space is at a premium. You may also want to consider adding a bathroom to an attic or basement if you’re converting it to a living space.
#5 Update the Kitchen
A good-looking, modern kitchen is essential when improving your home. Most kitchens can be transformed without spending a fortune, if the foundations are in good condition then it may just be a case of replacing cupboard doors and worktops. You can change the layout, add new handles and update the sink and faucets. Flooring can be installed which will make the space look modern and hygienic and new lighting configurations with halogen bulbs will light up the room in clean hues, perfect for kitchen areas.
#6 Remodel the Space
Adding space like an attic conversion is an expensive option but if you have a more conservative budget then think about remodelling your existing space to be more effective. Improving the flow of heavily lived in areas such as kitchens, living and dining rooms will also increase value. Draw a floorplan and see what can be achieved by adding or removing internal walls. Think about whether the home needs formal corridors or hallways or whether open plan living might feel fresher and more contemporary. Having less but bigger, airier rooms could be the way forward for adding value to your property.
#7 Sunroom and Decking
Adding a sunroom onto a social area like a kitchen or dining room is a great, economical way to increase the square footage of your home. Buyers will be looking for a good flow between indoor space and outdoor living so a sunroom is an ideal solution for more family living space. Outside decking is another cost-saving installation that buyers will appreciate. Using good quality materials and creating an interesting shape with attractive features will go a long way to adding value to the home. Smart, well-designed outdoor living is just as important as a well-designed interior.
#8 Add Bi Fold Doors
Bi Fold doors are undoubtedly one of the easiest and quickest ways to transform a space in your home that looks relatively small to one that appears much larger. They can change how you use a room, brighten up dark spaces and create an attractive gateway from the inside to outside. This ease of access to your outdoor area is a huge lure for potential buyers who will be looking for a home that they can easily entertain in.
Source: roof-maker.co.uk
#9 Invest in Heated Flooring
Trust us; nothing adds the ‘wow’ factor quite as much as heated flooring. After all, what’s worse than coming out of the shower and stepping onto a cold floor? From a buyer’s point of view, heated flooring is seen as a huge asset, particularly in properties with high ceilings as it will heat from the floor upwards rather than the other way around as radiators do. Quick fact – heated flooring was actually invented by the Romans to keep their villas warm.
#10 Build a Conservatory or Orangery
When people think about home renovations, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the addition of a conservatory or orangery. Of course, any type of extension will add value to your property and depending on your budget and space constraints, you can choose to make it as small or as large as you’d like. Not only will an extension such as this add more living space to your home, but it will also bring in some much-needed light, which is always a bonus.
Source: crsmith.co.uk
#11 Give it a Fresh Lick of Paint
Never underestimate just how far a fresh lick of paint can go, both inside and out. You’ll want to make sure your home has enough curb appeal for potential buyers to want to come inside and see more, so don’t be afraid to update your exterior with colors that complement the architectural structure of your house. Inside, you should opt for neutral colors that will be able to accommodate any type of interior design. Remember that you can always add color to neutral walls with soft furnishings and quirky furniture.
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#12 A Unique Front Door
As we’ve said before, curb appeal matters, so why not change your drab front door to something a little more unique? A colorful front door will always stand out but if you want to keep it more low-key, opt for a new letter box, a new doorknob, and even a smart looking house number. You’ll be surprised by how much a simple update such as this can make your home appear more attractive and thus, more valuable.
#13 Add Mirrors
Hanging mirrors in smaller spaces, such as hallways, will magically transform it into an area that appears much bigger. This is also a useful tip for spaces that appear to be ‘wasted’ such as nooks or alcoves that will defy seemingly any type of decorating. If you don’t want to hang a mirror, simply lean one against the wall to add a sense of architectural interest. It’s also possible to create the illusion of infinite space by placing mirrors on facing walls. Magic!
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#14 Add More Storage Space
When we talk about storage space in this sense, we’re not talking about adding an expensive extension onto your home. Instead, spend time figuring out how you can make use of the areas you already have. For example, you might want to transform wasted space under the stairs into a cozy reading nook or even add some tidy shelving units into an alcove where you can showcase your trinkets, rather than allowing them to clutter other areas.
Source: hgtvhome.sndimg.com
#15 Keep it Clean
OK, so this tip might be a no-brainer, but with all of the refurbishment that might be going on in your home, you might have forgotten just how vital it is to keep your abode clean. This is easily one of the cheapest things to do on our list and can provide instant results. When it comes to how much value this can add to your home, it all depends on how much cleaning is done. If you don’t want to invest your elbow grease, hire a professional to do the job right.
#16 Hire a Home Inspector
Some say that buying a home without investing in a home inspector is like buying a car without taking it for a test drive. A home inspector will assess your property for anything that might be wrong, including health and safety hazards and anything that might need specialized attention. Professional fees vary but usually cost less than $1,000. Proving that you have hired a home inspector will be a bonus for potential buyers as they know they can tick this off their to-do list before they move in.
