Ways to improve your home on a budget
The more room and features a home has to offer, generally speaking, the better when it comes to raising its worth. When evaluating a property, the state of the property, any maintenance tasks that may be necessary, and the possibility of future tasks are also taken into account. For instance, the availability of space for building work and home renovations may increase value and appeal.
What then are real estate investors looking for? A potential landlord who intends to rent a home to numerous tenants may evaluate features differently from a family. This is so that tenants seeking a houseshare can look for traits that are different from those of a family. The answer to this issue therefore depends on the investors’ intended use for the house, but there are a number of simple but effective home upgrades that raise living standards and property value in practically any situation. Therefore, it makes sense to spend money on home upgrades that will raise your property’s value. We’ll go over the most budget-friendly property upgrades today.
First of all, here are a few ways you can improve your home that might not seem like a big deal right away but will pay off in the long run.
Renovation Ideas to make your Home more Energy Efficient
- Increase loft or wall insulation
- Upgrade your appliances
- Place a programmable thermostat in place
- Installation of LED lighting
- Installing double glazing with A-rated windows could reduce yearly energy costs by £175 for detached homes, £105 for mid-terrace homes, and £65 for apartments.
Your waste can be decreased, and using a programmable thermostat can save your energy costs. The temperature can be changed to just the level that makes you feel comfortable. According to estimates, you can save up to 2% on your energy expenses for each degree you raise or lower the fixed temperature. You may plan a timetable that fits your habit, maintains a comfortable temperature while you are there, yet uses less energy when you are gone.
It’s possible that outdated appliances use more energy than modern models. For instance, high water and electric expenses could be the result of an outdated dishwasher or washing machine. It is possible to have appliances serviced to make sure they are properly cared for and operating at peak efficiency. However, the expense to do so might be nearly equal to the cost of brand-new equipment. Additionally, you may install the majority of appliances yourself. You might not need an electrician or plumbing service to perform this given that there is so much information available online, provided you have done the necessary research. You may also consider installing a dimmer switch to save you money while also achieving a cosier feel.
All of the suggestions mentioned above are inexpensive ways to increase your energy efficiency and lower your monthly bills simultaneously.
Keep mould from growing
Install an extractor fan in the kitchen and a vent fan in the bathroom, respectively. These will improve functionality in the short term, and better ventilation in a house will reduce dampness and mould growth and save the need for future repair work. Mould is a major turnoff for potential tenants and buyers. These installations will make a big impact without breaking the bank
We’ll now take a closer look at several home improvements that could improve your current living situation and increase the value of your home in the short run.
Simple Upgrades to Renovate on a Budget
If comprehensive upgrades or additions are not possible, there are other ways to ‘add’ to your property without actually doing so. Consider this:
- A driveway and parking space could be sacrificed for a front garden.
- You may create a second bathroom out of the downstairs pantry.
- A spare bedroom could be substituted for the living/dining room.
When it comes time to sell your home, all three of the qualities mentioned above may be on the lists of qualities that potential buyers and investors may be seeking. Additionally, these are more cost-effective than more expensive projects like loft conversions and conservatory additions.
Since people tend to judge books by their covers, it’s worth spending a little time and money to give your entire property a “facelift.” Thus, make sure to:
Repaint the Walls to give a Facelift to your House on a Budget
Inside as well as outside. The exterior walls of your property are what viewers and prospective buyers see initially. Amazingly, some new paint can make all the difference. Now that the traces and indications of past occupants are gone, the off-white walls can once again be dazzling white. Why not consider replacement doors for an instant update if you can’t do the entire exterior of your home? Your property may stay current and avoid looking outdated by using the right colour scheme. Discover the most popular and appropriate paint colours for your home by doing some research.
The Grout and Mastic Sealant
A bathroom remodel might raise the value of your house by 4-6%. However, with a little TLC, an old shower or bath can look brand-new. For instance, re-grouting is simple to accomplish yourself or with some assistance from a handyman. Refreshing the sealing around worktops, baths, showers and tiles in the kitchen and bathroom makes these areas more watertight and enhances the room’s appearance at a fraction of the cost of a full remodel.
New Flooring
Similarly, giving old flooring a fresh coat of paint or re-varnishing wooden floorboards (and furniture, for that matter) may give a living space a new lease of life. Floors in the kitchen or bathroom can be easily and affordably replaced with laminate a possible less expensive option. A home might feel cosier by installing carpet in place of hard floors. If you want to increase value and appeal, re-carpeting is a reasonable enhancement. However, depending on the size of your house and the quality of the carpet, this can be a costly task. One way to add instant cosiness, colour, and traction to your staircase, is to install a DIY runner. Consider rugs as another option to give every room a new look.
Fix Fixtures and Fittings well
Make sure that any loose door knobs, light fixtures, built-in furniture, skirting boards, or other things that are supposed to be fixed but have come loose are back in place and in the right place. If you don’t, it will likely set you back as the property may look messy, unfinished, and badly kept.
Detailed Features to add Interest
Minimalism makes things look clean and modern, but more and more people are looking for features from a certain time period in older homes. So, restoring any original parts of your home can make it more valuable and give it a bit of class.
If there aren’t any original features, you can add period detail yourself using crown mouldings to add character. Just make sure it fits with the property’s general style and design. For example, this might not work with new buildings that have very modern and urban styles. In a similar way, stair brackets can add a fresh look and design interest to a staircase.
Improve your Landscape
Improvements that seem small and don’t cost much, like a smart house/flat sign, plant pots and plants in front of the property, a well-kept lawn (real or fake! ), pebbles or gravel instead of weeds and empty flower beds, can make a great first impression and improve the look and appeal of a property.
Optical Illusions are always On-Trend
Putting up mirrors and lifting storage units off the floor are both tried-and-true ways to make a room feel brighter bigger than it really is. Full-height storage space is also increasingly popular as they are not only practical but can also provide a focal point. These optical illusions can be used in both indoor and outdoor areas. Private and relaxing outdoor places are in high demand, especially in cities. This is another reason to make the most of any balconies or other areas you have.
Refresh your Interior Decorations to Revamp your Home
Aside from making a space seem cosier, adding high-quality drapes or shutters can also enhance privacy and provide a slight boost in insulation. There are numerous firms and manufacturers to choose from, and shutter blinds are currently in high demand.
Read this blog post for more details on boosting the value of your home. The welcoming team of professionals at Western Lettings Glasgow has assisted hundreds of clients in Glasgow with both home purchases and rentals. We can offer guidance on home upgrades and moves because we have over 25 years of experience in the field.