Your home is your biggest investment, and keeping it in good shape is crucial to maintaining its value. This applies whether you’re selling soon, or just want to ensure your property retains its worth over time. It’s therefore important to understand the most common home issues and how to resolve them. In this article, we’ll discuss 7 maintenance tasks you can do to boost your home’s value.
1. Increase Its Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, and potential buyers will make a quick judgment based on what they see from the street. Start by tidying up your yard and removing any clutter or overgrown plants. Add some colorful flowers or potted plants to create an inviting atmosphere. Give the front door a fresh coat of paint, to add a flash of color and create a warm welcome for guests. You could also replace any old lighting fixtures with new ones. Make sure they complement the style of your house and enhance its appearance at night. Don’t overlook small details (e.g. updating your house numbers or mailbox) to give it a modern look.
You could power wash your home’s exterior, including the driveway and sidewalks. This can remove any dirt and grime that may be making your property look old and worn out. There are companies that provide window cleaning, high-pressure cleaning, house washing and gutter cleaning. They can also clean your solar panels, wood or vinyl fence, shade sail and patio.
2. Enhance Energy Efficiency
You should install energy-efficient appliances and electronics, ranging from modern refrigerators to LED light bulbs. Also, improve the insulation and air sealing in your home. Make sure there are no gaps or leaks in windows, doors, walls, and ceilings. Proper insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures throughout the year. It keeps warm air inside during the winter, and retains cool air during the summer. This reduces the need for heating and cooling appliances.
HVAC systems contribute significantly to a household’s monthly utility bills. It’s wise to replace old systems with newer models that are designed for better efficiency ratings. Alternatively, look into using other sources of heat, such as solar panels or geothermal heating systems.
3. Apply Fresh Coats Of Paint
This is a simple and cost-effective way to boost your property value and improve its appearance. A new coat of exterior paint will also protect the outside from weather damage. Before painting, properly prepare the surface by cleaning off any dirt or debris, and repairing any cracks or holes. Neutral colors are typically more appealing to potential buyers, making it easier for people to imagine themselves living in your home.
Another tip is to consider doing accent walls in certain rooms, for added character. Hiring professionals can save you time, and ensure a high-quality finish. If you do the work yourself, invest in good quality paint and tools so you can achieve the best results.
4. Declutter And Deep Clean
These activities can help your house look more spacious, organized, and inviting. Start by going through every room in your home, getting rid of any unnecessary items. Search for anything that’s taking up space, collecting dust, or is outdated or broken. Consider donating or selling items that are gently used but no longer needed. Try to upcycle or recycle whatever you can, disposing of things responsibly.
Deep cleaning involves scrubbing floors, walls, ceilings, windowsills, baseboards, and any other surfaces that have accumulated dirt over time. Don’t forget the often-overlooked areas, like behind toilets or under kitchen appliances. Besides boosting the property value, these improvements can enhance the quality of life for your entire household.
5. Keep Your Home Safe
To achieve this, you need to quickly identify and address any potential hazards. Check for loose steps or railings, ensure that smoke detectors are functioning properly, and secure any unstable furniture or appliances. Also, regularly inspect your home’s wiring to prevent electrical fires. Look out for frayed cords or wires, as well as any outlets that spark or make buzzing sounds.
It’s also important to assess your plumbing, and repair any leaks and dripping faucets. This can prevent property damage and unnecessarily high water bills. It’s beneficial to install security measures, such as deadbolts on doors and window locks. Additionally, why not invest in a security system with motion sensors and cameras for added protection? These things may save you money on your home insurance, besides impressing any potential buyers. Lastly, keep emergency supplies readily available, in case of an unexpected crisis. These include flashlights, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers.
6. Do Necessary Repairs
As we said earlier, fix any leaks, cracks or holes in walls, ceilings or floors. Also, replace any damaged or worn-out fixtures, such as light switches, door handles or faucets. Finally, repair any broken appliances in your home. These repairs will improve the functionality of your house and enhance its aesthetic appeal.
If you’re unsure about which repairs need immediate attention, hire a professional inspector. They can assess the condition of your home and provide you with a list of recommended fixes. If you’re unsure how to perform any repairs, seek professional help (especially when it comes to working at heights, electricity or plumbing).
7. Complete Basic Upgrades
Hardware and flooring are two key components of any house that can greatly impact its value. A simple upgrade you can do is to replace outdated hardware (e.g. cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and door handles) with modern ones. This can transform the look of your cabinets and doors, without having to replace them entirely.
Old carpets or worn-out hardwood floors can significantly decrease your property value. In contrast, new hardwood or laminate flooring can boost it up. Choose a neutral color for the flooring, to appeal to a broader range of potential buyers. Using materials that are durable and low-maintenance will save on repair costs over time.
These 7 suggestions will make living in your home more practical and pleasant. They’ll make your house more appealing for your family, guests and potential buyers. In turn, you’ll be stewarding your property well, and ensuring the best price possible on resale.