Top home improvement ideas

Overview
After many years and many properties rejuvenated, we often get asked where should clients channel their limited rejuvenation budget. All properties are different and all clients have varied objectives, usually though it centers around adding value, either adding value for resale, for better rental return or for better enjoyment. Therefore, our suggestions to these clients vary but there are some common areas that crop up in most rejuvenation projects and these are then areas we find add the most value vs spend. So we have put together for you what we believe is our top home improvement ideas. We would also like to hear your ideas on improving the look of your home so don't forget to leave a comment.

Painting
For the cost, this is by far the best investment return you can spend. For the cost of a new coat of paint, the value added to the property will far outway the investment. Preparation is important though as the finished product is only as good as the preparation

Kitchen upgrade
As these areas are the most used areas, kitchens are often a great investment when adding value. They are not cheap and it is not as simple as taking the old one out and installing a new one you bought at Ikea. There is some planning and preparation to do but if done right is often the first thing potential buyers or renters will assess.

Bathroom upgrade
Also one of the most used areas in the house and therefore can get tired and dirty very easily. If a simple steam clean and new taps wont do then maybe a complete gutting, retile and re fit might be the answer. Definitely pays off if you have the energy. Also takes a bit longer than a kitchen due to amount of trades and works involved.

Flooring
If you have floor boards, get them polished. If yiou don’t have floorboards, consider getting some fitted, either floating or solid. Costs vary but if your property is suited they are a fantastic value adding project. At the very least, update your carpet and you will be surprised how much better it will look. If you carpet is newish, steam cleaning as last resort. Nothing like new though.


Lighting
Adding light to the main rooms is always a good option. If you can, we recommend installing down lights to the living areas and hallways. This is particularly effective in more modern homes. For period homes try to match the period style with new light fitting that give off maximum light.

External
Landscaping or general garden clean up is the first thing your potential buyer or tenant will see when they arrive. Some will keep driving without looking inside if the first impression is not good. Simple garden clean up and landscaping works can go along way and is very cost effective with the amount of work you can do yourself and the number of competing gardeners out there. Invest in the first impression is our advice. This may even extend to external painting. There are company out there that also do house washing. You would be surprised how dirty your house can get without you realising it and having it washed can be very effective.

We would love to hear your home improvement ideas and how you changed or plan to change the look of your home so please don't forget to leave a comment. We hope you enjoyed reading our Top home improvement ideas.