Your home is likely the most significant investment you will make in your life, and yet it is difficult to add real value to it – unless you buy your house as a wreck and renovate it.
It doesn’t matter whether you want to sell your house tomorrow or live in it forever. Adding value to your home is one of the most powerful ways to make money from your property and increase your standard of living.
First, there is the question of where to start. Unless money is no object, chances are you can’t afford to do everything you would like to add value to your home. Instead, you’ve got to be decisive in what you choose to spend your hard-earned money on.
This is an especially important point to consider before embarking on significant extension work or landscaping the garden.
Here’s how to add value to your home today.
Give your home some creature comforts
The best place to start when adding value to your home is to cater to creature comforts. Everyone wants to feel relaxed and comfortable at home, so focusing your attention on this area will both increase your home’s retail value and allow you to enjoy the property more if you are staying put.
One of the most basic creature comforts that many domestic properties neglect to fit is air-conditioning. While it may seem strange, given that air-conditioning technology has been around for so long, it is still common to find homes lacking this desirable creature comfort.
You can use this to your advantage by fitting air-con to your home. It will help your house stand out from similar properties and make it a far more pleasant environment – especially if you live in warmer climes.
Fitting air-conditioning is very simple. You just need to contact an HVAC Contractor to buy a system from and install it for you.
While it may seem an obvious option next to house extensions and landscaping, air-conditioning can make all the difference to your living experience and add notable value to your home.
Landscape your garden to embody clear themes
A great approach to adding value to your property (and one of the least destructive if you’re already happy with the house itself) is to landscape your garden.
Depending on how comprehensive you want your landscaping to be, this is usually not one of the cheapest ways to add value, but it is one of the most effective. Many otherwise fantastic properties are let down by unexciting or downright messy gardens, which put off potential buyers and detract from the house’s attractiveness.
Harmony is key when landscaping. You need to have a strong image in your mind of the end product before you begin. To help with this, it is best to find one key theme or style and stick with it throughout.
If you want a garden that can be used for parties with friends, a large patio or decking area and simple, neat grass could be your best bet. However, if a more meditative, natural space is what you’re after, a Japanese garden style may be your best option (especially if you don’t have much room).
It doesn’t matter what theme you choose, as long as it is consistent and sparks the imagination whenever you step outside.
Extend your home
Another way you can add serious value to your home is by extending it. While extensions are not always the ideal solution (especially if your budget is modest), there’s no doubting the value of additional space.
As with landscaping, you need to have a clear plan before you get started with your extension. Make sure you secure planning permission, create a detailed budget and choose the most sympathetic design for your home. This is to say, don’t stick a huge plastic conservatory onto the back of a quaint country cottage. It will likely have a negative effect on the value of your property.
Overhaul your kitchen workspace
If you can’t afford a large-scale project like an extension or outdoor landscaping, you should consolidate your budget around the areas of largest impact. You are more likely to add real value to your home if you drastically improve your kitchen rather than a spare bedroom.
This is because most people spend a lot of time in their kitchens, whether cooking, eating, or entertaining, so it is important to make the most of this space.
A lot of property value is based on perception. If you walk into an incredible kitchen for the first time, you are more likely to be sold on the property than if a particular bedroom or bathroom was shiny and new.
Don’t neglect the bathrooms
While focusing on large, impactful spaces like the kitchen or living room is key to adding value to your home; this shouldn’t come at the expense of your bathrooms.
This is because renovating a bathroom doesn’t have to be particularly expensive. Of course, it is wise to replace the bath or shower and fit new taps; you could also try cheaper additions like a new paint shade, mirrors to make the space look larger, and a collection of plants to create a relaxed atmosphere.
Make good use of wasted space
A fantastic method for adding value to your property is to make use of wasted space, such as dusty old attics and garages that are neglected. You already know the potential value an extension has, so why not instead capitalize on the ‘free’ space you already own.
Although attic or garage conversations can be pricey, they pale in comparison to larger extension projects and make use of the property’s existing character.
Whether you use this space for another bedroom, home cinema, or snug, you will likely add significant value to your home as a result.
If in doubt, stay away from divisive tastes
If nothing else, come away with the knowledge that it is just as easy to remove value from your property as add it. While everyone’s tastes are personal, it is wise to stay away from divisive colors, decor, and style of garden or extension.
Many owners will be put off by it and find the cost or hassle of changing it to something more suited to their own taste too much to bear. While you should embrace your own tastes, have half an eye on what future buyers might think.
