Increase the Value of Your Home: A Beginner’s Guide

One of the best and most effective ways to increase the value of your home is to make a few improvements to your interior and outdoor spaces. These home improvements don’t have to be expensive. You might be surprised at how a few tweaks here and there can increase the value of your home considerably. Here are a few tips that you can consider:

Give your home a thorough inspection

Inspect every area of your home; bedrooms, kitchen, toilet and bath, living room, and dining area for the interiors, and roof, exterior walls, patio, and yard for the outdoor space. First, make a list of all the things that need to repairs (roof sheets or shingles, gutters, sticky doors and/or windows, closet and cupboard doors, floors, etc.). Next, create another list for all the improvements you wish to make, like a fresh coat of paint on your interior walls, upgraded or modernized bathroom features, and such.

It would also be great if you can consult with a professional interior designer or a realtor, so you can get their professional opinion on how to increase the value of your home.

Enhance your home’s curb appeal

Your front yard is the first thing that people notice when they walk past your house. Suffice it to say that if this is unappealing, it’s most likely that people will assume that the interiors of your house will be the same. Add a few potted plants on the side of your driveway, and a couple more outside your main door might liven the place up a bit. Choose plants that are native to your state, and choose those that require little maintenance such as those that are “drought-tolerant” if you live in a particularly dry region.

If possible, you can also plant a tree if you don’t have any yet. And of course, always make sure that your lawn is trim and clean.

Make your home energy-efficient

First, check your appliances and fixtures to make sure that every piece or item is functioning properly. Next, replace old fixtures with energy-efficient ones. If you are going to replace your old appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR certification label. In a nutshell, appliances and electronics that are ENERGY STAR-certified use less than the standards required by the federal government—about 20 to 30% less.

Spruce up the place

Lastly, spruce up your place by installing new window treatments, rugs or carpeting. Wall hangings and decorative pieces on your surfaces will also add some visual interest.

These are but a few basics on how to increase the value of your property; they’re not necessarily big projects, but these simple tweaks could help you get started.