There are lots of ways to add value to a property. Whilst some are more drastic such as building an extension or carrying out a loft conversion, others are surprisingly simple and may not even require hiring a professional. Here are just five simple ways to add value to your home.
Tidy the exterior
The outside of your home is just as important as the inside, but you don’t have to spend thousands building a swimming pool or a patio to make an impact. Simply tidying up the exterior (both the front and the back of your home) could add value. Make sure the lawn is mown, fix up any fence panels and clear the driveway of debri. Small extra touches could include adding some flowers in pots and hanging baskets. There’s no need to sculpt hedges or grow plants in beds. Many buyers are now favouring low maintenance gardens that require little upkeep. In fact, replacing your entire lawn with artificial grass could up the value in some cases.
Repair the roof
If your roof is in poor condition, it could be worth fixing it up. A new roof can increase a home’s value by a whopping 40% in some cases. This might not be a suitable DIY job as roofing repair can be dangerous for those that are unskilled. Roofing companies charge different rates depending on the size and type of roofing (shingles can often be more expensive).
Insulate the loft
Insulating your home can also add value. Whilst you can take measures such as adding double glazing and cavity wall insulation, the most cost-effective option is loft insulation. It’s possible to buy insulating wool and do this yourself. However, for large lofts, it could be more economical to hire professionals who can use a spray-on foam solution.
Add a new lick of paint
Repainting the interior of your home could also increase the value. This is most likely to make an impact if paint is dull or faded or if there are controversial colours used such as pink or bright green. White is often the go-to neutral colour when adding value. It’s possible to do all this yourself, although hiring interior painters could get the job done faster and more efficiently. On top of walls and ceiling, consider cabinets, bannisters and skirting boards which may benefit from being repainted.
Strip the carpets
Many homeowners nowadays prefer wooden floors to carpets, except for the bedroom. Stripping all the carpets could be an easy way to add value. If you live in an old home, exposing the old floorboards beneath could add character (although you may want to seal these floorboards). If it’s a newer home or the floorboards aren’t in good condition, you may want to lay down some new laminate flooring over the top. Drop-fit flooring is the simplest option – this simply slots over the top of your floor and can be made to measure. You may not even need to hire professionals to install this flooring.
