We may not be planning on selling any time soon, but it is always wise to plan ahead. Small, affordable changes to the interior and exterior of a home over a long period of time can be a better option than rushing. Often, when the time comes that we want or need to sell our home, organising renovations can be stressful and expensive. For that reason, sprucing up the house bit by bit in small ways while we’re still happily settled can be far more positive. Not only will it be more valuable and easy to sell if the time ever came, but it will be a more pleasant space for us too!
Keeping on Top of Structure
Bathrooms, lounges, and gardens are all a matter of taste. But aspects of the home like rot, damp, collapsed floors, or leaking rooms can’t be overlooked. Most potential buyers will commission a thorough inspection. It might discover problems you didn’t even know you had. It can be bitterly disappointing to be faced with a hefty list of expensive problems to fix, or else risk devaluing the house. Getting on top of potential problems early is the best policy all-round. If you’ve suffered any storms or flooding, for example, invest in a mold & disaster cleanup service. If it is only smaller issues, call in a professional to deal effectively with those too. What may seem like a high initial outlay is actually likely to save you a good deal of money down the line.
High Value Areas
The kitchen, garden, and bathrooms of a property are all recognised as being significant in determining the value of a property. If extensive renovations are not an option (or not necessary), a few simple additions or changes can make a big difference. The garden, for example, is often overlooked when valuing a house but can be a huge selling point. Adding a patio, barbecue, or other built-in features can be a huge attraction to a family or buying couple. Even ensuring the grass is well kept and that there are plants and flowers create a much better impression that an unkempt space that needs a lot of work. It helps for potential buyers to be able to visualise their family and social lives in particular spaces. Pleasant features and details help them to do this, and are a bonus for you too!
External Upkeep
Keeping the front of the house fresh and presentable can be an important part of the value. First impressions are difficult to recover from. However beautiful a property is inside, a neglected exterior can be offputting. Rather than attempting a sudden “face lift”, work in small steps over the long-term. Replace tiles as and when necessary. Ensure that the driveway is adequately paved, and that the front door is clean and freshly painted. It is also important to ensure the drains of the house are working effectively and not creating damp or an odour. It is never more obvious than when you approach a house for the first time.
With a little extra investment over the long-term, it is possible to keep a house in attractive, saleable condition even if you choose to stay put.
