Your home is an investment, even if you sometimes forget to see it that way. Yes, it is the place that you bring up your family and create long-lasting memories, but it is also likely to be the most expensive purchase that you will ever make in your life and therefore you want to make sure that it makes money for you.
Luckily, there are several simple steps that you can take that will help increase the value of your home as well as make it a more effective living space for you and your family.
So, if you can’t decide between investing in a home spa or purchasing a gazebo, or if you want to know which is better a second bedroom or second bathroom, then you need to keep reading.
Invest in the kitchen
If you are on a strict budget and only have the capital to makeover one room, it should always be the kitchen. Most people looking for a new home will head straight for this room first as it where people spend a lot of their time at home so make sure yours makes a good first impression.
Of course, you can’t be expected to completely replace your kitchen every few years but by keeping on top of any maintenance work, ensuring that the walls are freshly painted and replacing any tired-looking appliances with matching new ones can work wonders for the overall appeal and value of your home.
Focus on functionality
Think about how the layout of your home would appear to a stranger. You may be used to a certain living plan but that doesn’t mean it is the most sought-after style.
Open plan living is now the preferred set up for most home buyers so you may want to consider knocking down a few walls and opening up your downstairs space.
Fitted storage areas such as fitted wardrobes and pantries are also popular, and will add value to your home.
Convert wasted space
If you have a basement, loft or cellar that is not being used to its full potential, then consider converting these areas into living space; this could be an additional bedroom, a playroom for children or a working office. On average this type of conversion could add up to 30% onto the value of your home.
Be warned, this type of work will not be cheap to carry out as you will most likely need to apply for planning permission, have floor plans drawn up, and obtain quotes from reputable builders. Therefore, it is advised that you contact a property expert such as Gerald Eve chartered surveyor who can advise you on all matters relating to property development.
Perk up your front door
Many home buyers have already made the decision about whether they like a property or not before they have even set foot inside a house. Why? Two words. Curb appeal.
Obviously, you cannot control your neighbors and the state of their homes, but you can freshen up your front area to make your property look more appealing, and the easiest way to do this is by replacing your front door with a brand new one. Other ways include keeping on top of your garden maintenance and having a freshly painted fence.