Ten Improvements That Add Value To Your Home
Are you planning to make some home improvements that add value to your New Jersey property? Before putting your house out for sale in the market, you need to make it attractive to make sure it doesn’t take plenty of time before someone buys it. Here we discuss 10 popular ways to make your home more sellable…
• Extending the home – This is expensive and needs careful consideration. For it to add value, you should ensure that the new created space brings in additional utility and conforms to the overall home design.
• Loft and cellar conversion – Convert the loft into an extra bedroom. Another option is to convert the cellar to increase the total living area of the home. However, these involve heavy construction work and homeowners are advised to ask experts.
• Adding bedrooms – Extra bedrooms add value to a home. Research shows that an extra bedroom can increase its value by over 11%. Though this home improvement can add value, one needs to ensure that the home does not get crowded by this addition. Moreover, homeowners should consider the potential buyer for their homes.
• Opening up space – Almost all people prefer homes that have natural air and light. Nevertheless, it is equally essential to have closed spaces for privacy. Therefore, homeowners who choose to break down some walls in their homes should consider both these aspects. Taking expert advice is vital as one may choose to demolish a wall that may be important for load bearing.
• Central heating systems – Not many owners consider central heating and modern boiling systems essential. However, these additions increase the value of your home, so you may opt to upgrade your existing system or fit in a new one.
• New parking area – Many potential buyers require a parking space within the property. This is especially true for those neighborhoods where parking on both sides of the road is common. Homeowners again need to consider the target buyer while choosing this improvement.
• Fitting up a new bathroom – Bathrooms tend to look old and soiled quickly. While executing home improvements, owners should consider new fittings for the bathroom. Another option is to redesign your space to accommodate extra bathrooms.
• Improving the garden – Owners tend to neglect the outdoors while improving their homes. However, potential buyers get a first impression from looking at the outdoors and therefore, owners should consider sprucing up the garden with lighting, furniture or plants.
• Painting and redecorating – To bring in a premium on your property, you need to freshen up the look of your home while putting it up for sale. Owners should opt for a new paint job with neutral colors to make it look fresh.
• Refurbishing the kitchen – The kitchen is one area of the home that sees a lot of wear and tear over the years. Modernized kitchen fittings are becoming popular and can become good home improvements that surely add value to one’s home.
Small improvements like clearing the frontage for major extensions can be done as well. Careful planning and a realistic outlook are two essential factors for a successful home improvement project. With these in mind, there’s no doubt you will come up with a great new home that buyers will clamor for in no time.
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Aging In Place: Live in Your Own Home in Comfort
There are many modifications that can enable you to stay living in the beloved family home. Hallways may need to be widened, ramps installed and kitchens and bathrooms redesigned. Evaluate your current living environment by examining all of the major areas of you home including entry ways, bathrooms, bedrooms, and the kitchen. In addition to modifications discussed below, proper lighting is the key to avoiding accidents in and around the home.
Entry Ways
No-Step Entries
An accessible walkway leading to the front entrance should have no steps and very little, if any, slope to accommodate someone who uses a wheelchair or has trouble climbing steps. A ramp is another type of no-step entry.
No-Step Thresholds
Garage Lift
Bathroom
Bedroom
Kitchens
- Ample Maneuvering Space
- Varied Countertop Heights
- Sink with Knee Clearance (Wheelchair Accessibility)
- Raised Dishwasher
- Lower Cooking Surfaces
- Wall Oven and/or Microwave Oven at Reachable Heights
- Storage Space within Reach
- Desk or Work Area with Knee Clearance
- Lighting
One of the most important factors to reduce accidents in the home is to ensure there is proper lighting where you need it. Outdoor areas, stairways, the kitchen, living room and hallways are just of few examples where proper lighting is most needed.
Use rocker-type light switches wherever possible. You can turn them on and off with the touch of an elbow, even if your hands are full.
These are some considerations and possibilities to make a home safe and comfortable as one ages. For more information about aging in place, visit our website.
