Easy ways to add value to your home

If you are thinking of putting your house on the market and want to maximize your chances of getting the highest possible price, you need to ensure your home is in the best condition it can be. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune to do this – luckily there are some small tasks you can perform around the home that will add value without breaking the bank.

Here’s our list of the top 10 inexpensive ways you can add value to your home:

• Paint – giving the interior (and exterior) of your home a fresh coat of paint will give it an instant facelift and in turn, should drive the value of your home up. If you are able to do it yourself, you’ll save money too.
• Kitchen – something as simple as updating the handles on your kitchen cupboard and draws can instantly give your kitchen a more modern look. You could also paint the cupboard doors or, if you can afford it, you can replace the doors altogether to something more modern.
• Window treatments – replacing tired old curtains and blinds with newer, more modern options will give your home a brighter look.
• Garden – an unkempt garden brings down the entire look of your home, and it does so before potential buyers even walk in the front door. Spend a weekend giving your garden a makeover – mow the lawn, trim back bushes and plant new water-saving plants where possible. Even an application of fresh mulch will make a garden more appealing.
• Solar panels – while it is a more expensive option, adding solar panels or even just a solar hot water heater while make your home more appealing to potential buyers, as they will immediately think of the savings they will be able to make in the future.
• Bathroom – give your bathroom an overhaul with inexpensive changes such as new taps, replacing or simply cleaning the grout, replacing the toilet seat or adding a door to your shower if you don’t already have one.
• Appliances – think about adding a dishwasher to the kitchen or split system air conditioning units in the living areas and bedrooms. Items such as these will instantly appeal to potential buyers.
• Façade – make sure the front of your home is in top-notch condition by replacing or painting the front door, touching up any cracked paint or adding a new letterbox. First impressions count and if potential buyers don’t like the front of your home, they will carry this impression with them as they view the rest of the home.
• Security – consider adding security screens and doors to your home, as well as an alarm system or security camera, especially if your home is in a suburb prone to crime.
• Light fixtures – you can easily and cheaply change the light fixtures throughout your home to give it an instant modern boost.