Your home is probably the single most valuable asset you own, and boosting its value can be one of the most effective ways to increase your net worth. Perhaps you are planning to sell your house in the near future and want to ensure the best price, or maybe you just want to be prepared for a future sale. Either way, it can be difficult to know which tactics are really effective and which will cost you more money than they can add to the value of your home.
More Space
One of the most effective ways to increase your home’s value is to boost the amount of space it contains. Even a summer house in the garden can have an impact. A conservatory is better, and best of all is some kind of extension. If your house has a large enough garden attached, you may wish to simply add an extension on to the side. However, it is not a good idea to sacrifice too much of your garden. This will be felt especially keenly by city residents, who usually have smaller gardens because of the limited space that urban settings allow for each home. Loft conversions are probably the best kind of house extension London residents can consider. In fact, they are one of the best kinds anywhere. They boost the living space in your home without increasing its footprint, and because most of the structure is already in place, they are very cost-effective.
Decor
A home that is nicely decorated will attract a significantly higher price from buyers. This is partly because the home will be more attractive and make a better impression, and partly because it means they will not have the expense and effort of decorating after they take over ownership. Neutral decor styles will increase the value more than ones strongly tailored to your personal taste, but this doesn’t mean you should paint all the walls in magnolia like a cheap rental property. Subtle, pastel shades are the perfect compromise.
Garden
As with the house itself, the garden should look nice if you want to attract the best price. If your garden has been neglected and you are planning to sell your home in the near future, even a little effort spent tidying it up will be a good way to boost the value of the property. Simply pulling up weeds and making sure that everything is neat and tidy will make a difference. Some colourful yet low-maintenance flower beds and a neatly mowed lawn will be better still. Things such as decking and patios will also boost the value of your home, potentially by much more than they cost (though this will depend on circumstances and the type of thing you install). In a way, these follow the same principle of adding space to your home by creating a practical outdoor space for use in the summer. A small investment in the garden of your home can really pay dividends.