14 Low costs ways to add value to your home

Adding value to your home doesn’t always have to be a large scale task. While building a veranda or knocking down walls can help attract buyers and boost property value, these low-cost changes can do just the same. If you’re on a budget and are looking to increase the appeal of your home for a future resale, here are some things that can completely change its look and feel, without having to break the bank.

1. Plant a tree

The unlikeliest of things to pop into your mind when attempting to boost your property’s value is planting a tree. Seeds are inexpensive and can be bought at almost any florist or hardware store. Planting a tree requires care and patience, but a greener front or back yard that improves curb appeal and creates cleaner air can pay off by increasing the overall value of the home.

2. Freshly painted walls

One of the easiest ways to boost a property’s value is by making it look brand new. Repainting walls that might be a little worn down, can help to add shine to a room and bring it back to life. Paint cans of a few litres only cost about $40 to $50. Not only is this inexpensive but the job can be done in your own spare time, which further reduces the costs.

3. Electric garage door

Home resale values can skyrocket when electric garage doors are installed in place of older manually lifted ones. They provide ease and accessibility, are energy efficient, safe and relatively inexpensive to install. This newer technology can be added to your home from anywhere between $500 and $2000 (depending on the one you’re after) but can greatly enhance your property value.

4. Wallpaper

Wallpaper is increasingly being regarded as a thing of the past. Older flower-filled wallpapers in kitchens and corridors are seen as outdated. An easy way to spruce up the feel of your home and create a more modern space is by getting rid of any wallpaper and using the space underneath as is. Alternatively, you might opt for a wallpaper that creates the illusion of a brick wall. The trick is understanding and knowing what is considered trendy and what isn’t.

5. Fencing

If the fencing around your house is a little battered and bruised, it might be time for a new look. Wooden fences show their age over time. If the job is as simple as painting over the wood to refresh it, opt for white which can help to highlight open spaces. However if the wood shows signs of decay, it may help to either build (if you’re up for it) or have new fencing installed. New fencing can cost you between $50 and $100 per metre, depending on the shape, wood and colour you choose. This cost is worth it because the new and improved fencing could boost curb appeal and consequently increase your property value.

6. Adding a feature wall

Something that helps to break the repetitiveness in any room is adding a feature wall. A single wall in a room that is painted over with a vibrant or unexpected colour can create the illusion of a bigger space and add depth and dimension. Feature walls are associated with more classy and modern spaces. Your home’s value can increase if you break up the starkness of white walls with shades of blue, yellow, or grey.

7. Plant flowers

One of the most inexpensive ways to make your property look more attractive is by planting flowers in the front and backyard. Creating a flower bed that borders the front of your house not only ensures a welcoming environment, but is lovely to look at. Much like tree seeds, flower seeds can be bought in packs at most florists and are fairly inexpensive. Providing enough water and sunlight for flowers to bloom is pretty much the only thing you have to do. Adding colour and vibrance to your garden shows people that the property is well maintained and gives it an organic feel.

8. Solar panels

This might be the ‘priciest low-cost’ option there is, but it can make a world of a difference to potential home buyers. Not only does installing solar panels reduce electricity bills and have lower maintenance costs, but their renewable energy source is environmentally friendly and attracts buyers because of their efficiency and sleekness. A system size of 1.5kw on the lower end of the price range, can cost you between $2000-4000. This is a cost worth incurring because it can increase your property value exponentially.

9. Change the shower head

An easy way of upgrading a bathroom and giving it a more luxurious feel is by installing a new shower head. Shower heads are relatively inexpensive and easy to install on your own. Getting rid of your standard run-of-the-mill shower head and opting for a waterfall one can create the illusion of a bigger shower space and a more modern feel. Shower heads can be purchased at any hardware store and are priced anywhere between $20 to $200.

10. New faucets and basins

Fixing a leaky faucet and having it properly sealed is a sure shot way of increasing your home’s value. Otherwise, upgrading your faucet or sink to something that’s considered more modern will help to attract potential buyers if and when you’re looking to resell. Installing a new basin can cost you anywhere between $150 to $1500 depending on the type you choose. Granite sinks are among the most expensive, while a ceramic one might be the cheapest. Opting for a unique basin shape can help you add value to your home without spending so much.

11. Changing your bathroom tiles

A bathroom’s tiles can change the entire look and feel of the room. Newer tiles show that your bathroom is well taken care of. Opting for darker coloured tiles, including a space grey or black can instantly modernise a bathroom. Alternatively, you might choose to use differently shaped tiles —: instead of your standard squares, hexagons can add creativity and texture. If possible, it can be easier to lay down new tiles over the existing ones, which is relatively cheaper than having them taken out and replaced. Floor tiles can cost you anywhere between $30 to $130 per square metre, depending on the material you choose. Ceramic tiles will cost you less, while a high quality natural stone tile will have you paying more.

12. Upgraded kitchen appliances and utensils

Something as easy as upgrading your pots and pans can help to add value to your home. Upgraded kitchen appliances means that your kitchen is efficient as well modern. Your upgrades don’t need to be as big as a new fridge, but might mean a matte silver microwave to replace your old white one, or a new blender that boasts of a bright red colour to add vibrancy to the room. Colour choice speaks levels and so does the efficiency and use of your appliances.

13. Indoor plants

Indoor plants are a great way to add colour, warmth and shape to any room. They make a space seem more open, add freshness and can actually purify and clean the air you breathe. Whether you opt for real or fake indoor plants, they can help to make your home seem more organic and environmentally friendly. Indoor plants are not expensive to buy, but do need to be maintained and placed in the right spots to flourish.

14. Change cabinet handles and doorknobs

Cabinet handles and doorknobs can come as cheap as $4. They can be bought at any hardware store in bulk and are easy to install. All you need to do in unscrew any kitchen cabinet handles you’ve got in now, and place in some new ones. Opting for sleeker and thinner handles will help to give your kitchen or bathroom a more modern look and enhance the overall state of your home. The same goes with door knobs, where getting rid of rounder, older wooden ones and replacing them with thin and sleek square handles made from stainless steel, can add value to your home and attract potential buyers.

If you’re looking to add value to your home but you’re on a tight budget, these tips can help you achieve exactly that. Upgrading your home doesn’t always have to mean breaking the bank. Small and tasteful changes can bring an entire home together and boost your home’s value substantially.

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The information in this post is general in nature and should not be considered personal or financial advice. You should always seek professional advice or assistance before making any financial decisions.