If you are thinking about selling your house or even just thinking about having a general smarten up, there are things you should consider doing, strategies to follow to raise the value and your level of enjoyment. I have to admit that I have gotten some of these tips below from my good friend Don who is a general contractor in Nashville his site is donmahoneconstruction.com in case you live in the nashville area, he does good quality work. So these tips are sure to be some good ones, here is what you need to know:
1. Kitchen Makeover
The kitchen is still considered the heart of any house and potential buyers always make it their first port of call. This room should always be kept up to date and looking fresh. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune either. A new set of taps, new door handles on the cupboards and updated light fittings can make all the difference. If you have a bit more money to spend you can have the cupboard doors refaced along with the drawer fronts or you could just replace them with new.
2. Update Appliances
This doesn’t mean having to buy new ones necessarily. Take the dishwasher for example – many models have double sided fronts – one white, one black. A couple of screws and couple of minutes work can change the whole look without spending a single cent. Provided everything matches, you’re on to a winner.
3. Don’t Forget the Bathroom
Bathrooms are the second most important room in the house and don’t take much to update. A new toilet seat, set of taps, even a new sink are not expensive to replace. The follow can be covered with vinyl and tiles re-grouted and cleaned up.
4. Increase Storage
Old houses don’t have a lot of spare space, especially closets. You can add to your existing space or revamp it completely to increase the storage space available and make things far more functional. There are companies that supply closet inserts to make what space you have usable, rather than having everything cluttered in.
5. Add Another Room
A three bedroom house with a den can easily be turned into a four bedroom house without it costing a fortune. Simply add closet space to the den and you have your fourth bedroom.
6. Basic Maintenance
It’s worth paying a plumber and an electrician to check over your house and fix are replaces any loose wires, pipes or outlets. Check for water leaks while you are at it.
7. Carpeting Counts
Are your carpets looking worn? Professional carpet cleaners can have an old carpet or rug looking like new for a very reasonable price. You can also have your upholstery and curtains done while you are at it.
8. Let in the Light
Natural light is important but if you can’t get enough then make sure your light fixtures look good and are eye catching. Replace blades on a ceiling fan to update it as well.
9. Doorway to Success
Doors are the first thing people see. Make sure your framework is up to scratch and that the door itself is clean and tidy. Replace little doorknobs with solid handles and lock systems – it sends a message of security and solidity to a potential buyer. If your front door is basic steel, paint it with a good metal primer and paint. When it’s dry, run over it with a wood stain to match the paint, you might be surprised at the results.
10. Curb Appeal
Keep your lawns mowed and have a few shrubs in the garden. Make sure your walkways are clean and repaired where needed. A little bit of time and effort can change the outlook of your house completely and, as first impressions count, do a good job and it will draw potential buyers in.