If you plan to sell your home or want to increase its equity, there are several key upgrades you can make that will have a positive impact on its value. Let’s have a look at 5 easy and affordable choices.

1. Increase your home’s curb appeal

Making your home more attractive will help increase its value and make it stand out in a competitive real estate market. You’ll also get to enjoy a more appealing and liveable space.

Start by catching up on any home maintenance projects that have been pushed aside. Wash windows and doors. Pressure wash walkways. Touch up exterior paint. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of colour to your entrance door! If your garage door is dated, replace it with a new modern one.

Landscape upgrades will also create a noticeable improvement to your home’s appearance. Remove weeds from garden areas, add some new plants and shrubs and consider adding comfortable outdoor furniture. Without spending too much money, you can increase your pride of ownership and enhance your home’s appearance.

2. Add more space

Bigger homes are usually worth more money. That means a basement renovation will add extra liveable square footage and may be more appealing to potential buyers.

Opening up the floor plan by knocking out walls will create a more contemporary space and bring in more natural light. But before you begin, be sure to speak to a reputable contractor since some walls are vital to the structure of your home.

If your budget is limited but you want to add the illusion of having more space, start by decluttering your home. It won’t add physical space, but it will make it feel roomier. Get rid of any furniture that you don’t use. Clear flat surfaces that may have too many decorations or unnecessary objects on them. Simplifying your space will help to make it feel bigger and create a more relaxing environment.

3. Small touches matter

Make your kitchen or bath feel more modern by replacing dated faucets, cupboard handles, and drawer pulls. New light fixtures can also add a contemporary flare without breaking the bank.

Updated kitchens add a significant amount of value to a home and improve its liveability. If your budget doesn’t allow for a full-blown renovation, consider some functional updates like replacing cabinet fronts and adding fresh laminate countertops. Your kitchen will feel new and inviting.

4. Brighten things up

A fresh coat of paint will go a long way. Stick to a neutral colour palette if you want your colour scheme to stand the test of time – trendy colours can quickly become dated. Get rid of faded old curtains and add some vibrance to the rooms by putting up new draperies.

Old appliances can also appear drab and cause unpleasant odours. Replacing that impossible-to-clean kitchen stove or fridge will create that fresh new feeling in your kitchen.

5. Make your laundry room more inviting

The laundry machines in many homes are in a dreary corner of the basement next to the furnace. By clearing up this space and adding some bright lights and a touch of paint to the walls, you just might be less likely to procrastinate on laundry chores. Plus, a laundry room makeover will help make your home more appealing to potential buyers and potentially act as a tiebreaker if they’re comparing your house to another on the market.