If you’ve been looking for ways to improve your home, be it for personal pleasure or increase its value before selling, we have some awesome tips for you. From working on the interior décor to adding some color outside, there is so much you can do. Read on to find out more!
Conduct Some Thorough Cleaning and Declutter
There is nothing that a thorough cleaning cannot improve. Taking time to deeply clean your home as you declutter is a sure way of adding to its value. In fact, you will be surprised to learn that buyers prefer clean and spacious homes. And even if you don’t plan on selling your home, you can maximize the extra space to get more organized and have less unnecessary stuff to deal with in your daily cleaning sessions.
Be warned though, while you might not require a lot of money to clean and declutter your home, you will need a lot of energy. But how much you need will depend on how large your home is.
But you can always begin by dividing and prioritizing your work. For instance, you can begin by going through your cabinets, shelves and other storage areas to find things that you can donate. Afterwards, clean the drawers, only leaving behind what you need to keep.
Refresh the Walls with Paint
Painting is the surest way to get rid of all your old “mistakes”. You can change the color to neutral, bold or simply classic. Get hold of that paintbrush and turn that house into your current reality. For instance, if the kids are already grown, it’s time to let them enjoy their favorite colors in their rooms.
You may also want to turn that living room into a more vibrant space to host your family and friends.
What I am trying to say is that paint allows you to grow old with your home. There are some things you used to like at a given stage of your life that you don’t currently. Use your creativity to start from scratch. Room to room, down to the final touches.
The good news is that there are various readily available DIY videos online that you can use to get started. Plus, you can take as much time as you need.
Invest in a Stair Runner
When most people hear the word “invest”, what runs through their mind is “expensive”. But that isn’t always the case. If you’re operating on a tight budget, there are various low-priced runners you can get for those dull and slippery stairs. It will not only change the physical appearance of your home but also protect you from accidental falls.
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you can make one for yourself by purchasing the necessary supplies. The internet, especially Pinterest has some incredible ideas you can implement. It’s also a cheaper option, so you get to save some cash.
Make Your Home More Efficient
Modern homes are easily lovable, especially by buyers because of the efficiency they offer. Nowadays, most people don’t want to do things the traditional way. It’s even better because you don’t have to spend much to upgrade your home’s efficiency.
For example, you can start by installing a thermostat to help you control your home’s temperature anywhere, anytime. This is the best way to manage your home’s energy costs. Plus, it will give you a strong selling point, especially when connected to HVAC, when you decide to sell your home.
People will always value convenience, energy efficiency, and the overall comfort of a home.
Other things that you can do to improve the efficiency of your home include fixing old windows/doors, replacing that old dishwasher with a new Energy Star-qualified dishwasher, adding home insulation, and much more.
Solar Roof Installation
Still, on efficiency and energy saving, you can also consider installing a solar roof. While most people think of panels whenever solar is mentioned, you can also use solar shingles to add value to your home. They make a beautiful sight. Plus, you will save money on monthly bills, even as you protect your home from weather and other environmental elements.
Upgrade your Landscape
The beauty of a home should be evident from the outside. So, if your grass has long dried, you cannot even remember the last time you tended to your flowers, or there is no sight of a tree within your yard, it’s time to do something.
If you ask any veteran realtor, they will tell you that colorful plants, shrubs and trees are a sure way of adding attractiveness to your home. But even as you invest in some, ensure you buy plants that can withstand the climatic changes in your region. It will be a complete waste to purchase high-value plants and trees, only for them to dry up in the dry or cold season. The less maintenance these plans need, the better for you.
If you add trees, consider getting shade trees. When they mature, they will provide the much-needed shade outdoors, which can significantly cut your cooling costs. Also, once grown, and with proper landscaping, they will provide the much-needed habitat to wildlife, and add value to your home. So, you get to play your role in saving the environment as well. A double win!
Add Some Interior Shutters
Yes, light is important in any space, especially a home, but too much of it can be annoying. Some traditional windows let in too much sunlight and are transparent giving your neighbors a free view of your home interiors.
To counter this, consider installing swinging wood shutters for a more beautiful look. But, if this isn’t your taste, shades will also do the trick. Shutters have always been classic architectural details, so they will serve you for long without going out of style or diminishing value.
Besides, they will help keep your house warm in winter and cool in summer, by preventing the oppressive wind and heat from entering your home. They’re also quite affordable. Plus, they’re easy to install, so you can do it on your own.
Improve the Look of Your Kitchen
For most people, the kitchen is the central space of a home. And because a lot of cooking activities take place in there, it’s likely to wear out pretty fast compared to other rooms in the home. If you’re planning on selling your home, you must consider the general outlook of your kitchen. An outdated kitchen can significantly devalue your home.
Also, if the current layout of your kitchen isn’t well set, it can affect how you maximize the space. Depending on how large your kitchen is, a full upgrade can be expensive. Therefore, if you can’t afford to update the whole of it, at least for now, you can do a minor remodeling. It might not be as impactful as a full renovation, but it will still add value to your home.
Some of the things you can consider doing are, painting walls, installing new cabinets and/or repainting existing ones, changing faucets, and much more.
Upgrade the Exterior Doors
Exterior doors are central features in curb appeal. It’s the first thing everyone coming into your home or passing by will see. If your front door is already ugly and old, it’s time to consider replacing it with a modern door. It could be solid wood mahogany with a touch of glass, a steel door, or one with a smart lock, depending on your budget.
If the existing door is still strong and attractive, you can stain it a little bit for stunning results. This is also a good way to save money for other renovations.
Basement Remodel
More space in your home means more value. If your home has an unusable basement, you can clear the junk from in there and create a cozy family, entertainment room or even a gym. But for best results, hire an expert to help you evaluate its condition and advice on the necessary renovation steps.
Revive that Deck
If your deck has served your home for years, it’s likely to be bleak. This could be due to the harsh weather in your location, lack of maintenance or both.
The good news, however, is that most decks can be revived to their former glory with a few touches. For instance, you can get an expert to help you power-wash it, and hand-scrub it to newness. Afterwards, a touch of a protective semitransparent stain coat will do the trick. Results? A new-looking deck that’s not only protected from harsh environmental conditions but can also add value to your home.
Change the Flooring in Some Rooms
Not all rooms in your house are equal. Some wear out quickly due to environmental conditions than others. For example, the laundry, mudrooms, and bathroom floors are subject to faster wear and tear because of frequent moisture and dirt.
There are various flooring options you can use to make these rooms as good as new. You can go as expensive as your pocket can allow, or opt for low-cost flooring options such as vinyl tires. The aim is to get a professional-looking, and durable floor.
If you have some cash to spare, you can add a coat or two of paint on the surrounding walls for a perfect appearance.
Note: whichever color of flooring you choose should complement the surrounding interior décor.
Summary
There you have it! some of the best ways to improve your home and add value to it. We hope these tips help you get started in your next home improvement journey. Feel free to share with us which ones worked for you.
