5 ways to increase the value of your home

The real-estate market is one that is ever growing and building a home is one of the greatest investments you can make. Having a home that is well maintained and in good condition is not only good on the eyes, it is also positive when the time to sell or rent comes.

While you are still in the spirit of spring cleaning your home and prepping it for the new season’s festivities, why not take it a step further and make some changes that would help increase its value? Before you talk yourself out of it, there is no need to hire pricey companies or buy expensive items – just make sure it’s all good quality and is affordable.

• Upgrade the “most common” rooms: Your bathroom and kitchen are two of the most common areas in your home and a definite way to add value to your home. The condition of your functional areas set the tone for the rest of the space. Although this could sound expensive, adding new fittings like lights and tap fixtures or even repainting doors could give your kitchen that added value boost. If your budget allows, consider upgrading kitchen counters or installing new flooring to really enhance the space. Replacing door knobs and cabinet pulls can really transform an old bathroom.
• Go the solar geyser route: Solar geysers have become a trend and tons of people have been installing them in their homes. Go solar and watch your money jump back into your pockets, not only with your monthly electricity savings but with the overall value of your home increasing too.
• Add a garage storage: There’s nothing as frustrating to a homeowner as a house full of clutter, it decreases the value of your home and changes the ambiance. Can you imagine having a house viewing in a cluttered home? Thus, it is always important to have control over your belongings. Ensure that you have a garage storage to keep all your clutter packed away safely, if you don’t then it’s the perfect excuse to create space. If you are able to, why not knock down a wall or move some items around to open your space up and free up some room.
• Find inspiration: A house is a home through inspirations, a sense of belonging is born when you can relate to your surroundings. Find your inspiration and bring it to life in your home through a fresh coat of paint and some wall accessories. Don’t be shy to let your personality hang on your walls. If you’re shy on creativity you can hire a designer to help you out.
• First impressions last: The outside of your home is one of the first areas that potential buyers and visitors see. Before you impress them with the inside, make sure that your outside area is clean and attractive. Get those trees and other plants trimmed and all structural areas cleaned or repainted.

A thorough home inspection is needed from time to time – the last thing you want is to find out at sales stage that you’ve been sharing your area with pests or that there’s a serious plumbing issue waiting to burst. Increasing the value of your home is a great idea, don’t forget to let your insurer know of all the changes you’re making.

Having adequate home insurance is essential, ensure that you’re covered and know that your upgrades will not be a loss in the unfortunate event of a home insurance claim.