Photo: Sara Kahn Turner

Whether you’re looking to put your property on the market or simply increase your home’s value for your own peace of mind, there are actually a number of ideas you can put into place that don’t have to take years — or cost tons of money. In this article, we’re going to look at these simple tips that could help improve your property value and your home’s curb appeal.

Decorate

This is probably the number one way to help lift your house value a bit. You don’t need to do a complete renovation or spend tens of thousands on luxury interior design — simply a lick of paint and some new flooring could do the trick.

There’s a reason why those dated interiors are in houses that are in the lower price bracket for their size and location — most people are put off by them. A newly decorated, inviting home will be more appealing to anyone who views the property, and that means it’ll sell quicker and for a higher price.

Here’s another simple tip: don’t try and go overboard with the latest styles or tastes. Stay simple and classic or your decorating job might age quicker than you think. You also want to appeal to the broadest number of people rather than only those who want a specific style. Think like a blank canvas — but a nice one.

Photo: W Design Interiors

Get Some Outdoor Lighting

Another way to make your house look great — especially at night — is with outdoor lighting. With some carefully placed exterior lights, you can make your house look amazing at night. One important factor to remember with exterior lighting is that it’ll only really improve demand and value if people are viewing the home at night. Make sure you’ve got a few evening viewings booked in to really take advantage of your new lighting system.

Improve Security

Many homebuyers are looking for modern security features, and having a good selection of them already installed will save the buyer having to fit them themselves. Make sure you’ve got a modern, efficient alarm system. You can also consider security cameras, security doors and other auxiliary systems to make your home super-safe.

Photo: Furman + Keil Architects

Install Under-Floor Heating

While this one isn’t the cheapest, it could be one of the most effective. Under-floor heating has become increasingly popular in recent years. If you add it to your property, it’ll help increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to new buyers.

Turn Your Garage into Living Space

One great way to add extra living space or even another bedroom — without the expensive cost of an extension — is to convert your garage. Fewer people are using their garage for vehicles these days. Many garages are under-used altogether or just treated as storage space and neglected. You can turn that garage into another room of your home without spending too much — you’ll just need to seal one end with bricks (and probably install a window) plus decorate the interior a little. As you’re probably well aware, an extra bedroom or even living room could add a ton to your house.

Hopefully some of these tips work for you. There might be some more ways to increase your property value in your local area. Check out this site if you’re looking for advice on a San Clemente home for sale.

Photo: Historical Concepts

Adding value to your property isn’t an exact science. Second guessing each potential buyer’s take on taste is tricky, with the polarising battle between classic-look interior design styles and the trappings of modern trends likely to half your audience before they’ve seen the bathroom. Luckily, there are a few cosmetic upgrades that could help your home to stand out.

The Wow Factor

Dress for the job you want. That’s the advice whenever interviewing for the next step up the corporate ladder. When selling your home, the buyer becomes the interviewer and your home becomes the interviewee. Make sure your home is dressed to win favourable remarks from the outset – first impressions are everything. Worn carpet? Buy a replacement. A split in the bannister? Buy a replacement. One of the five bulbs not working in the hallway? Buy a replacement. You may also be worried about the appearance of any aging furniture. Forgo the cost of new couches, chairs, and tables, with an easy rental that could significantly lift the aesthetic of your home. Check out Emblem Furniture for inspiration.

Photo: Historical Concepts

Minimalist Décor

When you became the owner of the property, your natural desire to make a house a home no doubt brought sweeping changes to the original setup. Now that it is time to sell, it’s important to reverse the process so as to make a home a house again – you’re not trying to sell your choice of wallpaper, you’re trying to sell the space. Pick neutral colours that emphasise the available natural light.

An easy way to increase your home’s curb appeal, we recommend arranging the furniture to create one flowing pathway through the house, with two clear routes through the living room. Remove any armoires or storage cabinets that halve the width of any walkways. Taking these steps helps to avoid congestion and lessens the chances of creating the impression of being closed-in.

Photo: John Kraemer & Sons

Conversions

Unless you have the time not only to consult with an architect over the design of an extension, but then wait to gain planning permission from the appropriate authorities and again wait for several months for work on the additional square footage to be completed, you’re going to have to work with what you’ve got. With house prices in London falling at the fastest rate in nearly a decade, it’s important to squeeze value from every unloved corner of your property.

Photo: Matthew Thomas Architecture, LLC

Popular Examples include adding access (stairs) to an attic space to create a bedroom loft conversion. Alternatively, if there is a garage attached to your home that you hope will add value as an additional parking space, you may be missing a trick. It’s estimated that over 90% of homeowners do not use their garage for anything more than storage. Consider a conversion that allows for two rooms – one front facing room that could be used as a second living room, and one rear facing utility room.

Getting rid of this unused garage space brings up the question of parking. One of the best real estate tricks is to pave over your garden to add value to your home. Not only is there additional space for cars, but there is less demand on new owners to keep a garden – something which few people have time for.

Photo: Via Pinterest

For most people, their home is the biggest investment they will ever make. They cost a few hundred thousand dollars and take 30+ years to pay off. With such a hefty investment, it’s no wonder people don’t hesitate to spend money on their home and make it look exactly how they always dreamt it would be.

The upside to remodeling your home is that 75% of the money you spend goes directly into the overall value of the home. Here is a list of the 5 best upgrades to quickly improve the value of your home.

Photo: Gold and Gray Blogspot

Cladding

Installing UPVC cladding on the outside of your home is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home from the elements as well as add money to your home. UPVC cladding attaches to the outside of your home to protect against harsh weather and keep your home looking like new. Cladding can last more than 25 years, never needs to be repainted, and will hold up in any weather.

New Roofing

The main reason we live in homes is to protect us from the elements. When your roof begins to leak, it’s no longer doing its job. You will need to replace the roof before the rot begins to set in. When leaky roofs go unnoticed it can cause extensive damage and even affect the stability of the home.

Photo: Georgiana Design Tumblr

Fixing your roof will cost between $500-2,000 depending on the materials you use, the size of your roof, and the time it takes to complete the work. If you are tight on cash, you can always consider getting a loan from companies like cash mart. Whatever you choose, make sure it meets your budget and don’t go too much overboard with expensive materials.

Additions

Creating an addition onto your house is a great way to open the floor plan and increase the value. The average cost of adding an extension is roughly $80-200 per square foot. This is an expensive endeavor that can change the entire vibe of a home.

If you ever feel cut-off, or claustrophobic in your home an addition can connect areas of the home and give you the extra elbow space needed to feel comfortable.

Photo: Michelle Turney

Remodel Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the few focal points of a home. People love to come together around a kitchen island and have a few drinks while food is being prepared.

When an area of the home is this important it should always be one of the first places to get remodeled. You should create the perfect kitchen to have enough space to cook and enjoy the company of your guests.

Photo: Home BNC

Remodel Bathroom

This is another major focal point for many people, but not for the same reason as a kitchen. The restroom is where you spend a good portion of your time getting ready for work or preparing for bed.

Photo: Home Bunch

These are the nitpicking times of the day when we notice all the little details around the room that drive us nuts. Don’t cram into the bathroom with one sink when you can easily install a counter with two sinks.

Make this room perfect so you can enjoy waking up in the morning, and feel comfortable before heading to bed.