The popular phrases ‘home is where the heart is’ and ‘home sweet home’ spring to mind when it comes to improvements in your property. You should aim to improve your home so that it caters to your needs, and becomes somewhere that you enjoy going back to after a long day at work.
Not only do improvements make your quality of life much nicer, but homes with regular improvements also become a sure thing when it comes to putting your house on the market. Since the recession, not many people want to buy homes that are out of date and will be costly to refurbish and improve – so the less that potential buyers need to do to the property, the better. Here we have picked out the five most beneficial home improvements to give your home that added value.
Paint
It may seem basic, but paint is the easiest and cheapest way to freshen up your home. Not only should you do the obvious and paint the walls in your house, but also be sure to tackle the areas that are easily forgotten, such as the doors and skirting boards. Also, don’t neglect the exterior and garden area of your home. Garden sheds, decking, fences, trim and siding also look newer and brighter when they’re given a fresh lick of paint.
Neutral colours such as creams and browns generally make the home look brighter and cleaner, but don’t be afraid to be bold and use brighter colours which are emerging more recently as popular and recommended by interior designers.
Bathrooms
A home without enough bathrooms, or with ones that are old and dingy will drop in price. A bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the home, and adding or updating them will increase the value of your home hugely.
Why not start with improving the floor? Ceramic tile floors are the most efficient and popular flooring for the bathroom as they handle water much better than wooden floorboards, carpet or linoleum, and are easy to dry. Electric power showers are another popular feature for those with bigger families, and who don’t have the time each morning to run a bath. Perhaps even give the room more storage, or add heated flooring or ‘his and hers sinks?
Although updating the bathroom may be pricey, the majority of this will eventually be reimbursed to you if you ever sell your home, as it will add a lot of extra value to the price.
Kitchen
The kitchen is usually one of the most popular rooms in the house. If it is big enough, then it’s the place that you prepare food and eat in, and also host friends and family when they come to visit. Therefore, an up-to-date kitchen is essential in adding value to your home. When putting your property on the market, a renovated kitchen adds extra value to the price of the house and so homeowners usually make back most of their money invested when updating their kitchen.
Things to ensure are that your kitchen has plenty of cupboard and counter space to store and prepare food, as well as stainless steel appliances, an oven in good condition, and even consider an island counter if your kitchen has the space.
Home Exterior
The first thing a prospective buyer or guest sees is the front of your home, and overgrown lawns, a shabby driveway, dying plants, and a battered front door will devalue your home massively. Why not nip to the nearest garden centre and get some flowers and plants for outside? Don’t forget to add some weed killer, mow your lawn and have your drive and path repaved if needed. Add a new coat of paint to your front door and garage and your house value will improve instantly, and at a low cost!
Open Plan
Dark and dingy small rooms will do nothing but decrease the value of your home. Where possible, knock down some walls to make rooms more open plan, for example in the kitchen and dining room, or living room and dining room. Bigger rooms give your home a more airy and open feel, and increase value in your house. If it’s not possible to make rooms open plan, paint the walls a neutral colour to make the room seem bigger and make sure that there are plenty of lamps and bright lights to open the room up more.
House Price Valuations
When you feel as though you have made the necessary home improvements, the best way to see how much value you have added to your home is to have your house valued. Call your local estate agent, or have a look at online property valuation sites (such as Property Price Advice and you’ll find many variations in price. Some organisations offer free house price valuations, and when selling your home, house price valuations are important to guarantee you’re getting the best deal possible.
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