#17 Update Services
You might be spending a lot of time updating how your home looks, but have you considered how your home runs? It’s usually worth investing in a professional electrician or plumber to test the services in your home to make sure everything is running smoothly and if a problem is found, it’s definitely worth getting it fixed. Most professionals will provide you with a certificate to prove you have had a recent inspection and if your home is ticking away nicely, it’s more likely to be sold.
Source: 5blog.org
#18 Add a Memorable Feature
A memorable feature could be anything from a spiral staircase to a garden pond. If your house is up for sale, you’ll want something that will stand out to potential buyers so that they will remember your property out of the insurmountable list of those they’ve seen. Not only will something like a garden pond be memorable, but it will improve the aesthetics of your home and thus add some much-needed value.
Source: howtotakecareofgoldfish.com
#19 Create a Driveway
Off-street parking is particularly popular in urban areas where street parking is restricted. Typically, a driveway will add a 5-10% increase in value to your property and even if you’re not selling, it will add both a practical element and aesthetic appeal. What’s more, thanks to new products such as decorative stones or block paving, many driveways require little maintenance. It means that once yours has been laid, you won’t have to keep on top of it other than an occasional jet wash or sweep of the leaves.
Source: readymixcorp.com
#20 Add an Extra Restroom
You’d be surprised by how much an extra restroom can make you climb further up the property ladder. It can increase the value of your home by as much as 5%, especially if you opt for an en suite. These days, home owners and home buyers are looking for two things: comfort and simplicity, and an extra bathroom that is modern, clean and convenient will be an incredibly worthwhile investment when it comes to selling up.
Source: hgtvhome.sndimg.com
#21 Apply for Planning Permission
Applying for planning permission to buy adjoining land will both enhance amenity (such as the creation of a garden or a driveway) and allow for further home extensions. This is relevant even if the work you have planned is not carried out, as it means that you will be giving future buyers the option to create their own extension – a huge benefit for those who want to make their own mark on a new home.
#22 Let in Light
The value of natural light is something that you should never take for granted, as it will give the feeling of more space. Many people choose natural light as one of the must-have features in their home, which is probably why many people prefer open plan spaces. To add light, you don’t necessarily have to add more windows. Opt for lighter curtains or shutters, repaint the walls a lighter color and add mirrors to reflect the light of the sun.
Source: dezeen.com
#23 Go Green
Solar panels can add value to your home in a few different ways. First and foremost, they will decrease the cost of your electricity bills. Plus, they’ll increase the energy performance of your home, sometimes by at least two grades. These benefits will pass directly to the new owner of your home, who will see both of these things as attractive long-term assets. For this reason, it’s probably not worth selling your house until 10 to 15 years after the solar panels have been installed.
Source: hubspot.net
#24 Fix any Maintenance Problems
Maintenance problems in the home are common. For example, it’s likely that you’ve got a chip in the counter, a stain on the carpet or an area of flaky paint on the wall. Whatever your home imperfections are, it’s important to care for them before they turn into bigger issues that might lead to a decrease in the value of your property. Remember that the larger the issue becomes, the more it’ll cost you to fix it.
Source: cchomemaintenance.co.uk
#25 Create an Open Plan Living Space
House owners and house hunters alike are looking for useable spaces, so an open plan kitchen and dining room is becoming a must-have. This type of renovation can add as much as 6% in value, particularly when paired with new kitchen countertops, flooring, and fittings. Open plan areas create a more relaxed environment for the family, as well as providing a space where you can entertain. Adding Bi Fold doors into the space will be a bonus for families who need some quiet time.
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#26 Fit New Taps
Something as simple as updating your taps will show that you have thought about the finishing touches, while also adding some extra pennies to the value of your home. We all know that taps can begin to look worn and lose their initial shine and, although it may seem minor, this can deter prospective buyers. Keep it stylish yet practical in your kitchen, but why not go for a unique tap in your bathroom that will stand as a talking point with your guests?
#27 Opt for Period Features
For many, period features such as fireplaces might seem outdated, but they can also add a great amount of value to your home. Depending on your interior aesthetic, an original fireplace, a stained glass window or an iron bath will add elegance to a room and perhaps thousands of dollars to the property’s overall value. Make sure you find period features from respectable sources, and always find out if an item needs to be repaired before you buy it.
#28 Declutter
Much like keeping on top of the cleaning, making sure that your home is free from clutter will make a huge difference to its overall value. If your house is filled with things that you no longer need, have a yard sale to make some extra cash to put towards your refurbishment. When it comes to prospective buyers, allowing them to walk into a home that’s completely clutter-free will give them the opportunity to imagine how their own things will look in the space.
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#29 Improve Flooring
Upgrading existing flooring is one of the most popular home improvements because it can add sudden eye appeal to any room. Removing and restoring solid wood floors is usually the most profitable investment because the appeal of real wood is still very prominent today. Wood floors are timeless and can complement virtually any style of home interior. Alternatively, you could go for a laminate floor that can mimic the appearance of real wood and often costs a lot less.
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