Whether property prices are going up or stagnating, these home updates will help you achieve the maximum resale value for your home

Even if you don’t intend to sell or rent your property out in the near future, these upgrades can benefit you and your family with a safer and more comfortable home environment. Here are some tips and tricks to help you maximise your property’s resale value.

1. Replace the front gate

Your new front gate doesn't have to be this ostentatious, but if it is, you'd certainly be making waves in your neighbourhood. Photo by Court Prather on Unsplash.

First impressions count – especially when it comes to getting the maximum value for your property. Since the first impression is likely made when potential buyers arrive at your front gate, why not upgrade it? Get that manual front gate automated to get bonus points for convenience and to alleviate security concerns, and in the event of extensive corrosion, you could spend some time repainting it or go as far as replacing the gate entirely to achieve maximum allure.

2. Refresh the kitchen

Even a simple coat of white paint over a roughly textured wall will do wonders for your kitchen. Photo by Marcin Galusz on Unsplash.

You never know what a coat of fresh paint can do for your kitchen, especially when it has the ability to revive and brighten up a tired space. Choosing neutral colours such as beige, white, or light brown are universally appealing, enhancing your interiors while making your kitchen look polished. Another great way to make sure your kitchen stays relevant is by updating your kitchen cabinets or by replacing the countertops to give your kitchen a fresh new look. Additionally, you may also consider adding a kitchen island for more working space.

3. Replace the bathroom fixtures

Everyone loves new stuff, especially in a space as personal as the bathroom. Photo by Steven Ungermann on Unsplash.

Thanks to our humid weather, chromed items like towel racks, shower mixers, and toilet paper holders tend to look tarnished or dulled over time. Replacing these fixtures is one of the easiest ways to add sparkle to your property while working with a tight budget.

4. Update the curtains

Some new and light fabrics could make even the most empty of rooms pop with life. Photo by Michael Browning on Unsplash.

As practical and stylish decorative additions to any home, curtains are a great way of ensuring privacy. But after some time, the fabrics may present stains and signs of discolouration. Replacing old curtains with new materials and updated designs will give your home a fresh look at a minimal cost.

5. Add some storage

Add some storage solutions – because "KonMari". Photo by Nathan Van Egmond on Unsplash.

Extra storage is always appreciated. Whether you intend to expand your storage solutions to the kitchen, bedroom, or living room, try adding built-in cabinets. Make them ceiling-height for maximum storage, and include doors that complement the existing décor to do more than just keep the space looking spacious and clutter-free. Storage also benefits your home by imbuing every nook and cranny with functionality.

6. Repair any cracks, broken seals, or mould

Because cracked walls belong in art collectives, not high-end homes. Photo by Steinar Engeland on Unsplash.

Over time, walls can develop unsightly superficial cracks – sometimes stemming directly from the weather, holes made for hanging pictures, or even peeling paint exposing the wall's internal structure to the elements. Apply putty filler on exterior walls or Plaster of Paris over the cracks on interior walls and apply a fresh coat of paint to restore your walls to their former glory.

You should also check the sealant in bathrooms and kitchens as there could be mould growing and chipped wooden skirtings due to wear and tear. You can easily repair these with wood or plastic filler and replace the sealant to make everything good as new.

7. Replace the electrical switch plates

Nevermind what hipsters say, no one wants to have to use these switches. Photo by Alex Cao on Unsplash.

A simple solution to modernising your home is to change up your switch plates. To enhance the lighting in your home, you could also choose to add dimmer switches to the dining area and hallways for additional lighting options during various times of the day.

To make your home ready for the most discerning of tenants or buyers, consider smart switches that will make the automation of the home's appliances a mere matter of plug-and-play.

8. Repaint the interior and exterior surfaces

Or don't, if you're deliberately aiming to create a distressed, industrial vibe. Photo by Dave Webb on Unsplash.

After all the upgrades and repairs, put on a fresh coat of paint! It’s an excellent way to refresh an outdated space while making your home look clean and welcoming. By painting the interior and exterior walls of your home, you can also cover permanent marks and stains.

9. Improve the landscaping

Save a garden and adopt a tree (or two), because if there's one thing every home in the tropics needs, it's some shade. Photo by Ali Shah Lakhani on Unsplash.

A beautifully landscaped lawn can make a world of difference to the overall setting of your home – so try to belay the impulse to pave over or tile your garden. Even if gardening is not your forte, all you really need is a gardener to remove the weeds and tidy up the plants once a week. A modest garden boosts curb appeal and helps to make a good first impression. If you want to give your exterior a fresh new look, consider getting a professional landscaper to help you out.

10. Update the doors and windows

Photo by Noah Näf on Unsplash.

You’ll never find a better return on your investment than updating your doors and windows. You could repaint the window frames and doors, replace worn hinges, or just replace door handles and doorknobs with shiny new ones. Also, doors with multipoint locks are harder to break into than those that use a singular lock.

This article originally appeared on Recommend.my - Malaysia’s #1 Home Improvement Services Platform.

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