From styling living spaces to building for the future, everyone loves the idea of turning a house into a home—but nobody wants to devalue their property in the process. It’s likely to be the biggest investment you’ll ever make, and even if you’re not planning on selling for decades to come, you don’t want to do things now that will make you lose out on money down the line.
You don’t need to be a property pro, or know how to value a house, to take steps to maintain your home’s value. With that in mind, here’s a simple guide to things you can do to make sure your property value remains as high as it can be, without dropping a tonne of money in the process.
Curb appeal is crucial
You know what people say about first impressions, which is why it’s so important to make sure your home is attractive at first glance. Peculiar paint choices, weather-beaten window frames and rusty gates are all instant turn-offs, so take the time to make sure your home’s exterior aesthetics are appealing. It doesn’t have to mean compromising your own style, but try to bear in mind what popular opinion might have to say about a polka dot garage door!
Check out these seven sure-fire ways to boost your curb appeal if you want more ideas.
How does your garden grow?
Whether it’s a play area for kids, or the every day view outside your windows, a great garden is one of the most sought-after features of many properties—which means a weed-filled lawn or unkempt shrubs are a no-no. You don’t need to be Diarmuid Gavin, simply keeping your grass groomed, trees trimmed, and paths and decking clean are easy wins that'll help maintain your home’s value.
Keep DIY and home improvement jobs up to government standards
It’s important you ensure that all DIY or home improvements in your home meet the standards required by health and safety regulations. That means doing your homework before taking on any project, and calling in certified professionals for jobs that you cannot safely do yourself, or that you aren’t qualified to do.
A home extension is the perfect example—here are five things to know before you build a house extension, as advised by architect and interior design expert Denise O’Connor.
Sweat the small stuff
There’s often a temptation to let smaller issues slide. What difference does a single broken roof tile, or a partially blocked gutter really make? The truth is, it can be pretty huge, especially if the situation is allowed to deteriorate further. Nipping these small issues in the bud is a great way of avoiding major problems (and bigger costs!) down the line.
Make your interior superior
The clever use of space, fantastic floors, perfect paint jobs and fabulous furniture; there’s a thousand ways you can make your home that little bit more alluring. The flipside, of course, is that getting them wrong can damage your home's value, if selling.
Start with simple things like keeping your paint maintained, dealing with dust and mould, and guarding wooden floors against scrapes and scratches.
That reminds us—check out these eight most common home improvement blunders so you can avoid them!
Make sure everything works
From the hand basin that doesn’t do hot water to the light switch that’s connected to nothing, every home has its little quirks! The thing is, anyone looking to buy a home is likely to be thorough, and you’ll never know when a leaky tap or faulty socket might become a sticking point. Again, it’s a good idea to fix these things as they arise—but if you’ve allowed them to build up, then it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
Fit for a king
It’s very possible you aren’t bothered by your home being without a bath, or find no problem doing the dishes by hand. But for many people, amenities and appliances are a deal breaker—which means that your fittings, in the bathroom and kitchen in particular, can play a massive role in dictating your home’s value. Updating your stove top, subbing out a scaly sink, or brightening your home’s entrance could have a huge impact.
To help with that, we’ve got seven easy ways to modernise your home.
Go Green
We’re all increasingly aware of the importance of sustainable living, and the property market reflects that. From water conservation and effective insulation to energy efficient appliances, there’s an expectation that homes are up to standard—and how your home ranks will be a massive influence on its value.
From minor steps to major developments, there’s loads you can do to make your home more environmentally friendly, boosting its value in the process. The good news? There are plenty of SEAI grants available to help you with this.
Have a look at these ways to boost your home’s Building Energy Rating (BER).
Whether you’re staying put or on the move, you’ll want to know your home is protected. That’s where Aviva home insurance can help. Buy home insurance online and get 20% off. Get your quote today.1
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