5 WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR HOME'S VALUE

There are hundreds of improvements you can make to your home in order to increase its value. It could be front or back yard additions such as outdoor pavers , verandahs or pergolas, or indoor improvements such as a fresh coat of paint or updated bathrooms. In this article, we’ll help you get started brainstorming by looking at five of the best home improvements to increase your home’s value.

Add a fresh coat of paint

Many homes haven’t been painted in years — both inside and outside — and as a result, these homes are missing out on an opportunity to add lift, appeal and extra value. Modern homes should generally be painted with neutral colours such as beige or off-white, though a bright and powerful feature wall is often a good idea. The best thing about painting is that it’s something you can do yourself, so it’s a great way to add value while saving money on labour. Lay some newspaper, move the furniture out and tackle each room one at a time. It might take a few days but the improvement will be immense.

Consider new window treatments

Windows, and the blinds or curtains that adorn them, are incredibly important features of any home. When the blinds and curtains are open they let natural light in, creating a feel of openness and breathing room. When they’re closed, it can add warmth, privacy and a sense of security. Ensure windows are cleaned and free of damage, remembering to dust the sills at all times. If your blinds or curtains are old and tatty, you should definitely invest in some new ones that match the decor of your home.

Take steps to increase curb appeal

Adding curb appeal to your home is all about making a great first impression and, when it comes to selling your home, first impressions are extremely important. While updating fixtures and the like adds undeniable value, the fact is that most homebuyers will decide whether or not they like a property based on its exterior appearance. With this in mind, you should always keep windows and gutters cleaned, pressure wash driveways, mow the lawn and rid the garden of weeds, rake and dispose of leaves and keep trees and plants trimmed. Adding a great verandah or some attractive sandstone pavers is also an excellent idea.

Become energy efficient

Energy efficient solutions such as solar panels or rainwater tanks are an attractive prospect for any homebuyer and will add value to your home. By drawing on natural sources for things like electricity and hot water, residents are able to reduce costly bills. Furthermore, with the intensity of environmental concerns these days, governments offer significant rebates to anyone who installs solar panels or rainwater tanks in their homes, so it might not cost you very much anyway.

Give the bathroom a makeover

Replace sinks, toilets and vanities and you’ll add value in more ways than one. And not only will your new, modern installations add physical value, but the sense of cleanliness and newness will add aesthetic value as well — and as we’ve already discussed, aesthetic value is not to be underestimated.