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How to increase your home's price.
With Malta and Gozo’s dynamic real estate market, homeowners are constantly on the lookout for ways to increase the value of their properties and the more cost-effective, the better! It does not matter if you are the owner of an apartment, maisonette, townhouse or even a villa, have a good in-depth look at your home and earmark the areas that have the most potential for an upgrade. Whether you’re planning these improvements with an eye on selling soon or simply want to enhance some of your property’s living spaces, DIY improvement projects can be a very cost-effective and rewarding solution. This can range from small cosmetic upgrades to substantial renovations, so there’s a myriad of opportunities to boost your home’s value while adding personal flair. Let’s look at some of the most obvious DIY projects that will raise your property’s worth and enhance its appeal.
EXTERIOR
Ways to increase your home’s curb appeal
First impressions always matter and this holds especially true for your home’s exterior. Simple and inexpensive yet impactful improvements can significantly enhance a property’s curb appeal:
- consider repainting the front door or window frames,
- install effective outdoor lighting fixtures or
- add vibrant planters to create an inviting and stylish entrance to your home.
- Always make sure plants are healthy and cared for,
- that window panes have no cracks and
- that all the paintwork and finishes are immaculate.
- If you are lucky enough to have a pool or Jacuzzi, make sure the water is sparkling clean and free of debris and
- see to it that all pathways leading to and around your property are neat and clean.
INTERIOR UPGRADES
Easy kitchen upgrades
The kitchen is always considered as the heart of the home, making it a focal point for potential buyers and you don’t have to undertake a full-scale renovation to make a huge difference! Start by:
- updating cabinet hardware,
- replacing outdated fixtures, or
- giving worn-out countertops a fresh look with a DIY resurfacing kit.
These relatively inexpensive upgrades will definitely modernise your kitchen and increase its appeal.
Banish bathroom blues
Bathrooms are extremely important to buyers when you are selling your home and it is another area where minor changes can yield significant returns:
- Replace worn or outdated faucets and showerheads,
- update lighting fixtures and
- regrout tiles.
- Consider installing a new vanity and
- upgrade the entire shower enclosure.
- Install new or replace towel rails and towel warmers.
- Replace cracked tiles and
- display rolled up or stacked towels the same way an upmarket spa will.
- When it comes to soaps and fragrances in the bathroom, spend a bit more money by only displaying and using high-end products and diffusers.
The secret to a having a good-looking and impressive bathroom is by aiming at creating a sense of luxury. Additionally, a clean, well-maintained and organised bathroom can leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.
Make your home energy efficient
Today’s public are environmentally conscious and energy efficiency is a key selling point for many homebuyers. Consider investing in DIY projects that will enhance your home’s energy efficiency such as:
- sealing drafts,
- adding insulation or
- installing programmable thermostats.
These upgrades not only reduce utility bills but also appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
- Another inexpensive option is to install timers for you garden irrigation system and
- to install smart light bulbs and
- remote control devices for appliances such as air-conditioners to use with your Alexa, Siri or Google assistant.
This way you can set an operating schedule for all of these devices to be more efficient and in the long run save money.
Extra storage is always a bonus!
Maximising storage space in the home is a priority for many homeowners. Get creative with DIY storage solutions to make the most out of every inch available in your home. Here are some popular, cost-effective options:
- Build custom shelving units,
- install space-saving organisers in closets, or
- repurpose unused areas for storage.
- Buy inexpensive stools, side tables and beds bases that comes with built-in storage space.
Efficient storage solutions can make your home feel more spacious and organised, increasing its desirability. This will also result in your home being free of clutter, which is something that really appeals to potential buyers.
Finishing touches that really work a treat
Never underestimate what something as simple as a coat of paint can do in transforming the look and feel of your home. If you are planning to sell:
- choose neutral colours that appeal to a wide range of tastes and
- create a sense of cohesion throughout any space.
Don’t overlook the importance of finishing touches such as:
- updated light switches,
- door handles and
- outlet covers.
Attention to detail is very important as it can elevate the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.
Updating outdoor living spaces is a must, no matter how big or small
In recent years, outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular among homeowners. Enhance your outdoor area with DIY projects such as;
- building a deck or patio,
- installing a fire pit or
- creating a cosy seating area.
If you only have a balcony as an outside space, consider:
- installing interlocking wooden tiles or
- throw down a coir rug to give the space some intimacy.
- You can also set up a bistro table and two chairs, perfect for that morning coffee or cocktails.
- Add free-standing pots with flowers that are in full bloom.
- Have an accent wall with a fountain or a “living wall” with plants in wall-mounted pots cascading down.
A well-designed outdoor space extends your living area and adds value to your property, particularly if you are going to market your home during the warmer months.
DIY improvement projects offer homeowners a cost-effective way to increase a property’s value and enhance its appeal. We always tend to think that undertaking any DIY projects requires loads of money, a team of workmen and that it will disrupt one’s life completely. This is not necessarily the case as even small upgrades can make a huge difference and are quick to execute by one person, so whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to upgrade your living space, there are countless ways of achieving this.
