At some point in a homeowners journey, there comes a time when the value of the property is thought about. Whether you are looking to sell up in the near future or you want to futureproof your home for you and your family, considering its value is a great thing to do. It is typically considered in bathroom and kitchen upgrades, stylish landscaping and fresh paint and decor. However, many homeowners miss some of the underlying problems that you don’t see every day. If you go ahead with any updates without considering your home’s foundations, you may have to undo all of your hard work later down the line.
Things like small maintenance issues, or gutter/roof problems that you cannot see, can quietly sink the value of your home, especially if they lead to bigger issues without your knowledge. To help you on your journey and protect your investment, here are some of the overlooked problems that you should consider when updating your home’s value.
Minor maintenance issues
Buyers, when looking around a property, are going to be looking for clues. If there are things around the house, even small things, it can often ring alarm bells for them. These things may be small, such as a door that doesn’t quite close properly, crackled calking, or chipped trim. But these can add up and look like neglect, and question what is under the surface they cannot see.
Take some time to go around your home and look for these issues, no matter how small, and make a list. Touch up paint, tighten fixtures and repair any small issues you can see. This may seem small and inexpensive, but it can make a big difference.
Moisture and water damage
Water can be very destructive if not kept in check. Unfortunately, water issues can start very small and subtle, and can go unnoticed for a long time. If there are small things like a musty smell, peeling paint or a small stain on your wall or ceiling, it can indicate there is a bigger issue somewhere.
It could be unchecked moisture, which, unfortunately, can lead to mold growth and wood rot. It could also be something bigger, like a leak from an aging pipe, a slow drain or inconsistent water pressure. These are red flags, whether you are selling or future-proofing your home. If you notice any of these water signs, it would be wise to get a plumber to inspect your home before you make any updates for yourself or list the property on the market.
Poor energy efficiency
Outdated HVAC systems, insufficient insulation, drafty windows, and anything else that is letting out the air and creating efficiency issues in your home can significantly impact its perceived value. Not only will these things need to be updated, but an energy efficient home is extremely attractive right now to buyers, and can make a world of difference to homeowners who are looking to futureproof their homes. Inefficient systems and high utility bills are not something anyone in today’s society, with rising costs of living and environmental concerns, wants to invest in.You don’t have to make any major upgrades. Even just simple improvements such as upgrading your insulation, sealing air leaks and servicing your HVAC or plumbing systems can make your home more cost-effective to maintain and attractive to buyers.
Small fixes can make a huge impact - that’s the bottom line. Whether you are selling or future proofing your home, you can increase its value by paying attention to small details, resolving small issues and staying proactive.
0 Comments