When you’re planning on selling your home, adding value is one of the most prominent things on your mind. Your budget will determine what home improvements you can do to raise your property’s value, but even the smallest changes can have an impact.
1. Sort out your structural problems
The first thing you need to do is find out if your property has any structural issues that need addressing. There’s not much point in starting any cosmetic changes until you’re sure that your foundations are secure.
Take care of collapsed and cracked floors, and call in a professional to get rid of that insect infestation. Subsidence is another major problem that needs to be fixed – it can knock a substantial amount off your asking price unless it gets sorted.
2. Up your kerb appeal
First impressions are everything, but making that first impression great doesn’t cost as much as you might think. A lick of paint on your front door can do wonders, and make sure any flower beds or pots look their best. Keep on top of leaf sweeping if you’re selling in autumn or winter.
3. Convert dead space
Conversions can raise your house value by up to 30%, so it’s definitely worth considering. In fact, that’s probably more than the conversion itself will cost.
Cellars are one of the least complex home improvements and you probably won’t need planning permission, either. Consider turning it into a bedroom or a spare workstation adding in some worktops. You can do the same with a loft conversion, and this comes with the added benefit of installing roof lights to bring in extra natural light.
If your garage is going unused, why not convert it into living space? Perhaps expand your kitchen or living room – or any other room that borders it – to boost your house value.
If you’re looking for advice, residential building contractors will be able to talk you through the planning process and help you keep everything within budget.
4. Consider a conservatory
When designed and built to complement the property, a conservatory is a home update that can raise your house value by up to 10%. These versatile constructions can be used as family rooms, dining rooms, or even just somewhere nice to sit in the summer.
Making your conservatory energy efficient is the key here. If this addition will cost potential buyers more money in the long run with heating bills, it’s likely to be a turn-off.
5. Take care of the garden
No matter how small your outdoor space, you need to show buyers its full potential. Most people value privacy, so make sure neighbours can’t easily see over fences or hedges. Have a seating area – maybe on a patio or deck – to showcase the social side, and keep any flower beds trim and tidy while viewings are taking place.
Cut back any overgrown shrubs and weed lawns and beds. Your garden doesn’t have to be pristine, but you don’t want to create the impression that it’s difficult to maintain – especially if you’re not selling to avid gardeners.
6. Remember the bathrooms
It’s a room that doesn’t tend to get much consideration, but having a well-appointed bathroom could make all the difference. Make sure the sealant still looks pristine (or as close as you can) and ensure that at least one bathroom in your property has a shower – you’d be surprised how many people will turn down a perfectly good house just because it lacks this one feature.
Of course, if your bathrooms are beginning to look dated, you might decide to install new fixtures. While this can be expensive, there are ways you can do this on a budget.
One necessity with bathrooms, however, is light. No one likes feeling cramped, so go for light, neutral tones, and try to get as much natural light into the room as you can. A mirror or two will also make the room seem brighter.
7. Finishing touches
Regardless of how much time you’re willing to spend on home updates, you need to take care of the finishing touches around your property. Fix those hinges that have been coming loose for months, call in a plumber for the leaky taps and repaint any peeling walls. While they’re just small cosmetic touches, they’re guaranteed to make buyers more interested in your house and what it has to offer.