You don’t have to spend huge amounts of money to improve your home and add value; we take a look at 10 easy ways to add value to your property should you ever think about moving:
1. Entrance
Your front door is the first impression your visitors will get to your home, so it’s worth making an effort as this can really add to the appeal for prospective buyers.
There are a huge variety of designs and styles, from a solid wooden door to one with decorative stained or cut glass panels. You can also choose from many different finishes for the handles, door knobs and door knockers, from brass or chrome to more modern white, black, polished or brushed ones. If you can’t afford a new door it doesn’t take long to give your existing one a new coat of woodstain, paint or varnish which can make it look brand new.
2. Paint
Probably the easiest and most cost effective way you can improve the value of your home is by painting, which immediately covers any blemishes and marks on your walls. Freshly painted rooms look clean and updated, but it’s worth buying some samples or tester paints first to check the colours are exactly what you want. Neutral colours appeal to the greatest number of people, so are the safest bet when you are looking to sell your property.
3. Kitchen and Bathroom updates
Through regular use, kitchen and bathroom items can become worn. You can update your kitchen easily without changing any of the furniture, by replacing your existing worktops, or adding new appliances. Even small kitchen updates like swapping a stained sink for a new one will add value to your home.
Bathrooms are often the smallest rooms in a house, but can really benefit from new paint, tiles or some new accessories. You can be decorative too with patterned floors or wooden toilet seats, adding to the look and feel of the place.
4. Cut energy costs
All properties available to buy or rent must have an Energy Performance Certificate. By identifying where you house is expending energy; you can save money on your energy bills. For example, by investing in loft or cavity wall insulation, you will save money on heating costs and your home will become a more marketable asset. You could even be eligible to receive free loft of wall insulation depending upon your circumstance; ask your energy company to find out more.
5. Space
In most houses space is at a premium so having ample storage space is really valued. A lot of storage containers can make any house look cluttered, so consider adding custom shelving instead.
6. Light
Be selective in the types of lighting you use for different rooms. Bright lighting can make small spaces feel larger, and soft lighting brings warmth to empty spaces. In the kitchen, the priority will be to illuminate key features such as work areas, but in bedrooms a bedside lamp can create the feel of relaxation and harmony.
7. Maintenance and repairs
All homes need regular repairs from neglect, wear and tear, it’s far easier to stay on top of maintenance by fixing things as they break rather than finding a long list of repairs to do when you look to sell your property. Doing the repairs yourself can save money but make sure you know what you are doing to avoid DIY accidents and take the proper safety precautions. It is worth looking online at specialist DIY websites or speaking to a professional builder before undertaking any kind of activity where there is an element of risk.
8. Driveway
Standard concrete surfaces are prone to crack and can quickly lose their appeal. Why not add a cobblestone finish to your driveway or add colour to areas by using decorative stones or gravel? It will be a huge improvement and eye catching for potential buyers.
9. Landscaping
Landscaping your garden can complement your home's architecture and design. Having the right plants, flowers and shrubbery can greatly enhance the colours in your garden, and attract birds, butterflies and bees. Other areas of the garden can be left for patios or areas of decking which can be used for outdoor furniture.
10.Grass
If you neglect your lawn it can quickly become like a jungle where weeds like dandelions can take hold. You either need to remove the weeds and sow new grass seed down, or you can re-turf the area. Unfortunately it can take time for freshly sown seeds to germinate, and the best time to sow the seeds are during April and September.