Adding value to your home doesn’t have to mean investing lots of money. Often it’s the quick and simple fixes that offer the best return on investment so don’t be fooled into thinking that added value is out of reach. Get creative and think about what would be important to you when shopping for a home. Chances are you and your potential buyers will share some similarities.
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s our top 10 quick fixes for adding value…
1. Replace kitchen cabinet doors and handles
A good kitchen is something every home buyer is looking for and replacing the doors and handles of your kitchen cabinets is a quick and simple way to make your kitchen more inviting on a budget. You might even be able to get away with painting cupboard doors. If you want to take it a step further you can even try your hand at this incredible kitchen bench hack.
2. Refresh your flooring
Getting carpets cleaned can make a huge difference to the look (and smell) of your home. However no amount of cleaning is going to help old and tired looking carpet. Consider replacing what you’ve got for a fresh and clean look – even if it’s just the main living areas. If you’ve got floorboards that are looking tired and worn, consider having them sanded and lime washed, stained, painted or resealed.
3. Give the bathroom a facelift
A simple way to lift the mood of your bathroom is to replace the toilet, sink and tapware. A new toilet gives the impression of cleanliness and a new sink and tapware can turn an ordinary, tired looking bathroom into something more modern. You could also try painting the existing bathroom tiles.
4. Replace window screens
Buyers want assurance that your home’s systems are in working order and that they won’t need to be replaced or repaired in the near future. Quality window and door screens adds to this by combining both function and appearance. Adding secure flyscreens to your doors and windows will not only tell your potential buyers they’re safe in the home, but that they’ll have maximum comfort of living. Flies, mozzies and other insects are a frustrating part of Australian life and taking measure to protect against it can be a quick and simple way to add value to your home.
5. Groom the garden
A general tidy up of your garden can go a long way and will help you identify any gaps in planting that need to be dealt with. When filling gaps, look for already established potted plants so you can take them with you when you’re gone.
For garden paths, patio flooring and outdoor furniture, a high-pressure hose can work wonders.
6. Install solar panels
Research estimates that energy savings add twenty times the annual savings to the value of your property. Anything that will save money is a desirable trait in your home and a green upgrade to solar will appear more attractive to buyers when considering utilities.
If you can’t afford solar panels, consider installing ceiling fans in the bedrooms instead.
7. Add a built in BBQ
Home buyers like to be able to picture themselves living within the space and when it comes to the outdoors, too many homes don’t have defined spaces. If you can’t afford to add a new pergola, deck or patio, add a relatively inexpensive built-in BBQ so that the image of life in the home can start to take form.
8. Revisit your layout
Whether you believe in Feng Shui or not, there’s no denying that the layout of your home has a big impact on a potential buyer. A cramped or unintuitive layout makes your home feel small and unwelcoming but a home with a clear path feels functional.
#Bonus Tip
Refresh the exterior
While not the smallest or quickest upgrade, replacing the cladding on your home or giving the exterior of your home a fresh look is one of the best ways to increase your home’s property value. A study conducted by Remodelling Magazine found that replacing the cladding on a property generally recoupes 92.8% of its cost. First impressions count and an exterior that looks sturdy and built to last is a winning ticket.
If you can’t revamp the whole exterior, pay some attention to the entrance of your home. Painting the front door a strong colour, updating doorway furniture, putting down a few pots and a new welcome mat and adding a stylish security screen door can make the first steps into your home much more inviting.
So what are you waiting for? Grow your home’s value the simple and cheap way today.
