[Sponsored post] We can’t always be taking Cara out for things to do, places to eat or holidays (although we did do a stay-cation this summer which I’ll post shortly). So to help keep the site active and provide some extra content, I’ve tried to branch out into some posts about property. We all love talking about property, whether as our own family home or as an investment. If you are interested in investment property, feel free to check out my other pages, including the Property and Deal Analyser, information about the 18-year property cycle, and property-related books.
Home Upgrades – 3 that pay off long-term
Everyone wants to make sure their home, whether residential or investment, is as functional and comfortable as possible. That’s why you’ll often spend time and effort on home upgrades and improvements, especially when you’re preparing to sell or rent out the home. While there are plenty of ways to transform and update a home, it doesn’t mean all of them are worth it. Some pay off much more long-term than others, and you can see this in different ways. You’ll bring your bills down, saving you money, and even make your property more valuable. Three of these can pay off more than you’d think, and they could be the best ones to start with.
1. Outdoor Enhancements
Your home’s kerb appeal plays an integral role in how much you enjoy your house. It’ll even affect how much the property is worth, making it even more important you focus on it. As they say, “first impressions count”. Thankfully, improving your home’s kerb appeal doesn’t have to be too complicated. Instead, there are a few relatively simple ways to do this. Adding siding to your home, doing up the garden, and even just repainting the house can all be great options. Replacing the front-door can also be a way to spruce up the home whilst also adding extra security. They’re straightforward to arrange and update, and they’ll have quite an impact on the home’s kerb appeal.
2. Window Replacements
Speaking of outdoor enhancements, your windows can affect this while also having an impact on the inside of your home. The increased kerb appeal is far from the only way replacing or upgrading these can pay off. With modern windows, you’ll leave less heat out during the summer, while retaining the heat in winter, helping you to save money on energy bills every year. If the windows in your house are relatively old, then it’s worth putting some time and effort into upgrading them. Triple glazed windows with trickle vents provide an energy efficient way to improve your home.
Unless you’re a skilled trade or experienced DIY-er, it is recommended to hire a professional to put them as they’ll make sure the windows are properly installed. There are numerous episodes of Homes Under the Hammer where people have installed a window without the correct lintel causing excessive damage to the supporting wall and brickwork. Looking up ‘window fitters near me’ helps you find affordable options for this.
3. Basement Conversions
If you have a basement, then it’s always worth making sure this is as amazing as possible. When it’s unfinished or treated like a secondary concern, it mightn’t be as nice as you’d like. With a basement conversion, you can tackle this while giving yourself a lot more living space. There are countless ways to convert your basement, depending on how much space there is. A second living room or another bedroom can be the most notable of these. While this can be a large investment, it’ll pay off more than you’d think, both in how much you enjoy the basement and what your house sells for. Recent research from real-estate agents, Foxtons, suggest a basement conversion could boost a home’s value by 54% in London!
Home Upgrades: Wrapping Up
There are countless home upgrades you can invest in, some of which can be much more appealing than others. They don’t just add comfort and functionality to your house, but can offer more than a few other benefits, too. They’ll increase your home’s kerb appeal, so you could make more money out of it if you sell up. You’ll even bring your energy bills down, saving you a bit of money. There’s no reason not to put the time and effort into them.
If you do hire a professional to complete any work, be sure to seek recommendations, check qualifications, insurance and previous projects, and compare a few quotes. Although cost of living has increased, going with the cheapest quote may not always be the best option and may end up costing you more in the long-run.
Image credit: Simon Kadula from Unsplash