If you are thinking to add more value to your home, but you are not sure how, here is a short-list of some of the best ways to do so.
1. Kitchen
Yes, the kitchen is still No. 1 when it comes to the value of your home. If your kitchen is woefully outdated, a complete renovation could be a good investment. Chances are you can get away with some cheaper alternatives. Today’s top kitchen trends include stainless steel appliances, stone countertops and an open layout. Fewer upper cabinets can add to the open feel.
LED lights are fantastic for kitchens. Consider adding them to under the cabinets to add light to work spaces. As for the color of your kitchen, you can’t go wrong with a light neutral colour. The clean look of a white kitchen can be accented with brightly colored accoutrements. Silver faucets, drawer pulls and other hardware goes great with a white décor and stainless steel appliances.
2. Flexible spaces
Even if you cannot add more space to your home, you can still give the illusion of more space with an open floor plan. Knocking out non-load bearing walls can give any home a light, airy feel. Home buyers today love the flexibility of an open floor plan. Each room can serve different functions depending on the need. You can partition your spaces, not with walls but with furniture, like a large dining table.
3. Bathroom
While the kitchen is first with most buyers and open floor plans are popular, your bathrooms still offer a terrific way to boost your home’s value. Baby boomers are getting older and the millennials just entering the market may have an older family member to care for, so ease of use has become more important for bathrooms.
4. Curb appeal
The first thing people see is the front of your home. This is an area where a little bit of work can add a lot of value. Your front door is a key part of curb appeal. Make sure you have an inviting front entrance. The classic look of a front door painted red is still a solid choice. You should also make certain your trim and shutters are in good form and freshly painted.
Flower beds or planters can help frame your home, and they are an especially good choice along walkways and driveways. Your landscaping shouldn’t obscure your home but it can be used to hide unsightly features such as a heating and air conditioning unit. Just make sure not to interfere with its performance. A new mailbox can be a relatively inexpensive upgrade. While the front of your home is most important for curb appeal, don’t ignore the sides and back. A backyard deck can be a quality addition.
5. Maintenance
For the homeowner, problems like a leaky sink or a less than perfect paint job can seem insignificant. That isn’t necessarily true for potential buyers. If you want to increase the value of your home, take care of the little things. Make sure your home has the proper amount of insulation. Paint areas of the home that are in need, whether inside or out. Small touches can add up.
Floors are another area that can have a high impact. Wood floors are definitely the more popular option that tile or carpet. It’s a great way to add both beauty and functionality to your home.
6. Technology
Technological advances may be seen by many home buyers as essential and not a luxury. Dimmer switches and motion-detecting lights are a nice touch. A programmable thermostat is a must for the modern home. A permanently installed generator adds piece of mind.
With 30 years of experience in the real estate market, I have viewed thousands of homes in the GTA. I hope this list helps you add value to your home. Call Sam McDadi Real Estate Inc. for a free home evaluation.