Home Improvement Tips
Increasing your home's value when selling.In the GTA, it can be difficult to show and sell a home without any improvements. But before you go knocking down walls, there are number of small tasks you can do to increase your home’s value. A little effort now can provide great returns to your bottom line.
Remember, a buyer’s first impressions may be their only impression. Here are a few simple things you can do to show your home better and help increase the perceived value of your home.
Exterior of Your Home:
- Keep lawns cut
- Trim hedges and bushes
- Weed and edge gardens
- Clear driveway of cars and clean driveway stains
- Clean out and organize your garage
- Pressure wash windows and the home’s exterior
- Touch up paint
- Plant colourful flowers
At the Front Door:
- Clean the porch and foyer
- Provide a sitting area on the porch if the space permits
- Ensure the doorbell works
- Repair any broken screens
- Refresh the front door’s paint
- Repair any damaged doors or locks
Setting the Right Mood:
- Make sure your home, the backyard and garage smells fresh and clean
- Turn on lights
- Turn on air conditioner/heater to a comfortable temperature
- Open the curtains and drapes to let in light
- Light the fireplace
- Throw a few cushions on your couch
Maximize Open Space:
- Clear hallways and stairs of clutter
- Clear kitchen counters and stove tops
- Clear closets of unnecessary items
- Remove empty boxes and storage in closets
- Depersonalize: Put away personal photos to help the buyer envision the house as theirs
Maintenance:
- Repair leaking taps and toilets
- Clean furnace and filters
- Tighten door knobs and oil latches to avoid squeaky doors
- Repair cracked plaster and dents in walls
- Apply fresh coat of paint
- Repair windows and window seals
- Repair seals/silicon around tubs and sinks
- Repair squeaking floorboards
Clean:
- Clean and freshen bathrooms with new linens
- Make all the beds
- Clean fridge and stove
- Clean around heating vents
- Clean washer and dryer
- Steam clean carpets, drapes and blinds
- Eliminate pet odours and stains