Selling your home can be a worrying time. With this list we hope to take away some of the stress, showing you the best ways to add value to your home!
Redecorate - Redecorating could simply be adding a fresh layer of paint. This can also be done at a relatively low cost and can be done quickly, meaning you can focus on putting your money and time towards projects that need it more!
Fix Minor Defects - Whilst small problems may not seem like a big deal, lots of little defects can make your home appear run down and shows a lack of maintenance. Some examples of these include:
Peeling paint
Limescale build up
Squeaky flooring, doors or stairs
Dripping taps
Dirty walls
Mouldy sealant
Damp patches
Poorly fitted cupboard doors
Driveway or Off Street Parking - Being able to park off the street is something that a lot of potential buyers are looking for. This could be achieved by either implementing a drive way or having a garage that their car can be stored away in. This is particularly important if the area you are selling in has a high crime rate.
Central Heating - It is important to show your home viewers that your home has efficient and working central heating, especially in the colder months. This is closely linked with plumbing for example making sure you do not have low water pressure or leaky taps throughout your home.
Front Door - This is most likely going to be the first thing that someone will notice at a house viewing. If you cannot afford a brand new door, consider jet washing the existing door or giving it a fresh layer of paint. You could also consider purchasing new door handles, or sprucing up your house name sign/number.
Smart Homes + Energy Efficient Homes - Nowadays a lot of people are looking for smart homes. This could be things such as bluetooth controlled home appliances, multi room music platforms and smart heating systems. In addition, having fibre optic cables in the area is a great selling point. People are now more eco-conscious and looking for ways to cut the costs on their energy bills. With smart technologies people have access to their heating via mobile control so it is definitely something to consider!
Bathroom - Bathrooms are a big selling point in a home, they can often make or break a sale. It is important to remember that there will be lots of water build up which can result in dampness and mould which is why you must inspect the bathroom thoroughly before a viewing. We would recommend contacting a professional if mould is found as it is something that shouldn't be covered up but rather removed. However, you can do some regrouting, remove limescale, replace taps and make sure that the bathroom is a neutral colour. For a viewing we would also recommend replacing your shower curtain or maybe even the glass screen if it is in poor condition. Having a bathroom with no bath can seriously devalue your home so perhaps think about having one installed if you have the space and money to do so.
Kitchen - Kitchen refurbs can be extremely expensive which may set you back when trying to add value to your property. However, you can give your kitchen a revamp without burning a hole in your pocket. You could repaint the units, replace the cupboard doors and handles, make sure that the backsplash is completely clean and grease free and install new lighting if necessary.
Garden - Along with the front door, your front garden is another element that your potential home buyers will notice. It is important that this area is kept tidy, with any overgrown shrubbery cut and any mess removed. You could even invest in a new garden path which will make the property look all the more inviting. The same rules apply to the back garden, the space needs to appear open and clear so that the viewers can envision their own design within the garden.
Bigger projects which can add value to your home are things such as loft conversions, adding a conservatory and converting the garage. Another massive one is giving your home an extension, however all of these options are particularly expensive as they are big projects with big rewards.
It is also important to mention things that can devalue your home so that you can watch out for these home owner mistakes:
Swimming pools and hot tubs
Mould and dampness
Old electrics and poor wiring
Low water pressure
Holes in the wall from hanging pictures
Poorly fitted laminate flooring
Signs of infestation
