Ten ways to add value to your property
Quick fixes when selling your property
1 When you're ready to sell your home, make sure potential buyers see it at its best. The outside of your house is the first thing a potential buyer sees so it’s up to you to make sure it hits them smack in the face
2 Keep your garden tidy – invest in some new shrubs, flowers or pot plants Prune any overgrown shrubs, and make sure the grass is cut regularly.
3 Repaint and repair any fences or gutters. Ensure the gutters are clean and free of obstructions – paint or clean over any overflow marks.
4 Keep the driveways clean and free of clutter. Invest in, or hire, a power hose.
5 Think about a garage sale or car boot sale to get rid of all that junk you’ve collected over the years. Invest in storage shelves to store tools, cycles, sporting goods. Use wall hangers for the garden hose and other garden equipment
6 The front door is also very important. If necessary freshen the door and trim with a new coat of paint. Consider adding a pot plant and a new doormat.
7 Freshen up the entry hall and hang a mirror to make your entry look larger and brighter.
8 If your kitchen cupboards look tired and worn out think about fitting new doors. Keep all worktops clutter free and add a scented candle. Degrease the oven – have it done professionally if need be.
9 De-clutter the bathroom and makes sure all surfaces sparkle. Fix any leaks or drips.
10 Make your closets or cupboards appear larger by getting rid of as much stuff as possible either by storing the contents or giving unwanted items to charity.
Long term improvements which add value to your home
Investing in your home not only improves your comfort and quality of life. It usually always adds value to your home, especially so, if it is carried out tastefully.
Here is the list of top ten home improvements that are most likely to increase the value of your home.
1. Interior painting. Often this can be carried out by the home owner. Choice of colour is important – choose tasteful neutral colors. Have a look at some show houses to get ideas.
2. Exterior painting should be carried out as necessary to keep the house looking fresh and welcoming.
3. A good kitchen often helps sell a house so it pays to update every so often. With modern kitchen units you can often buy replacement doors which will give the impression that they are new units. Worktop replacement is usually best carried out by a professional joiner.
4. The colors of bathroom suites often change like fashions. If you are considering a replacement suite choose the color carefully – if in doubt stick to white.
5. Real wood and laminate flooring is often a must with some house buyers. Laminate flooring is available in an assortment of designs that imitate wood, ceramic tile or even stone effect and is well worth considering for kitchens and hall areas. Some people like to have it in their living area. Other flooring alternatives are vinyl which is soft and easy to install or ceramic which is long lasting and cool in hot weather.
6. Home conversions, if carefully though out and well planned can often add significant value to the price of your property. Whether it be a loft or basement conversion or adding a conservatory, these are areas where you should seek professional help.
7. Thermal insulation is standard in all modern new homes but may be worth while considering in older homes. Double glazing provides both thermal and sound insulation and usually adds to the property value. Cavity wall insulation will provide the greatest saving but may add little to your property value.
8. Upgrading the heating or air conditioning system will make your property more saleable without necessarily bringing a good return for investment. If you are going to be in the property for a few years you may still get a return in energy saving.
9. Landscaping will certainly enhance the property desirability and with features like decking it could add a substantial amount to the property resale value.
10. Security it almost a must in every home. Your neighbourhood crime statistics will determine how much you want to spend on your home security.
About the Author
Paul Lorimer is a master craftsman who has his own business specialising in home improvements – visit www.pcljoiners.co.uk
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