Not everyone wants to add value to their home because they wish to sell, but plenty of people want to add value to the house that they can enjoy. It doesn’t matter if your home is brand new or has a few years on the clock – some home upgrades add beauty and value to the owners.
Not everything you add to the home needs to be expensive or just something beautiful. Value can also be added through practical items too, like smart alarms, extra electrical outlets, and so on.
Having a home that is stylish, functional, and comfortable is ideal.
So here are a few home upgrades that can add value and beautify your home.
Kitchen Countertops
One of the biggest trends is to change the countertop in the kitchen and turn them into something that looks quite stunning. Changing the countertops is excellent because there is an option for every budget. For example, if you are on a tight budget, there are kitchen-proof countertop stickers in a massive range of designs.
If you want to go for something more extensive without a budget in mind, replacing it with marble is always a great idea. It is hardwearing and easy to clean – not to mention stunning.
If you update the countertop with the idea that you want to sell the house, then try to go with options you typically see in a show home. These options are less personalized and allow the new owners to add their touches.
Kitchen Storage
While you are in the middle of choosing the best kitchen countertop options, it is a great time to consider the rest of the kitchen too.
Kitchen storage is something we can all do with more of – or at least smarter storage options. Our kitchen storage plays home to the most amount of machinery too. Having plenty of cupboard space means that you can store away anything you aren’t using every day.
Specialized cabinets that are designed to hold chopping boards, large plates, and even utensil organizing.
We often don’t use all of the space that we have available either. Take a look around and see where you have extra space. The sides of cupboards can be ideal for magnetized spice bots, cup holders, or even notice boards for help with organization.
Smart kitchen storage ideas are plentiful on Pinterest, and they don’t all require you to blow the budget either.
For more great home tips, check out: Factors To Consider When Choosing Your House’s Arrangement and Style.
Patios and Decks
Your outdoor space can be a little piece of paradise, and you must enjoy it. You don’t need to have a huge garden to make the most of your outdoor space, either. A small balcony has more than enough room to decorate.
If you want to add a deck to your balcony, the easiest way to achieve this is by grabbing some of the easy click-and-placing wooden decking options from somewhere like IKEA. They are budget-friendly and can be fitted pretty easily.
For larger jobs, like patios, they are often better tackled by professionals; while they can be reasonable to DIY – they can be costly if they go wrong.
While the professionals lay the decking or patio, you can concentrate on the furniture you want to put outside.
Consider extra seating and seating that is long enough to lay down on – for extra comfort. Outside lighting like fairy lights or solar lamps can add an extra dimension to your new favorite space.
Composite decking is usually more eco-friendly and durable – but that is a personal preference.
When considering patios and decking, take a look around the garden or balcony – is it well kept? If not, then some landscaping can make a huge impact. For smaller balconies, consider adding potted plants or some interest to the walls.
Landscaping in a large garden isn’t just about beauty; it can also ensure that the garden has good drainage and add features that protect the garden. Adding perennial plants can be a big selling point, too, since they are low maintenance and come back year after year.
Greener Energy
One of the great things about looking at green energy sources is that they often come with financial incentives.
The financial incentives can help cover the cost of solar panels or mean that you will get your investment reimbursed to a specific percentage.
There are several different types of green energy that you can consider when looking at the green energy options for your home:
- Solar heating and cooling
- Solar-powered appliances
- Having renewable energy implemented in your home
- Electricity generation via wind
- A hybrid solar and electrical wind system
Homeowners can benefit from using green energy and solar panels in warmer climates, as solar panels often generate more power than used. Most homes fitted with solar panels and have green energy implementation can be sold for a higher price.
You may be entitled to tax credits for renewable energy and other schemes in your area.
Windows and Doors
Old windows and doors are prone to letting in a draft, sticking when opening and closing, or not being as cost-effective as they should be.
Not only that but windows and doors are one of the main aesthetics for the home’s outside and inside. Renewal by Andersen Window Replacement offers a massive range of options to fit any aesthetic you are looking for.
Quickly turn the windows and door into the perfect countryside chic style, or go for a modern, clean white set.
Old windows don’t just let in a draft through; there are many more reasons to upgrade windows and doors.
- Improving the appearance of the home
- Reducing the cost of energy
- Newer windows and doors offer better protection
- Improving the lifespan of your HVAC (since you won’t be using it as often)
- More comfortable maintained temperature
New windows and doors also offer a higher level of noise reduction, which idea if you live in a busy area.
Bathroom Fans
Bathrooms are often subject to plenty of steam and moisture, with nowhere for it to go. If you don’t have a well-placed window that helps regulate your bathroom’s ventilation, you might consider a bathroom fan system.
Some models of automatic bathroom vents are fitted with a humidity sensor, and this means whenever steam is detected, they will switch on and clear the air.
The automatic nature of the bathroom fan ensures that even if you forget to turn it off, it will do it by itself and save you money on your energy.
Older homes often have no ventilation in the bathroom, making them susceptible to mold pretty quickly. Fitting a new ventilation system in older homes will be a much larger job, but the benefits outweigh the cost – as this adds value to the house.
Painting
Painting can be one of the cheapest jobs, but the one with the most impact. Painting can be done slowly, room by room, until you get the look you want – making it ideal for people on a budget and those strapped for time.
If you aren’t sure what color you should be painting your home and intend to sell, white or pale pastel colors are perfect.
It is essential to prep your walls well before you paint. Ensure that they are cleaned down with some mild soap and that all areas have been taped off. These small things will give you a professional finish.
Your home is one of the most significant investments you make and should be somewhere that you love for years to come. Small and large investments can make a massive difference to how the house feels and how much you enjoy it.
