5 Home Improvement Tips to add Value

Earlier in the week, we talked about both keeping your renovation on track, and getting more money out of your open house. So how do we combine them both? Spend a little on some home improvements and minor renovations that can't help but wow people at your open day.

Obviously, not everyone has a lot of money to spend, you're selling your house to presumably by a new one. But what if there were some small things that could help add a lot of value to your place?

1. Wow people with an attention-grabbing front door

Ever driven through the 'burbs and had a door catch your eye before? You know, the bright red door on the cute weatherboard house that makes you go "huh, that's kinda cute". The one planted firmly in the middle of a whole street of white, brown or black doors. 

When someone walks up to your house, you want to immediately set the tone for your home. Is it just another home, or is this THE HOME. The one guests or prospective buyers can't seem to get out of their head later that day.

You can either opt to buy a whole new door at this point, but sometimes just a new coat of paint in a bold or eye-catching color is all you need.

2. Go big on the storage

If there's one thing people love, and always check, its storage space. Storage space in your kitchen, in the bathroom, in your closets, hell, even in the hallway. People can't seem to get enough of it, so like the old quote goes, "Give the people what they want, and they'll come to see it"

Spending a bit of extra money (either through a builder, or some good old fashioned DIY) you can easily add more shelving in cupboards, and bedrooms and bathrooms. Just be practical about it, and make sure that you don't just put it there for the sake of an open space.

3. Spruce up the handles, rail's and holders

Not as ridiculous as it seems. You can literally pick up 10 packs of modern looking brushed steel handles for your kitchen cabinets at for $23.  If you can't afford to re'do your entire room in a big renovation, then swapping out the handles, or the towel racks are going to be your next best option.

To take it a step further, why not replace all your tapware with stunning matte black or a modern steel look. This way you can add continuity throughout the house, by keeping the kitchen, bathroom, and ensuite all inline with each other.  This add's style and shows your house is capable of keeping up with the times, thus adding value.

 4. Light it up!

So this can be split up into two bits; natural and unnatural lighting.

When we talk about natural lighting, look at ways you can help to incorporate more daylight and the sunshine into your home. Your open house will be during the day, so if you can make space feel brighter and more inviting, the better.

Now, replacing (or adding) whole windows can be a bit of an expensive task, but can definitely bump up the cost of your house, and help to modernize the look, if you've still got the same old frames in their if its an older place. Conversely, look at new blinds or shades for your windows that will draw a person's eye outside. Mirrors as well can help to make space feel bigger, and help bounce some light around a room.

For non-natural lighting, consider swapping out the old light bulbs you have and install downlights, which look clean and timeless. Then, go lamp shopping. Small bedside pieces that are unique always stand out, as well as free standing lamps for in the lounge room or dining area.

When the real estate agent comes to take photos of your place, they'll also do this at night, so the more lighting that makes your home feel warm, the better.

5. Spruce up your entertainment area

Making people feel like they could see themselves living in the house is the biggest key to generating buyer interest.

So if you can create such an inviting entertainment area, both indoors and outdoors, that they instantly can see themselves sitting there on the weekend entertaining friends, then your job is half done. You can go all out, re-deck an area outside to entertain with, pizza oven, fire pit; the whole kit and kaboodle. Or, you can go the cheaper option, by fixing up the garden a bit, pressure washing the deck, and then adding in new furniture, like an outdoor dining set.

Indoors, it works the same. Comfortable couches with striking pillows, or big tables that can comfortably seat all your friends or family are going to look great on the open day and in the photos.

Before you sell your home, or buy your new one, make sure to get a building inspection undertaken to protect yourself from any hidden surprises. You can talk to our friendly team on 1300 657 546 or book online today.