There are many ways to raise your home’s value. From a small paint job to a complete remodel, homeowners have numerous options at their disposal. The value increase, however, should not only aim at potential buyers but also assist in saving money eventually, like when solar panels lower your electricity expenses.
Remodel the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where the family loves to hang out, and the place where guests leave with a memorable impression. It’s always wise to engage a professional before you embark on a remodeling project and give proper thought to the size and layout of your house.
The lists of available designs are as diverse as the different people who will be looking to buy your house. For instance, some people are into a spacious kitchen, while others naturally want a small space to fix their meals in peace.
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Nowadays, energy efficiency has a tremendous push on the way homebuyers make their choices. For instance, in extremely cold environments, buyers may avoid homes that do not have measures to cut heating costs. Even if you are not planning to sell any time soon, there are many reasons why you should strive for energy efficiency. Such measures can be as little as replacing the light bulbs or as large as changing the HVAC system.
Installing ENERGY STAR rated windows can eliminate some of the waste that goes into heating and cooling. If you have a bigger budget, you can go ahead and install solar panels.
Landscaping
If you live in a property with an expansive garden, a little landscaping can increase its value by a large margin. Landscaping is also easy to do, and you can get started with a few basics and some level of patience. Your first step to creating an attractive garden should be to figure out a style that complements your home. For instance, what you do for a house with a traditional design should be different from that with contemporary architecture.
Improve the Lighting
Many real estate agents now agree that homes with brighter rooms will sell quicker. Besides, light has a way of making a space look more spacious and attractive. When properly done, lighting can be used to highlight the best features of the house. Lighting up the garden will also be a significant boost. You can set the lights to highlight your plants and to guide visitors along the walkway. However, you do not want to spend too much on lighting fixtures, since the next homeowners may want to replace them.
Re-style and Re-purpose the Rest of the House
Start with a fresh paint job to change the overall style and look of the house. You can also change the flooring, move the furniture, and update some of the fixtures. If you have two smaller rooms, you can break down the walls to create more space. In this case, you will need to consult a structural engineer to avoid damaging the rest of the house. You can convert the loft into an office or an extra bedroom depending on your intended buyers.
After all, the number of bedrooms is a major deciding factor for many prospective homeowners.