Whether you’re planning to sell your home, or simply looking to make some improvements, a key factor to consider when prioritising is where you can add the most value. Although you may not be thinking about selling now, it is wise to know which aspects of a home make them most sellable, and ultimately, this will often help you to narrow down the tasks which need to be done first to make the space enjoyable for you. Here are just a few ways that you can add value to your home:
1. Structural Issues
Structural issues, unfortunately, come at the pricier end of the scale for home improvements, particularly if there are problems with the roof or foundations. However, these are often the most important and will cement the future of your home. These issues should be addressed before any cosmetic changes such as redecorating, as they can add more value. Although you may be able to hide the issues, you’ll always know that they are there and any home survey will identify these problems to future buyers. It is worth calling in a specialist building surveyor to take a look at structural issues who will be able to provide you with a quote to find out the exact extent of the issue.
2. Windows and Doors
If your home is currently not very energy efficient, then something to look into replacing is the windows and doors. If you do not currently have double-glazing, then this is indeed a wise investment to make. They can not only cut down your energy bills, but they are also much more secure, providing a high level of safety in the home. Replacing the windows can often add a great level of value to your home – as well as making it more aesthetically appealing and modern.
3. Re-vamp the Kitchen
The kitchen is often noted as being the ‘heart of the home’, and it is a feature that buyers will often prioritise, so why not give your kitchen a fresh new look? Units can be bought in a range of budgets to suit every style and will make a massive difference to the look and feel of the home overall. You should always buy the best kitchen that you can afford from a reputable retailer, as these will likely stand the test of time and not age quickly. Broken or out-dated kitchens should be a thing of the past, and if your appliances are also old, then you could be wasting a lot of money on energy costs. Newer appliances can come with high-energy efficiency ratings as well as many other desirable features. Research has shown that a modern kitchen can increase the value of your home by up to 10%.
4. Give the Living Room a New Lease of Life
The living room is another key feature within the home. You should try to create a warm, welcoming social space. Try to adopt a neutral colour scheme for the walls with a feature colour to bring the room to life. Take a look at “how to hygge your home” for some tips on creating a space of ultimate comfort with furnishings. Having a feature wall has been a big trend over the last few years, whether you choose a statement wallpaper or a modern electric fire, this will bring the décor of the room together and give it a fantastic finish.
4. Look into Extensions/Conversions
A fantastic way to add value to your home is through extensions and conversions. If you have any spare rooms in the home e.g. the loft or have plenty of garden space where you could expand, then you should certainly make the most of the area. You could use the space as an office, a conservatory, a spare room, or simply make one of the existing rooms more spacious and enjoyable. Maybe you could benefit from the addition of an en-suite bathroom, or need a dedicated space for your hobbies; these are all avenues worth exploring.
5. Paint the Exterior
First impressions really do count, and if the exterior of your home looks worn out, then it doesn't make the best impact. Cleaning the outside of the windows and giving the exterior walls a fresh coat of paint may bring a whole new lease of life to your home. You can choose to do this yourself, however, getting a painter and decorator to complete the project will likely give it a more professional and finished look.
6. Have Your Home Professionally Cleaned
Whether for the benefit of yourselves or for potential homebuyers, having your home professionally cleaned on occasion can make a massive difference. If your carpets are a little discoloured or there are rooms in need of a deep clean, then a professional service may be just what you need to save you splashing out on new furnishings.
7. Utilise the Space
De-cluttering and finding smart storage solutions can help you to make the most of your space and can also make it look and feel bigger. If there are items in your home that you’ve not used for more than six months, ask yourself “am I ever going to use it again?” If the answer is no, then it’s time to go. The better your storage solutions and the less clutter you have, the easier it will be to keep your home clean and tidy. If you are thinking of selling, get rid of all of your unnecessary things and re-evaluate your space as you may find that you just needed to make better use of the space you already have.