Most of us plan on living in our homes for many years, however if you make permanent improvements to your home you will enjoy the benefits of them while you live there and also reap the rewards when you do come to sell. There are some changes which are sought by buyers and add more value than others. Here are the top five.
1. Add a Good Heating System
If your home does not have central heating then this can make the difference between selling and not selling at all especially if you live in an area where winters are cold. When evaluating heating systems find out both the cheapest to install and the cheapest to run as low running costs can make up for higher installation fees and will be more attractive to buyers.
2. Upgrade Your Kitchen
A run down old kitchen can seriously affect the resale value of a home. Make sure that the room looks good and is easy to clean as well as having lots of storage and counter top space and you have a winner. If you also choose high tech fitted appliances and natural stone flooring such as travertine tile you have extra bonus points!
3. Double Glazing
Good window frames which keep out noise, cold and drafts are essential for modern homes. If the window frames in your home are rotten or rattle when it is windy then this is one of the best home improvements you can make.
4. Improve Your Bathroom
Replace a colored bath tub, sink and toilet with new white ones and add neutral tiles and chrome fitting for maximum future buyer appeal. If you can also afford expensive flooring such as marble tile that can help "sell" the room to buyers too.
5. Extend the Space
If you home is small see if there is a way you can extend the space with a conservatory, loft extension or outbuilding. Do not add too much onto your home however if it will eat into your garden space too much as a big house with a tiny back yard is not likely to help the value of your home.