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8 Sure-Fire Ways to Add Value to Your Home
Whether you’re selling your home now or in a few years, making key changes could be the secret to getting the best price
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Maintaining your property to a good standard not only benefits you and your family while you live there, but will also ensure that when the time comes to sell, your continuous additions and improvements will help to close a satisfactory deal. So, what sort of changes can you make to your home to push that sale across the line when it comes to it?
Property renovations are a key focus in this year’s line-up at the Home Shows Australia – a series of events throughout the year in Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne. The show aims to showcase the latest innovative exhibitors and look at how their products are making a positive impact on our homes, from boosting efficiency and helping the environment, to maxing out on style and, you guessed it, increasing property value.
We’ve collated eight sure-fire home improvements that will increase the value of your property, read on for more.
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► For tickets to the upcoming Melbourne Home Show, 2-5 May, click here
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Property renovations are a key focus in this year’s line-up at the Home Shows Australia – a series of events throughout the year in Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne. The show aims to showcase the latest innovative exhibitors and look at how their products are making a positive impact on our homes, from boosting efficiency and helping the environment, to maxing out on style and, you guessed it, increasing property value.
We’ve collated eight sure-fire home improvements that will increase the value of your property, read on for more.
__________________________________________________________
► For tickets to the upcoming Melbourne Home Show, 2-5 May, click here
__________________________________________________________
1. Update the Exterior
We all know how important first impressions are, so maintaining a well-looked-after exterior will create curb appeal and entice potential buyers in. Now’s the time to renew the roof if it’s looking tired or damaged, paint the window frames if they are shabby, and generally tidy up the frontage of the property.
If you have a heritage home with a charming weatherboard exterior, bring it up to date with a contemporary colour, such as grey or dark blue, then paint the door a contrasting colour for impact.
Add a welcoming note with potted plants. The easiest and low-cost way of instantly boosting your home’s street cred is by popping some attractive potted plants either side of the entrance.
We all know how important first impressions are, so maintaining a well-looked-after exterior will create curb appeal and entice potential buyers in. Now’s the time to renew the roof if it’s looking tired or damaged, paint the window frames if they are shabby, and generally tidy up the frontage of the property.
If you have a heritage home with a charming weatherboard exterior, bring it up to date with a contemporary colour, such as grey or dark blue, then paint the door a contrasting colour for impact.
Add a welcoming note with potted plants. The easiest and low-cost way of instantly boosting your home’s street cred is by popping some attractive potted plants either side of the entrance.
2. Bring in Light
It’s well known that light, airy rooms can appear larger than they actually are, so by introducing lots of light into your home, your spaces will feel bright and inviting. There are various ways you can bring in more natural light, the simplest being to give your windows a good clean to increase visibility, while bigger overhauls might involve adding a skylight or removing a wall to increase light flow.
Improving the artificial lighting of a room can also make a big impact. But, before you rush off to fit dazzlingly bright bulbs to your ceiling lights, consider adding more ambient lighting, such as table lamps and wall lights. You’ll create a more inviting atmosphere this way, as well as ensuring every corner of the room is sufficiently illuminated.
Keep the walls sparkling white. Rooms on the small side will benefit from being revamped with a crisp, white paint job to improve their sense of space.
It’s well known that light, airy rooms can appear larger than they actually are, so by introducing lots of light into your home, your spaces will feel bright and inviting. There are various ways you can bring in more natural light, the simplest being to give your windows a good clean to increase visibility, while bigger overhauls might involve adding a skylight or removing a wall to increase light flow.
Improving the artificial lighting of a room can also make a big impact. But, before you rush off to fit dazzlingly bright bulbs to your ceiling lights, consider adding more ambient lighting, such as table lamps and wall lights. You’ll create a more inviting atmosphere this way, as well as ensuring every corner of the room is sufficiently illuminated.
Keep the walls sparkling white. Rooms on the small side will benefit from being revamped with a crisp, white paint job to improve their sense of space.
3. Refresh the Kitchen
The kitchen can make or break the sale of a home as it’s one of the key spaces that pulls on the emotions of the buyer. So, if your kitchen is feeling a little tired and unloved, it’s time to update it with key additions that will make it sing again.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to make a big difference, simply look to bold touches that will make the loudest impact. Retiling a splashback with eye-catching decorative tiles, for example, will freshen up the units and benchtop, as well as distract from any tired areas. While swapping the unit handles for something more on trend, such as leather pulls, will make a modern statement.
