<strong>How Do I Build and Maintain the Value of My House? </strong>

Whether you want to sell now, think you may want to in the near future or you simply want to make sure your home is as comfortable and convenient as possible, you may be wondering ‘How do I maintain and build the value of my home?’ We have several helpful tips to help.

Tips to Grow and Maintain the Value of Your House 

Some jobs range from a weekend worth of work to a fairly significant investment. Pick and choose the tips that work for your needs, goals and budget. 

1. Strategic Improvements. If you have to prioritise the improvements, updates and upgrades you make to your home, you may want to start with the two most well-used rooms: the kitchen and bath. Upgrades here – even if not a full scale remodel – can significantly build value in your home. Not to mention making it more comfortable, convenient and enjoyable for you and your household. A kitchen uplift can boost value by up to 10% while a bathroom renovation can add 4%. Other improvements to consider:

• Loft conversion (16%)
• Conservatory (9%)
• Single storey extension (11%)
• Double storey extension (15%)

2. Broken? Fix It. If something breaks or malfunctions, it’s tempting to put it on the to-do list and forget about it. Take the time to make repairs as soon as you can. You can take a do-it-yourself approach to many household tasks or call in a handyman. Yes, it’s an expense, but it will help keep your home’s value steady while appealing to buyers, should you sell.

3. Boost Kerb Appeal. The exterior of your home gives the first impression to passers by and potential buyers. Make sure you make a positive impact. There are many ways, from extensive landscaping (for a lift in value of about 3%) to simply trimming hedges and trees, cutting the grass, weeding the garden and installing bright, cheerful plants or container gardens. While you’re about it, repaint the front door, put up new house numbers, install a light in your entryway (and some solar lights along your walk, if you have one). 

4.Clean and Declutter Regularly. This costs very little and makes a very large impact on value and the eyes of potential buyers. It also makes your house more pleasant to live in, which may be your ultimate goal! Some people clean on a daily basis so they don’t have to spend their weekends on these chores. If you don’t have time, just do a little tidying as you can and do a good cleanout as your schedule allows. Do a deep clean at least twice a year to attack the nitty gritty hiding in the corners and niches. 

5. Do Some Simple DIY Tasks. Other tasks are quite simple and require only a little investment in supplies and your time. For example: 

• Freshen your rooms with a new coat of paint. If you plan to sell, it’s best to stick to neutral colour palettes. This can add about 5% to a home’s sale price – a terrific return on your investment in a few pots of paint and brushes. 
• Shine and polish or replace hardware. This includes doorknobs, faucets, cabinet and cupboard knobs, etc.
• Power wash the exterior of your home (depending on the type of siding you have) and any pathways.
• Replace your doormat. 
• Replace some lighting fixtures for updated appeal and strategic lighting. 

6. Install Energy Efficient Appliances. If it’s time to update your appliances, go with energy efficient models. This will save you in terms of utilities and water use, and it will also make your home much more appealing to house hunters.

You can also instruct an energy audit to pinpoint additional ways to increase the efficiency of your home. This can include everything from replacing doors and windows to using some weatherstripping to seal up gaps and cracks. These typically cost £60 to £120. And if you are selling, you’ll need to get an Energy Performance Certificate in any case. Might as well handle this now!

7. Tackle a Big Job. If you have the funds or can secure financing, it may behoove you to take on a bigger job, such as replacing the roof, updating the plumbing and/or electrical systems, installing a new heating, etc. These are major projects and you will need the help of professionals, but the returns include increased comfort, safety and efficiency – and, of course, increased value in the eyes of buyers and their lenders. 

How do I maintain and build the value of my house? Try these tips as they suit your needs.