Our home is our sanctum, our invaluable personal space where we feel safe, relaxed, and focused. Or, at least, that’s how it should be. The last two years of the pandemic made us realize how little we value and take care of this sanctum. We should really do more, not only for ourselves but, ultimately, for the house’s market value as well. Let’s take a look at some ways that fixing our house could increase its market value.
First Rule: Renovate
Who doesn’t like getting into a new house, with its freshly painted walls and new, shiny floorboards? This is the ultimate question you should keep in mind when it comes to making any decision as to how you should proceed with your renovation.
But before changing your windows and floor, you should probably start with the basics – the elements that make the house functional. First of all, if the house is quite old, you should consider changing the plumbing or the wiring inside the walls and adding insulation for sound and temperature.
Besides, they might have already started showing you signs of wear and tear, so, that’s the first order of business before painting the walls. Starting with the new plumbing, make sure everything is done properly, otherwise, your walls will be riddled with holes again just to fix a pipe installed in the wrong place.
The same can be said of course about the rewiring of the house, which can also prove to be troublesome. And while we’re at it, you might as well look into any structural issues that the house might have presented over the years, like cracks in walls, creaky floorboards, or a leaky roof.
After the structural, bothersome stuff is taken care of, maybe it’s time to think about some added value to your property. Depending on your budget, of course, you could invest in installing a new heating system or adding a fireplace. If the old heating system was based on the power company or fossil fuels only, it seems like a good idea to look for renewable forms of energy.
Nowadays, there are subsidies from the state that make this investment a feasible undertaking, which will not empty your pocket along the way. Moreover, if your living room has enough free space, you could have a fireplace installed. It’s traditional and elegant and it will add to the value of the house, too.
While we’re talking about adding, you might also consider adding a new bedroom or a second (or third) bathroom or WC into the house. New buyers will probably be more interested in a house with more bedrooms or bathrooms, especially a family with more than two children.
Deal With Your Roof And Exterior
Let’s not forget: the first thing that the new buyers notice is the exterior of the house. So, the renovation should definitely include changing or repairing the roof, taking care of possible ground problems (like potential subsidence), upgrading the garden, and even thinking about the added value, like investing in Solar Panels or having an outside pool built.
Starting with the roof, you should examine carefully every inch, because it might have started showing signs of decay. If it’s in good condition, it’s probably adequate to have the professionals do some service, like repairs here and there or applying some paint where needed.
If it looks like it’s going to fall, however, then it’s time to call in the cavalry. The experienced professionals at Vista Roofing emphasized the importance of hiring the right company for the job. You can have your roof repaired or a new one installed in no time, as long as you have the time and budget.
Change Windows And Doors
A renovation of a house to make it look like new could certainly not take place without changing old windows and doors. A good way to get some ideas about this is to surf the web or look at brochures from trusted companies. This change should obviously include double-glazing windows and aluminum or PVC frames, which will add a more premium aesthetic and ultimately upgrade the image of the house.
Paint And Change Flooring
Before getting to the obvious need for painting, you shouldn’t neglect the floor. We all think of improving our surroundings but tend to forget that where we stand or walk is also important. We certainly wouldn’t want our prospective buyer to walk on squeaky floorboards or broken tiles.
If your house already has wooden floors, then it’s not a bad idea to have those removed and have new ones installed. This will greatly improve the general image of your house and make it look brand new. If, on the other hand, you don’t have the budget, you could at least have the old floorboards repaired and the entire flooring polished. You won’t get the same result, but at least it will appear refreshed. In the case of kitchen or bathroom tiles, a replacement or renovation is also a must. And polishing, of course.
While you’re in the process of changing the floors, you might consider installing underfloor heating as well. It’s actually the perfect opportunity if you have the old flooring removed. Underfloor heating will surely improve the overall image for the prospective buyer, as it is known to offer more efficient heating and it’s more economical in the long run.
Last but not least, painting must be done properly, including the walls (inside and outside), ceiling, balcony railings, roof, and any other area that looks old or neglected. You may be capable enough to do it yourself, but the truth is that a professional will do it properly and efficiently.
There are many other ideas that can help you improve and renovate your house, like building a gazebo, a shed, or a pergola in the garden, building a garage, or doing a kitchen makeover by having new cupboards installed and buying a new kitchen table with chairs. The ideas are endless, so this article has merely scratched the surface by proposing the most essential ones. In the end, it’s your house, so you will be the one to decide which are the most important suggestions for the most optimal outcome.