Style the benchtops with smart accessories. Another cost-effective yet impressive update is to declutter the benchtops and arrange curated displays of chic kitchen accessories for a refined feel. Unsure about where to start with your kitchen reno? Equip yourself with photos, measurements and plans of the site and head to your nearest Home Show where experts are at hand to answer all of your kitchen queries.
The kitchen can make or break the sale of a home as it’s one of the key spaces that pulls on the emotions of the buyer. So, if your kitchen is feeling a little tired and unloved, it’s time to update it with key additions that will make it sing again.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to make a big difference, simply look to bold touches that will make the loudest impact. Retiling a splashback with eye-catching decorative tiles, for example, will freshen up the units and benchtop, as well as distract from any tired areas. While swapping the unit handles for something more on trend, such as leather pulls, will make a modern statement.
Style the benchtops with smart accessories. Another cost-effective yet impressive update is to declutter the benchtops and arrange curated displays of chic kitchen accessories for a refined feel. Unsure about where to start with your kitchen reno? Equip yourself with photos, measurements and plans of the site and head to your nearest Home Show where experts are at hand to answer all of your kitchen queries.
4.…and the Outdoors
If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor area, this is your secret weapon for creating a big impression on your buyers. Consider your outdoor space as an extension on your internal rooms and update it with funky seating and homely interior touches that will encourage inside-out living. This will expand your entertaining options, making your home feel doubly spacious.
If you have a ledge that could become a nifty bar area, pop some stools underneath and it will change the dynamic of the space instantly, making your home feel super versatile.
Use outdoor blinds to disguise an unsightly view. Retractable sun blinds not only provide well-needed shade and privacy, they are a great device for disguising an unsightly outlook that you’d prefer potential buyers not to see.
If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor area, this is your secret weapon for creating a big impression on your buyers. Consider your outdoor space as an extension on your internal rooms and update it with funky seating and homely interior touches that will encourage inside-out living. This will expand your entertaining options, making your home feel doubly spacious.
If you have a ledge that could become a nifty bar area, pop some stools underneath and it will change the dynamic of the space instantly, making your home feel super versatile.
Use outdoor blinds to disguise an unsightly view. Retractable sun blinds not only provide well-needed shade and privacy, they are a great device for disguising an unsightly outlook that you’d prefer potential buyers not to see.
5. Add More Storage
Built-in shelving, wardrobes or alcove storage are all a great selling point for potential buyers, as it’s one less thing they have to think about spending money on.
Open-plan living spaces can particularly benefit from extra storage to ensure they don’t feel overly busy and cluttered, while a custom-built media unit can provide a focal point in rooms that lack architectural features.
Bedrooms also benefit hugely from added storage. Built-in wardrobes in a master bedroom will conceal clutter and transform into a luxury adult retreat, while storage in kids’ bedrooms helps stay on top of the chaos.
Fit a window seat or storage benches in a dining space. There’s an abundance of unused areas round our homes that can be tapped into for extra storage space. Consider building bench seating, with hidden storage, under a window, for example, or add storage benches in a corner to create a cosy dining booth.
Built-in shelving, wardrobes or alcove storage are all a great selling point for potential buyers, as it’s one less thing they have to think about spending money on.
Open-plan living spaces can particularly benefit from extra storage to ensure they don’t feel overly busy and cluttered, while a custom-built media unit can provide a focal point in rooms that lack architectural features.
Bedrooms also benefit hugely from added storage. Built-in wardrobes in a master bedroom will conceal clutter and transform into a luxury adult retreat, while storage in kids’ bedrooms helps stay on top of the chaos.
Fit a window seat or storage benches in a dining space. There’s an abundance of unused areas round our homes that can be tapped into for extra storage space. Consider building bench seating, with hidden storage, under a window, for example, or add storage benches in a corner to create a cosy dining booth.
6. Introduce an Extra Bathroom
It’s fair to say that adding a new bathroom is likely to involve a large initial outlay, however the results will be far-reaching. If you have a family home with three or more bedrooms, buyers will expect at least one extra toilet or bathroom, so investing in this big addition will definitely pay off.
Not sure where you could fit an extra bathroom? Maybe a redundant airing cupboard or alcove would work, or the space under the stairs? Alternatively, consider whether you could steal a few metres from a large bedroom.
