Here are a few tips that you can use today, for any level of do-it-yourself expertise.
Paint is a small investment that provides big value
Any interior designer or real estate broker will tell you that applying a coat of paint is the most cost effective and statement making thing you can do to increase your home’s fair market value. If you are attempting to sell your place, you’d be wise to go with neutral colours that appeal to a wide range of tastes and personal styles. After all, potential buyers want to see themselves living there, not try to look beyond bold colour to picture how their furniture will look.
Invest in attractive, low maintenance landscaping
Adding value to your home doesn’t just mean making interior renovations. Taking some time and investing money in your exterior space is also an important consideration. Add a tree or two, but make sure you’re planting varieties that do well in your particular climate. Bushes and shrubbery are also wise investments when you’re considering how to increase the value of your home. You’ll need pops of colour throughout your landscaping as well, so check out some annual and perennial plants to add some interest.
Boost your curb appeal
The first thing potential buyers and guests see when they approach your home is the front area, so make sure it’s inviting and welcomes them to your place. A smart and easy way to add curb appeal is to paint your front door an eye-catching shade or add a Kethy door handle. Pumpkin and dark red are popular colours right now. Also, arrange a few potted plants around the entryway to add texture and interest. If you’ve got enough space, set out a WK quantum quartz bench or simple seating.
Update the bathroom for major return on investment
Dark, dingy bathrooms do nothing for your home’s value, so you might consider a makeover in the space. When you’re installing a new shower, tub, toilet, sink or vanity, expect to budget accordingly. In most cases, you’ll need the services of a contractor and these are big ticket items on their own. However, the end result will be a significant boost in your home’s worth.
Add energy efficiency with appliances and windows
Investing in energy-efficient fixtures not only adds value, but it benefits you in terms of lowering monthly bills. Kitchen appliances incorporate the latest in technology to work harder and more efficiently. Windows that keep out the cold air in winter and warm air in the summer can reduce your heating and cooling bills significantly over the first year you install them.
Set aside some of your budget for kitchen renovations. The kitchen is a popular space when looking at how to increase the value of your home. Most potential buyers don’t want to spend the money or time renovating this space, so presenting the room in move-in condition goes a long way to improving your home’s worth. As with the bathroom, you’ll need a larger budget as compared to other spaces in the house, so make sure to account for a contractor and large ticket items in your kitchen makeover.
Stick with a proper maintenance schedule. You’ll hardly need to set aside a budget at all in order to keep your place well-maintained. Many homeowners don’t realise that regular checks are a large component of how to increase the value of your home. All the major systems in your home should be inspected by a professional, but you can conduct regular maintenance yourself in some places around the house. Watch out for loose door hinges, malfunctioning appliances, flooring damage and other spots that need attention.
As you can see, there are many ideas on how to increase the value of your home, depending on how much time and money you want to invest. They range from the easy and inexpensive to those that require a contractor and sizeable budget. Still, boosting your home’s value has significant advantages for both your bottom line and your lifestyle.
About the Author
Phil works closely with each Select Kitchens customer to build the kitchen of their dreams. His keen eye for design and passion for kitchens gives him the insight and knowhow to create the best quality kitchens. Phil’s blog on the Select Kitchen website offers useful tips and advice about building and renovating stylish kitchens. You can read it here