Home Improvements That Will Add Value – 4 Step Guide

When looking to renovate your home to sell, you’ll want to make sure you undertake home improvements that will add value to your home. I’m here to spill the beans on what home renovations will increase the asking price of your property, and help you sell your home faster. Let’s get into it!

Improve your home’s curb appeal to add value

Home Improvements That Will Add Value – Step by step guide

Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide that’ll help you get there with my practical step-by-step guide. If you are thinking of moving, then you’ll want to increase the attractiveness of your property to potential buyers. And it’s best to have a specific plan of action to make sure you undertake home improvements that will add value to your home.

Ready to make your house the envy of the neighbourhood and boost its value? Follow my expert guide.

Make sure your home look looks clean and tidy to attract potential buyers

Step ONE: Do Your Homework

When you buying and selling houses, you are not just securing a place to live, you are also making a huge financial commitment and investment. That’s why it is a wise idea to know how much your house is worth before you undertake any big renovations projects. 

In line with this, WallStreetZen recommends conducting a thorough market analysis of properties in your local area, as well as seeking out professional appraisals on your home. This will make sure that any home improvements you make are in keeping with current market trends but will also increase your property’s value. By making informed decisions, you can undertake all your home improvements with peace of mind.

If you’re are nosey like me, then you’ll want to find out how much your home has gone up in value since you bought it. Sunlife have a handy online tool that allows you to check the current value of your home compared to its’ purchase price. And you can compare your house to other properties in the area, and see what home improvements you can make to your home to increase the value.

Think about your home’s age, current market trends, and which improvements will give you the biggest bang for your buck. You might find it helpful to chat to local estate agents to get the lowdown on what’s hot in your area, and how much your home might be worth too.

It’s also worth remembering that the time of the year you put your home on the market can also be key getting the best price. Certain areas can increase or decrease in value at certain times of the year, depending on the location’s local economy, the quality of the schools, how green the area is…all these elements can impact your house value.

READ: GIVE YOUR HOME A MAKEOVER WITHOUT DECORATING IN 4 EASY STEPS

STEP TWO: Plan and Prioritise

Start by doing a quick assessment of your home. Walk around your home, and take note of all the things in your home that need renovating or improving. For example: Is your bathroom looking dated? Is your kitchen tap wobbly? Is there pealing wallpaper in your bedroom?

Next, you’ll want to set a budget for your repairs. Decide how much you’re ready to splash out on your home improvements and prioritise your home improvement projects based on importance and potential value boost.

READ: HOW TO STYLE YOUR HOME LIKE TV’S SELLING SUNSET IN 4 EASY STEPS

Look at areas in your home that you can improve yourself to save money – like bathrooms and kitchens

STEP THREE: Start Tackling Home improvements That will add value

Exteriors & Gardens

Making your home look attractive from the outside is a home improvement worth undertaking as first impressions count.

• Garden and outdoor spaces: Keep that lawn looking lush, trim those bushes, and plant a riot of colourful flowers.
• Front of your house: Freshen up the exterior of your home with a new coat of paint, or a good pressure wash can do the job! If your front is looking tatty then consider a new front door, garage door, or even windows. Or give them a lick of paint so they look in tip top shape.
• Roofing Realities: Inspect your roof like a pro. If it’s looking shabby, it might be time for a fix. Get loose tiles fixed into place, the tiles and guttering need to be clear of moss, and make sure your chimney pots are not cracked. All these jobs are small and don’t cost much to do but they will put off potential buyers if not done.

KITCHENS

All estate agent agree that kitchen design’s are so personal. And it is often the first thing that a new homeowner will change after moving in. There is no point replacing a decent kitchen to attract a buyer. You are better off improving your current kitchen so it looks clean, tidy and smart.

• Appliances: Upgrade old appliances – or you could try covering them over with sticky plastic wrap to make them look like new again.
• Worktops: You can swap out a tatty worktops for an inexpensive composite one.
• Update your units: Little updates like refreshing your kitchen cabinets with a coat of paint and new handles.

BATHROOMS

One area of your home worth spending money on is on your bathroom.

• Modernise your old looking fixtures: It’s not a big (or expensive job) to swap out a basin and tap for fresh, contemporary looking sanitary ware.
• Bigger updates: If you are handy, then you could DIY a new vanity.
• Add lighting: A dark bathroom will look smaller. Add lots of lighting to make it feel bigger.
• Cleaning tasks: Scrubbing clean dirty-looking grout is another home improvement hack which won’t break the bank but will make a big difference. You want your bathroom to look clean and fresh.
• Adding another bathroom could be a game-changer: From a downstairs loo to a new ensuite, these can all add value to your home.

READ: 10 EASY WAYS TO PREVENT MOULD GROWING IN YOUR HOME

LOFT Spaces

The other surprising news is putting in a loft conversion. Lots of people in my neighbourhood have put in a conversation at a cost of £30K+  The estate agent said that this type of improvement would only put the same amount of value onto your property. In my case as I don’t need the extra room, I’m going to wait before embarking on this expensive development.

If you do transform your loft into a usable living space, then make sure it’s properly insulated, well lit, and ventilated.

READ: 5 HOME IMPROVEMENTS THAT REALLY ADD VALUE BEFORE YOU SELL

Tackle all the little jobs around your home so it is in tip top shape when you sell

STEP FOUR: Modernise and Maintain Your Home

Once you have ticked off all these larger home improvements that add value – you’ll want to turn your attention to smaller tasks. Other smaller home improvement projects you can tackle yourself are the little finishing touches – like putting in elegant radiators, smart light switches, putting in skirting boards, restoring fireplaces and renovating windows.

• Insulation and Windows: Beef up insulation in your loft, walls, and floors. And opt for energy-efficient windows and doors to keep the bills down and the comfort up.
• Central heating: Service or replace that old boiler and radiators for optimal heating. Installing a smart thermostat is very affordable and has great appeal with buyers.
• Flooring: Replace tired carpets with chic hardwood, laminate, or tile. Or refinish existing wooden floors to make them gleam.
• Paint and Decor: If your walls are looking tatty and marked, then paint them fresh again. And this time, go for neutral paint colours that will appeal to everyone.
• Fixtures and Fittings: Update tired looking light fixtures, switches, and sockets for a metal ones with USB ports for a modern vibe.
• Clean and Declutter: Keep your home sparkling clean and clutter-free. A clutter free home looks more spacious which is very appealing.

READ: 6 SIMPLE WAYS TO STYLE A JOYFUL HOME

There’s My run down of the Home Improvements That will Add Value to your home

With these home renovation tips, your home will not only look fabulous but also increase in value. Happy renovating!