Are you a homeowner planning to rent or sell your property in the near future? It could pay off big time to improve your home to increase its overall appeal. There’s no need to start any backbreaking or bank account-draining renovations. A few easy improvements could very well be enough to potentially increase your property’s worth when being assessed by a house valuer in Sydney.
Here are 5 simple home improvements you could plan today.
1. Revive your home’s street appeal
It is only natural for your house’s exteriors to collect dirt or even experience a bit of wear and tear. After all, this is the part of the home that is most exposed to the elements and is often forgotten when it comes to cleaning and maintaining a home.
The outside of your home is the first thing prospective buyers or tenants see. Here are a few things you can do to revive its appeal from the street:
- Pressure Wash: This can be done to just about anything and everything. You can wash the driveways, paths, roofs, and just about anywhere.
- Paint: Paint can do wonders in making a home look brand new. Consider painting the front door, window frames, awnings, and gutters.
2. Fresh coat of paint
Speaking of paint, the easiest way to revitalise a home is a fresh coat of paint. Sometimes a simple touch-up in some areas will do but, if it has been quite a few years since your home has seen a paintbrush, then it is most definitely time for a refresh.
You do not have to go too big or bold here. In fact, you should keep to neutral colours if you are preparing to sell or rent your house.
Now, the walls may not be the only thing that needs new paint, you may need to freshen up your doors, cabinets, windowsills, and more.
3. Update your fixtures
Fixtures get a lot more use than you expect and often show signs of wear and tear. These include items such as:
- Doorknobs
- Sink taps
- Lights
- Switches
- Outlets
Pieces such as these can be what dates the home the most. Unless these classic fixtures have been well maintained or can be restored to their former glory, then it may be best to replace them. This could greatly change the look and feel of a house, modernising it or allowing the property to appear timeless.
4. Fix up the yard and garden
Does the property have a garden?
Then you should be sure that it is looking its best or at the very least, presents its potential to be great. Clear out any weeds, trim overgrown shrubs, and mow the lawn.
If you don’t mind a little extra work, you could install a low-maintenance garden to boost the property’s natural beauty. Something that requires little effort to maintain broadens its appeal to prospective buyers and tenants. Before you start, consider:
- Your budget
- Whether you require a professional landscaper
- The quality of the soil
- What best suits the local environment
5. Improve the kitchen and bathroom
Both the kitchen and the bathroom are key areas of focus for any homeowner or tenant. These spaces have a large impact on the quality of our everyday lives and as such you should place an equal amount of focus on these spaces when improving your house.
Paint and fixtures are good places to start, but you may need to also consider:
- Fixing or replacing the cabinets
- Adding extra storage
- Updating the splashback
- Upgrading any built-in appliances
If you decide these areas need a total renovation, you should think clearly about what work needs to be done and whether or not you require the help of a professional. Complex plumbing and electrical work, among other things, should be left to qualified hands for safety reasons. This could also save you money and grief later if any of your DIY work causes any major issues.
For more advice
If you want to learn your home’s current market value, local market trends, and the latest sales of comparable homes in your area, then you should call on a residential valuer.
Their reports can help better plan your improvements to ensure that they are worthwhile.
Contact your local property valuation firm today, to learn more and to gain some valuable advice.
