Not a lot of people think about the value of their homes on a day-to-day basis. It is only when we decide to sell, that we actually stop and try to determine the amount of money we stand to obtain. However, there are numerous ways in which the value of a home can be increased ranging from simple projects, like repainting, to much bigger ones, such as changing the pipes or even turning your basement/attic into a functional room.
So, if you’ve decided to sell, but are unsure how you can maximize the value of your home, read on as we’ve put together a list of some tips and ideas that can help steer you in the right direction. Let’s begin.
Start with big projects
Starting off with bigger projects is the logical way to go. Here, you’ll usually have to demolish and rebuild if you want to get the best results. Therefore, thoroughly inspect your pipes and electrical system and make sure everything is functioning as it should be. If it’s not, call in the experts to help you get everything in peak condition.
Also, if you have enough time and resources, try to turn your basement or attic into a functional living space. Adding another room to a house is never a bad idea, but keep in mind that it would be best if you turn one of these spaces into a room and keep the function of the other one (additional storage space) intact.
Finally, replace your windows and doors with greener alternatives (double glazed, aluminum) because eco-friendly features are very desirable in the current market. Once all the hard work is done, you can move on to improving the aesthetics of your home.
Improve your curb appeal
The next thing you should take care of is your curb appeal. Don’t forget that the majority of buyers base their impression of the house they’re inspecting on its curb appeal, and most of them don’t have the time to imagine what it could look like, but rather want to see the final product. So, inspect your house and yard from the outside and see if you can do anything to boost their appeal.
The house itself should look well-maintained, your windows should be clean and everything that doesn’t look like it’s freshly painted should be treated with a fresh coat of paint. Also, you could cover your facade with interesting composite panelsthat will not only boost your home’s overall appeal, but they will act as additional insulation which will reduce the new owner’s bills in the long run.
Lastly, make sure you water your plants, and mow and water your lawn on a regular basis. A neglected lawn will never work in your favor, so keep it beautiful, green and well-maintained. Also, inspect your driveway and paths and see if they require any repairs.
Clean and declutter
Only a clean home is a beautiful home; never forget that. So, rid your yard of any debris (fallen leaves, branches, etc.) and be aware that this is not a “one-time” job. Also, make sure that the inside of your home is spotlessand get rid of all the clutter, to allow your home to shine in all its glory.
Additionally, lift the blinds and move the curtains when potential buyers come to inspect the property, always make your bed, put the toilet seat (and lid) down, mop all the water from your bathroom floor, make sure there are no dirty dishes in your kitchen (or anywhere else in the house), and rid everything of dust. If you have pets, clean all the furniture of their fur and maybe even make sure that they are not in the house during the visit. Finally, make your home smell nice with air fresheners because it will only boost the feeling of cleanliness. Some of the popular smells are lavender, lemongrass and, the all-time favorite, freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies. The last one, apart from smelling magical, will increase the warmth and coziness of your home, and it will instantly make your visitors feel welcome.
The above-mentioned tips do not make a complete list of things you should do to increase the value of your home on the market, but they are an excellent starting point. To make things easier, you can always imagine what you would like to find in a home you are planning on buying and then remodel and redecorate your home accordingly.