When you own your home, you are likely to make improvements over the years that will make it more aesthetically pleasing for you and your family, but which might also increase the value of the property. If you have no plans to sell thehouse, then its value is not really an issue but if you plan to up- or downsize in the future, the price you get for your home will become important. And making improvements that will add long-term value can definitely be worth considering. But what can you do that will make your life better, but which will also appeal to potential buyers in the future?
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
According to the experts at Vivint Solar, energy efficient homes are cheaper to run but can also fetch a higher price when sold. Home automation solutions, a new boiler, and solar panels can all help. In fact, solar power for your home is one of the best ways to reduce energy costs and will instantly increase the value of your home.
Adding an Extension or Converting a Space
Adding extra living space to your home will always add value. If you have a basement, garage, or loft that can be converted into an additional bedroom or living area, you will almost certainly get a return on your investment. If you cannot convert, you could consider adding on. However, make sure that you have the relevant planning consent before you think about making any alterations to your home.
Consider an Outdoor Space
Outbuildings can add value to a home, with some seen as more valuable than others. For example, a budding DIYer will love a large shed in which to not only store tools but also maybe even do some DIY jobs. But this might not be worth a lot to someone who has never held a tool in their life. A different type of outbuilding might be more attractive, especially if it can be used as an entertainment space or somewhere to work from home. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, increasingly more people have been working from home.Subsequently, garden offices have become hugely popular. Some have even converted their outbuildings to a bar, where they can invite friends over to watch a game with a cold beer.
Renovate Your Kitchen
A modern kitchen revamp can be an instant way to add value to your home. Nevertheless, when it comes to new kitchens, the appeal will be more about how convenient it is and the features it contains rather than the type of cabinet doors you have chosen. If you are adding a new kitchen, think about features that will make your life better such as energy efficient built-in appliances, deep drawers for pots and pans, extra preparation space, and plenty of storage options.
Making Your Home More Attractive to Buyers
While some of the examples above require quite a bit of money, there are some improvements that will make your home more attractive to potential buyers without costing a small fortune. Below are just a few ideas.
Declutter
Getting rid of the clutter is a terrific way to make your home look more inviting and appealing to potential buyers. After all, the less of your personal items there are, the easier it is for people to imagine living there. When showing your home, put the personal items away and go for a minimalistic look.
Update the Paint
You might be surprised at the difference a fresh coat of paint will make to the rooms in your home. Most of us don’t even realize how dull our walls have become over time.Moreover, if you have pets and young children, the painted surfaces can get grubby pretty quickly. When repainting the rooms in your home if you are planning to sell, it is best to choose neutral colors, which are known to be much more appealing to potential buyers. Avoid garish colors, as this can be a turn off.
Improve the External Appearance
If the outside of your home is ugly and in need of repair, it will not matter how many improvements you have made inside. Some buyers will not enter your home if they find the outside unappealing, especially as it would mean them spending money and time fixing it up. You can attract more buyers by tidying and maybe even applying a fresh coat of paint (or at the very least, giving it a power wash).
Windows and doors can be updated with a clean and a fresh coat of paint too. If the front door has cracked or peeling paint, give it a sand and then repaint it to improve its finish and breathe new life into your home.
You should also think about the back yard and how you can improve its appearance. It might just mean that you get the power hose out on the patio or decking to freshen it up. You could also add some nice potted plants and some hanging lights to improve the appearance. If you have external furniture, give this a clean too, and add some nice cushions.
Summary
Whether you are thinking about selling your home now or sometime in the future, there are many things you can do to increase its value when it does time come time to sell. Some improvements can be more expensive than others, but these will typically add more value to the home. These can include increasing both internal and external living spaces by either converting existing space or adding an extension. Energy efficient features such as a solar panel system and an updated boiler are also attractive and can significantly increase the value of the house.
Superficial changes can help when it comes to selling your home and making it more attractive to potential buyers. When you are ready to sell, applying a fresh coat of paint and decluttering will make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living in the home. You should also update the exterior of the property for added appeal.