If you are looking to put your property up for sale, making some structural upgrades can help increase your home’s total value. In this article, we share several ways you can enhance your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Most of these upgrades can be done even on the tightest budgets and timeframes.

Resolve structural issues

Even the smallest structural defects can leave a negative impression on buyers. Make sure to resolve the following issues before putting your house on the market:

• Dirty walls
• Unfit laminate flooring
• Faulty lightbulbs
• Dripping taps
• Squeaky stairs, floors and doors
• Mouldy sealant in bathrooms and kitchens

Larger issues such as damp and mold should be addressed and not concealed. Just because a defect is not visible at first glance doesn’t mean the buyer won’t know about it. The conveyancing process will likely detect any structural problems quite quickly and hiding them from prospects can cost you more in the long run.

Enhance kerb appeal

Boosting your home’s kerb appeal is a crucial part of preparing to sell. A stunning and well-kept exterior leaves an excellent first impression to potential buyers and to passers-by, while also increasing your property’s value.

Improving kerb appeal can be as simple as replacing outdated doorknobs and letterboxes and ensuring doormats look pristine. Refinishing your front door can help make weather-beaten wood look good as new. Eliminate rust and dirty spots on front doors by using metal polish on the door.

One of the simplest ways to improve kerb appeal is to ensure pathways are free of dirt and debris. Deep washing will help remove stains and dirt and create a cleaner entrance to your home. Removing weeds and repairing any cracked paving stones will not only beautify your path, but also provide you with a safer route in time for winter.

Creating flat paths makes your home more accessible to pushchairs, wheelchairs and young children, increasing the number of potential buyers for your property.

Convert your loft

A loft conversion is a smart way to maximize your attic and transform it into practical space.

Loft conversions not only increase living space but can also boost the valuation of your home by up to 20%, making it a worthwhile investment. Unlike other home extensions, most loft conversions do not require planning permission. This is because they fall under permitted developments unless they would result in a complete modification of your home’s appearance.

There are no limits as to how you want your loft to be converted. Common loft conversions result in guest bedrooms and bathrooms. If you’re targeting buyers with growing families, consider turning your loft into a playroom for younger children or a cinema room where a family can bond and relax.

Improve the paintwork

Peeling paint and outdated color combinations can significantly reduce your house value. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way in adding character to your home. Use fresh and light shades for windows and sashes and a bolder color such as red, blue and green for your front door. Choose warm tones for living spaces and bathrooms and neutral colors for hallways and corridors.

Colors are usually divided into two categories: warm and cool tones. Cool tones include purple, blue and green and are commonly used to create calm and relaxing spaces. On the other hand, warm tones such as yellow, red and orange can energize and breathe life into an otherwise drab space.

When selecting colors for walls and flooring, consider the purpose of the space. Use warm and exhilarating tones in rooms where rigorous work is performed. For break areas, cool tones can help people rest and unwind.

Fresh and light shades are often used for windows and sashes. If you want to make a statement with your front door, use a bolder color such as red, blue and. Choose warm tones for living spaces and bathrooms and neutral colors for hallways and corridors.

Colors can profoundly influence a space and its occupants. The right shades can help set an inviting and productive atmosphere for each room.

Effective home upgrades don’t need to be a total overhaul and costly refurbishment. Simply clearing away weeds in your pathway or maximizing unused space can be the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity.