Are you selling your home? Quick home improvements can bump up the sale price, help you to move faster and gain a competitive advantage with buyers. Here’s some easy and budget-friendly tips to get the ball rolling;
1. First impressions count. A lick of paint does wonders when it comes to making your house look inviting. Consider new doormats, welcome mats, and even the position of the door itself if you can. Make sure it looks inviting and welcoming.
2. Time for spring cleaning. If your gutters are clogged with leaves, clean them out. Sweep away cobwebs, prune back shrubs in the yard, and keep the paths and walkways neat and tidy to help the house look more desirable.
3. Let there be light. Natural and artificial lighting can make a huge difference in how your house looks. Replace old bulbs with warm, low-energy LED lights to instantly give the place a fresher look and feel.
4. Reduce clutter. There’s nothing worse than having too much stuff lying around the house. Take the time to clear out the attic, basement and any other areas of clutter before you start showing off the property.
5. Get rid of persistent odors. Before potential buyers can appreciate the house, they have to be able to smell it. Remove any bad odors, such as from pets, by using air fresheners, candles and diffusers.
6. Fix up little problems. Look for common problems, like leaking plumbing fixtures, broken hinges or sticky doors. Fixing all of these small problems can make your house look in better condition.
7. Update the bathroom. It might be the smallest room in the house, but the bathroom is an excellent place to make a big impact. Consider getting a fresh shower curtain, sleek new faucet, sink and towel hangers.
Next up, sprucing up the kitchen. It can be one of the most expensive rooms to update but there are some easy and affordable ways of modernising it. Begin with the countertops, cupboards and flooring – this can easily give the area a much needed makeover. Also think about the extra appliances you need such as a fridge, microwave and oven. You can also try out splashes of color to add more of a dynamic feel.
On to the bedrooms, this is your opportunity to give your home a real bedroom makeover. Try replacing the furniture such as the bed, desk, dressers and night stands. Also, don’t forget to add some cosy decorations like bright coloured sheets, curtains and cushions to make the place feel more vibrant. You can even go a step further by upgrading the flooring and rejuvenating the walls with a wall mural.
Now it’s time to focus on the more major aspects of the house. One big one is the plumbing and if it’s faulty it could be a real stumbling block when it comes to selling. Faulty plumbing can be a major headache and you don’t want it ruining your perfect home sale. Check that all the taps are in working order and if you can, replace any faulty pipes for a boost in efficiency.
The last main area to focus on is the heating and cooling systems. A poorly functioning system could lead to expensive repairs that buyers may not be interested in tackling. Ensure they’re both working appropriately and if not then get an expert to come in and repair it.
Lastly, you have the exterior of the house to consider. For the front, you may consider replacing the front door and getting fresh, flashy paint. Additionally, repaint your eaves and add a layer of exterior trim moldings to the facade for a tasteful look. Re-landscape your grass and install a few outdoor fixtures to help sell the place.
Now it’s time to look at the back of the house and the external elements of it. Give the walls and ceilings a fresh coat of paint and think about adding an outdoor water feature. Make the back look as attractive and inviting as possible and if you have any outdoor furniture, spruce it up too.
Let’s take a look at the roof. You’d be amazed at the difference a new roof can make. If the roof isn’t up to scratch then don’t hesitate to reach out to a roofer to repair or replace it. Inspecting your roof could be the difference between a successful home sale and a disaster.
Lastly, consider replacing the garage door. This is simple to do but can totally transform how the house looks. If you’re worried about the costs, you can always opt for a smart garage door with many features. Have a look around and see what options you have.