How to Increase the Value of a Home — MELANIE LISSACK INTERIORS

blue front door — *Attractive vinyl door numbers are an affordable and easy way to up your curb appeal. Image Credit:* *Purlfrost*

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When thinking about selling your home, it’s always good to look for ways to boost its market value before putting it up for sale. Freshening up the walls with a new coat of paint, fixing movement cracks and cleaning the carpets are quick and affordable ways to breathe life back into your home, while other strategies might require more investment (like kitchen renovations or redoing a bathroom). The key lies in identifying which improvements are likely to yield a higher return on investment, so you will have to make an informed decision that aligns with both budget constraints and market demands.

Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. How your home looks from the street can drastically affect its perceived value. You can enhance the curb appeal of your home by maintaining the lawn and ridding the walkway of weeds, painting the front door and keeping your window frames from peeling. Small changes, like upgrading the mailbox or installing new house numbers, can also make a significant difference.

Update the Kitchen

As the busy hub of the home, updating the kitchen can have a substantial impact on the overall value. This doesn’t always mean a complete overhaul - repainting cabinets, upgrading appliances, and replacing countertops can refresh the space significantly. If the budget allows, consider opening up the kitchen to create a more modern, open-plan layout.

*Wood panelling is an affordable way to add visual appeal to kitchen walls. Image Credit:* *B&Q*

Improve Energy Efficiency

An energy-efficient property appealing to potential buyers who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and keep down household bills. Replacing old windows with energy-efficient models, adding attic insulation and installing LED lighting can reduce a home’s environmental impact and increase its appeal and value.

Enhance the Bathroom

Like the kitchen, bathrooms are crucial for home value. If your existing bathroom is a bit run-down, you may not need to gut the entire space. Instead, updating fixtures, adding a new vanity and freshening up the space by cutting out and replacing old silicone can be transformative.

Convert the loft or finish a Basement

A loft conversion or a finished basement significantly adds to usable square footage within your home. These extra spaces can serve multiple purposes: a home office, gym, entertainment area, or an extra bedroom. Ensure the renovation includes adequate insulation, drywall, and good-quality flooring. Take the time to consider the right lighting for the space and keep these converted areas bright and airy by painting them in neutral tones.

*Smart home technology will boost your home value. Image credit:* *Jung.*

Invest in Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology is now a must-have for many homeowners. Items like smart thermostats, door locks and security cameras add convenience and safety, making the property more attractive to tech-savvy buyers.

Upgrade the Outdoor Space

Outdoor living spaces are becoming more popular, as we see an increase in demand for outdoor kitchens and usable covered areas. Consider adding composite decking which will not require much maintenance, or laying a stone patio area. These spaces are perfect for hosting family gatherings or having barbeques. Even just adding groupings of trees and shrubs and potting up flowers can also increase the home’s value by improving its visual appeal. Ensure that the outdoor space is well-maintained and easy to use, which will appeal to potential buyers.

Accessing Home Value

If you’ve made significant improvements or just want a starting point for your value-boosting journey, a home value estimator can provide a useful snapshot of where your home stands in the current market. This tool can help guide your decisions on what projects to tackle next by showing potential returns on investment.

Making strategic improvements to your home can enhance its value significantly. Whether you’re planning to sell soon, or just want to build equity, focusing on key areas like the kitchen and bathroom and concentrating on energy efficiency and smart technology can yield good returns.

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