If you’re thinking of selling, you’ll want to get the best price possible for your home. Now is the time to consider ways in which you can add value to your property without breaking the bank.
If you haven’t upgraded your home for a while, it may look a little sad. A few enhancements and replacements may transform your property into a light and modern home.
As long as your foundations are sound, you can add value without undertaking expensive property renovations. It may take just a quick paint job and a few new light fittings to give your home appeal and make it brighter and more spacious.
It is, however, important to know which home improvements will add value and which are not worth the investment of time and money.
We’ve put together some value-adding ideas to help you to get the best sale price for your home.
Paint the house
A lick of paint is one of the quickest ways to make your home look fresh and clean. Choose neutral colours to modernize your living spaces and ensure that you attract the interest of buyers. Bright colours will put buyers off as such colours tend to be individualistic and can make your home look darker.
If you have the time and energy to do your own paint job, the upgrade will cost you just the price of the paint, tools and accessories. If not, you’ll have to budget for a professional painter to do the job for you.
Create more storage space
Buyers look for plenty of storage, so if your home lacks cupboard space, do something about it. Add extra shelves to kitchens, living areas and bathrooms. Hooks are also useful and they don’t cost much to install.
If you have freestanding wardrobes in your bedrooms, it may be time to install built-in wardrobes. They’re relatively inexpensive and without them, you may fail to attract buyer interest.
Clean up your garden and upgrade outdoor living spaces
A tidy, trimmed garden will give buyers a good impression of your home. Trim hedges and overgrown trees and shrubs. Clear out weeds, mow the lawn and cut the edges. Make sure that all your paved areas are clean and weed-free.
If you have a patio or deck, it’s time to clean and brighten it. Include your outdoor appliances, furniture and fireplaces in your clean-up arrangements.
First impressions count
The first thing home buyers will see when visiting your home will be the façade and surrounding landscape. If you can afford to, you should paint the outside of your home. If not, at least ensure that the front door is clean and welcoming, the paving looks good and the fence or wall is intact and painted.
You could make improvements to your garden by planting shrubs or perennials into bare garden patches. Add some pot plants to the outdoor living spaces and make them look inviting.
Spruce up your floorworks
No matter what your floorcovering is, all could do with some TLC. Give the carpets a good steam clean and polish up the tiles or wooden floors to give the best impression of your home. If floor coverings, like carpets, are worn or badly stained you may even have to replace them.
Consider replacing the carpets with something completely different. Hardwood is a popular choice because of its good-looking durability. You may be pleasantly surprised at the cost of different floor treatments.
If you already have wooden floors give them a good sand or buff to remove any unsightly marks.
Upgrade your window coverings
Now may be a good time to update your window coverings. Most of us are guilty of not noticing when parts of our homes become a little faded and old-fashioned. Modern window upgrades like blinds or light and airy curtains can do wonders for your home.
Light curtains and blinds will let more light into the house and ensure that your home looks light, bright and spacious.
Replace cabinet handles and hardware
Renovating a bathroom or kitchen is expensive so you may not want to start a full renovation at this stage. Still, you can quickly upgrade the cupboards in these rooms by changing the door and drawer handles. As long as you match the handles with your current décor, you can create a newer and more modern look.
Choose ageless handles like brass or brushed aluminium for a look that buyers will love.
Upgrade your splashback
While you’re in the kitchen, consider upgrading the splashback. Add a contemporary touch to your kitchen when you replace your old splashback with a modern version in neutral tiles, glass or stone.
If the area outside your kitchen is worth looking onto, you may consider adding a window in the space currently occupied by the splashback. Not only will you enjoy the great view, you’ll also brighten up the kitchen, thanks to the additional natural light.
Replace the bathroom hardware
Bathroom taps, towel racks and showerheads all become worn and dated. Replace your bathroom hardware to upgrade and modernize your bathroom. You may be so impressed with the improvement you may decide to upgrade your laundry and kitchen too.
Replace old light switches and electrical outlets
Another item we seldom notice until we show our home to a stranger is the old and yellowing light switches and electrical outlets. Replace faded electrical hardware with new light switch covers. You’ll be surprised at what it a difference it makes. Stained covers can make a room look outdated. This is a small change that will give your home a modern, cared-for finish.
Replacement switch plates are inexpensive, though you will have to employ the services of an electrician to install them.
Modernise toilets and sinks
Is the sanitaryware in bathrooms looking old and jaded? It may be time to replace your toilet, sink or vanity. The right choice of modern equipment along with a lighting upgrade in your bathrooms could give the room a contemporary finish without the need for a full renovation.
Make sure to choose classic pieces to create a fresh and timeless look.
Modern heating and cooling
Whether you use gas or electric, an efficient working heating and cooling system is a big draw for buyers especially in areas that experience very hot or cold conditions.
If your home already has conditioning, give some thought to the age and condition of the system. Buyers will want to know that the system is modern and working well so you may have to upgrade yours to attract the best buyers.
If you don’t have a cooling and heating system in your home, you should consider your options before you place your home on the market.
Brighten up your home
A light, bright home will attract more buyers and along with them a better price. Take a critical look at your lighting. Clean up or replace any of the light fittings that have lost their lustre.
There may be places in your home that will benefit from extra lamps, lights or downlighters. In other areas, a modern fitting will make all the difference in upgrading the room.