Your home isn’t a static piece of property. As time goes on, it will need maintenance and updates. Some of these updates and improvements have a huge impact on your home, even if you’ve gone without them so far.
People improve their homes for a couple of reasons. Either they’re improving it for their own needs, or they’re doing it to add value to their home. Watch out for home improvements that cost more than they’re worth to a buyer, especially if you want to sell soon. If you’re planning on sticking around, however, then add the improvements that will benefit your needs.
The Exterior
The outside of your home is the first thing that you and your buyers will see as they approach your home. If you neglect your exterior, then your house will look less appealing to anyone wanting to buy it. Even worse, failing to maintain your rendering or roof can lead to severe damage that will cost a lot of money to repair.
As well as the outside of the house itself, pay some attention to the landscaping. Even if you just have a small garden or yard, you can use it to create a wonderful space for your family. People like to spend time outside, so a welcoming sitting area will be a great investment and might not be too difficult to arrange.
If you can, make sure that you have off-road parking outside your home. Your car will be far safer even if it’s just on a driveway than if it’s parked by the road. Besides, it’s much more convenient to have your car parked so close to your house.
Air Conditioning
This is one of those “invisible” improvements that aren’t immediately obvious to buyers, but depending on where you live, it’s worth installing an air conditioning system. If you have hot summers and your home doesn’t yet have air conditioning, then you might be surprised by how much more comfortable your home becomes. A cooler temperature is especially important for healthy sleep.
An air conditioning system also allows you to control the temperature of your home a little better. For some families, this can make a big difference. HVAC systems are becoming more common in homes and businesses, which is why many people choose to become an air conditioning tech.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Again, this isn’t a flashy home improvement, but it’s one that your wallet is sure to thank you for in the long run. By investing in a new and more efficient water heater, for example, you could save up to 14% of your household energy usage.
Other appliances can be similarly updated to more energy-efficient versions, knocking your utility bills right down. Yes, it’s an initial investment to get them replaced, but you could save a considerable amount of money after a few months.
Freshen the Wall Paint
If your home is starting to look a little shabby and worn, part of the issue may be the paint on the walls. Adding a fresh coat of paint, either to a neutral color to make it more palatable to a buyer, or to just refresh the color, will do wonders. Even better, you can do this yourself over a weekend.
