How to increase the value of your home

Most people only think of increasing the value of their homes when they intend to sell it. It’s a logical deduction. But if they spared the effort and expense to add value while still living there, they’d also benefit from the improved surroundings. So, whether you decide to embark on a home improvement project now or later, the following information could serve as a guide for you to improve the value of your home. Not every HDB is similar to one another in that sense. Despite being located in areas like Yishun HDB estates, that has been a plentiful of unexplained bizarre cases, the pricing of your property could still be above average if proper steps are taken.

1. Clean Up Your Act
In buyers’ minds, a clean house rates more highly than one that’s dingy. Put yourself in their shoes. Would you rather step into a clean and welcoming flat, or one that’s grimy and uninviting? Threadbare carpets, stained sofa cushions, rusted appliances, dirty grout and general clutter all make your property seem ill-maintained. Potential buyers will find it difficult, or perhaps even impossible, to imagine themselves living there. First impressions count, so don’t lose the opportunity to show off your property in its best light. To overcome such problems, you can opt for professional agencies to assist you in maintaining your property in the best presentable manner. Staying in a HDB does not mean that you could not keep your property in a presentable manner.

2. Green Your Home
It’s human nature to be drawn to gardens and greenery. Apartment dwellers who don’t have the luxury of outdoor spaces can still green their properties to boost the appeal. Think about greening your front door, common area, or windows. If you have ample space in the common area outside your apartment, and the area receives enough light, you can introduce shelves of plants. If there are space constraints, simply display a small grouping of plants. If you have windows that overlook the common area, consider installing a windowsill box. But what if you don’t have green fingers? Well, low maintenance plants like succulents do the trick nicely. They require minimal care (two to four hours of sunlight daily and watering every 10 days or so) and are visually attractive. Click here to check out types of indoor plants available in Yishun. But, please be considerate when arranging your pots along HDB corridor to ensure it’s not fire hazardous.

3. Trick the Eye
In most situation, having a bigger space may be perceived as a better value. This does not mean that if you are staying in HDB, you can’t have an appearance of a bigger space in reality. It all has to do with visual trickery. For instance, a bright and airy room appears more spacious than one that’s dark and stuffy. If you use curtains, consider installing a set of day and night curtains, like those in hotel rooms. Day curtains, which are composed of sheer fabric, let light in while also creating an ethereal, inviting atmosphere. Mirrors and reflective surfaces help to bounce light around the room. A large mirror, mirrored cabinet or wall will visually double the space. And last but not least, get rid of – or at least, reduce the amount of – clutter. Cleaning up your shelves from dusty books and unwanted reading materials could definitely go a long way in making the appearance looks better.

4. Update Your Bathroom
If you have a small budget set aside, consider renovating your bathroom(s). Even if you can’t (or don’t) want to splurge on a full renovation, small improvements will go a long way. You can give your wall a new coat of paint or change the lightings in order to have a different outlook. If you have the means, retile the floor and/or walls, install a new vanity, shower stall/shower system and replace old cabinets. If you have deeper pockets and ample floor space, you could even fit in a bathtub. This gives a luxurious touch, the same way an upscale hotel bathroom does.

5. Update Your Kitchen
Kitchen is also a very important place especially for people who enjoys to cook. Aside from your bathroom, you should also consider upgrading your kitchen as well. Bathrooms and kitchens are the two spaces that can increase your home’s value. You do not have to resort to spending top dollars in order to make your kitchen looks presentable. A simple paint job works wonders, as does changing the backsplash. In addition, you can opt to replace old sinks, hobs and hoods, as well as outdated cooking appliances. However, don’t rush out to buy the latest top-of-the-line ovens and microwaves just yet. While these may appeal to a select group of buyers, having lower-priced (but well-maintained) appliances is rarely a deal-breaker. If you dislike cooking (Yishun has many good food especially bak chor mee), a decent kitchen is still needed for your future potential buyers, even for a HDB flat. Click here to check out kitchen upgrade tips.