Basic Home Upgrades That Will Increase Your Home’s Value

When you buy a home, whether it is your first or it is a part of a portfolio, it is important to see it for what it is: an investment.

01:30 19 January 2023

When you buy a home, whether it is your first or it is a part of a portfolio, it is important to see it for what it is: an investment.

Whether you intend to live in the property, rent it out, or make it over to sell it on, you will want to increase its value, or else, what was the point in buying it?

It is easier for many new homeowners to begin with an empty shell. That is, they may choose to gut any furnishings that the current property already has and replace them in line with the idea of increasing the value of the property.

But, if you are new to the idea of making over a home or gutting it, you may be a bit puzzled as to what kinds of makeovers or additions to your home can increase its value. Well, it's true that trends in interior design will change, so here are some basic makeovers or additions you can make to your home that will be certain to increase its value. Enjoy!

Upgrade the Heating System

The first thing to look at when you purchase a new home is the heating system. Is it up to standard? Probably not, especially if the house is older or has been uninhabited for a few years.

Like most things in 2023, the best heating systems are the ones that are aimed at being energy-efficient and reducing the cost of bills that you or your tenants to be will have. As well as this, there is a trend in home heating systems with their compatibility with smart home technology. This will allow you or those who live in the home to control the temperature remotely, thus reducing costs again, as the home will not be heated when there is no one in.

To get a basic idea of some of the more modern heating and radiator systems that are available, head to www.warmrooms.co.uk.

Kitchen Remodel

Next on the list of things to makeover or assess in your home is the heart of the home: the kitchen.

Adding new appliances, countertops, and cabinets can make the kitchen more attractive and functional. Which kind of appliances? As before, with the heating systems, the greener, the better. This should include Energy Star-rated appliances. These are appliances that have been certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as meeting energy-efficiency guidelines set by the agency. Energy Star-rated appliances include refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and many other types of kitchen appliances.

LED lights use less energy and have a longer lifespan than traditional incandescent bulbs, making them a more sustainable option for kitchen lighting and for the environment, so it may be time to ditch the bulbs! Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are another lighting option, as they are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Induction cooktops use magnetism to heat pots and pans directly rather than heating the stove surface, which results in energy savings as there is no gas involved.

The water consumption of your kitchen should also be looked at in relation to sustainability, so try to have low-flow faucets fitted.

Smart power strips should also be included in your kitchen makeover, as they can be controlled remotely and can help to reduce standby power consumption.

Roof Replacement

A new roof can improve the overall appearance of a home and protect it from weather damage.

If you have purchased a home that is not a new build, you should enquire as to the age of the roof. As roofs age, they can become less effective at protecting the home from the elements. If a roof is more than 20 years old, it may need to be replaced to ensure that the home is properly protected.

Then, there is, once again, an emphasis on roofing being energy-efficient, especially in home makeovers. As technology improves, newer roofs are designed to provide better insulation. Replacing an old roof with a new one can help to lower energy bills and make the home more comfortable.

If the home is older, it may be worth having the roof refitted solely for the purpose of safety. If a roof is in poor condition, it can easily become a safety hazard. A replacement can improve the structural integrity of the home and prevent accidents or injuries.

Bathroom Remodel

Updating the bathroom with new fixtures, tiles, and vanities can also be a good investment.

Most people want to have a nice-looking bathroom that doesn't have any leaks and, in 2023, almost has a spa-like feel to it. And this kind of makeover certainly won't hurt if you are aiming to sell the property in the future.

New plumbing will need to be installed if necessary, including the toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub, if the existing ones are being replaced. Once the structural work is completed, new cabinetry, countertops, and fixtures will be installed, such as a vanity, toilet, shower, bathtub, and tile flooring.

Basement Finishing

Often the site of a man cave or play area for children, the basement is not a spot in the home to be ignored. Finishing a basement can increase the living space of a home and make it more appealing to buyers.

Preparing the basement for the remodel may include addressing any issues such as water damage, mold, or insulation.

If the basement is unfinished, a makeover will usually include framing the walls, installing electrical outlets, and running electrical wiring. If the basement is finished, this may involve making changes to the electrical system, especially if there is evidence of water damage or mold.

Energy-efficient Upgrades

Moving away from the kitchen and the heating, there are many other parts of your home that you can makeover to increase its value to potential buyers in the future. Installing solar panels, energy-efficient windows, and a new HVAC system can help lower the cost of utility bills. It will also make the home more attractive to eco-conscious buyers, which will be a growing group of home buyers in 2023. It will also help with energy efficiency. Great!