Create a dramatic master suite. To achieve top dollars at a house sale, owners expect added luxury and unique features, so if you have the space to rejig your layout and create an opulent master bedroom with en suite and walk-in-robe, you’re sure to make potential buyers swoon with delight.
Planning a new bathroom can be a daunting task, especially if you’re a first-time renovator. Take advantage of the one-to-one consultations and seminars at your nearest Home Show as leading industry experts share practical advice and extremely valuable tips.
It’s fair to say that adding a new bathroom is likely to involve a large initial outlay, however the results will be far-reaching. If you have a family home with three or more bedrooms, buyers will expect at least one extra toilet or bathroom, so investing in this big addition will definitely pay off.
Not sure where you could fit an extra bathroom? Maybe a redundant airing cupboard or alcove would work, or the space under the stairs? Alternatively, consider whether you could steal a few metres from a large bedroom.
Create a dramatic master suite. To achieve top dollars at a house sale, owners expect added luxury and unique features, so if you have the space to rejig your layout and create an opulent master bedroom with en suite and walk-in-robe, you’re sure to make potential buyers swoon with delight.
Planning a new bathroom can be a daunting task, especially if you’re a first-time renovator. Take advantage of the one-to-one consultations and seminars at your nearest Home Show as leading industry experts share practical advice and extremely valuable tips.
7. Improve the Flooring
Flooring is another big expense that can deter buyers if they feel it’s a decorative element they’d have to replace immediately. However, if you update the flooring in significant rooms that make the biggest impact, then you won’t necessarily need to re-do every space.
If you have an impressive hallway and a stunning staircase, you should definitely improve the flooring in these spaces as they will make the first, and most important, impression. Open-plan rooms are also a key selling point, so ensure this space has a stunning floor that will entice buyers, not put them off.
Use rugs to disguise shabby carpets. If you’ve splashed out on wooden flooring for the entrance and living spaces, but can’t stretch to changing the carpets in the bedrooms, try giving them a good clean and then sprucing them up with attractive rugs that will hide any worn area.
Flooring is another big expense that can deter buyers if they feel it’s a decorative element they’d have to replace immediately. However, if you update the flooring in significant rooms that make the biggest impact, then you won’t necessarily need to re-do every space.
If you have an impressive hallway and a stunning staircase, you should definitely improve the flooring in these spaces as they will make the first, and most important, impression. Open-plan rooms are also a key selling point, so ensure this space has a stunning floor that will entice buyers, not put them off.
Use rugs to disguise shabby carpets. If you’ve splashed out on wooden flooring for the entrance and living spaces, but can’t stretch to changing the carpets in the bedrooms, try giving them a good clean and then sprucing them up with attractive rugs that will hide any worn area.
8. Update the Services
Do you have irritating water pipes that clang around every time you use the hot water? Or maybe an inconvenient electric point that’s stopped working? Now’s the time to update and improve your services to get rid of niggling issues that could make buyers walk away.
If you’re thinking of adding new electric points, consider popping in USB charger points, too, for added value, while dimmer switches will improve a rooms ambience.
Looking for more expert advice on renovation projects? Visit your nearest Home Show for live presentations from industry experts, where you can probe them with your questions. Plus, book a one-on-one consultation with a professional where you can share your ideas and get your key questions answered. Click here to find your nearest show and see a calendar of dates.
Your turn: What home improvements are you planning? Tell us in the comments.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Do you have irritating water pipes that clang around every time you use the hot water? Or maybe an inconvenient electric point that’s stopped working? Now’s the time to update and improve your services to get rid of niggling issues that could make buyers walk away.
If you’re thinking of adding new electric points, consider popping in USB charger points, too, for added value, while dimmer switches will improve a rooms ambience.
Looking for more expert advice on renovation projects? Visit your nearest Home Show for live presentations from industry experts, where you can probe them with your questions. Plus, book a one-on-one consultation with a professional where you can share your ideas and get your key questions answered. Click here to find your nearest show and see a calendar of dates.
Your turn: What home improvements are you planning? Tell us in the comments.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
You’ll love Australia's largest Home Shows! They're gigantic, packed with the best products and new releases from... Read More
You’ll love Australia's largest Home Shows! They're gigantic, packed with the best products and new releases from... Read More
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I did a weekend college short renovators course & they didn't even touch on this. Glad this article came up. Any other tips readers?