If you’re diving into your home renovation, it’s easy to get caught up in futuristic mood boards and edgy design choices, but these might do your home more harm than good in the long run. It’s a good idea to think ahead when planning your renovation so you don’t splurge on upgrades that actually decrease the value of your home. Here are some dos and don’ts to get you started.
Dos
Do upgrade appliances
Nothing is as off-putting for potential buyers as outdated appliances. This particularly applies to the kitchen and bathroom. After all, wouldn’t you want to see up-to-date ovens, cooktops and plumbing when viewing a house? Keeping your appliances looking clean and well-maintained is another top tip that will serve you well in the long run.
Image courtesy of Wong Weiliang
Do stick to solid colours
There’s nothing wrong with giving your home a pop of colour. In fact, it can even be beneficial, as many people like a home that stands out a little and feels lively and vibrant. However, bold colours are best applied solid on a feature wall here and there. Patterns and large wallpapers are hit-or-miss and usually very personal choices, making them less universally appealing. If you do want a bold pattern in your home, opt for a wallpaper over paint, as the former is easier to change further down the line.
Image courtesy of Versaform
Do opt for fuss-free surfaces
Not every potential buyer will pay close attention to the materials used around the home, but when they do, they will be happy to hear that your countertops are long-lasting and easy to maintain. For instance, installing surfaces by brands like Cosentino can help you raise the value of your home, as they make for particularly sturdy and fuss-free countertops.
Image courtesy of Cosentino
Do get rid of mould and mildew
No matter how stunning your home is, looking up at the ceiling to find signs of mould is going to be off-putting for viewers, decreasing the value of your home. Keeping your space (and particularly your bathroom) well-ventilated and free of mould and mildew is thus one of the best things you can do for the resale value of your home. Plus, it will save you money on replacing any furnishings and structures that could get damaged by mould over the years.
Image courtesy of The Monocot Studio
Don’ts
Don’t buy edgy furnishings
When furnishing your home, keep things on the simpler side. Unless your home has a themed aesthetic that’s enticing to particular buyers, you’ll want to stay away from items perceived as quirky and edgy, as they might be off-putting to the average viewer. Of course, furnishings can be replaced over the years, so if you plan on selling your home in the distant future, go wild with your furnishings in the meantime.
Image courtesy of Studio FortyFour
Don’t make unusual modifications
Rounded archways and eccentric layouts can add a lot of personality to your home, but they might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Those who come to view your home might not think of those modifications as quirky and interesting, but as potential renovation costs for them. If you wish to experiment with unique modifications and features around your home, do keep in mind that you might have to change them up when selling in the future.
Image courtesy of Authors Interior & Styling
Don’t go overboard with luxury
One of the biggest downfalls of home renovation is excessive spending on luxury appliances and furnishings. Particularly items that come with high maintenance costs, such as whirlpools, can be off-putting and actively lower a home’s resale value. Be careful when upgrading kitchen appliances as well—opt for functionality and appealing design and stay away from appliances that come with expensive bells and whistles.
Image courtesy of Dreamcatcher Interior Design
Don’t install complex appliances
Speaking of appliances, anything with unusual or complex functions can end up lowering the value of your home. Make sure to install appliances that are simple to use for people of different ages. Straightforward settings, remote controls and buttons that are easy to understand are always a safe bet. Plus, appliances with complicated mechanisms tend to be unnecessarily expensive as well.
Image courtesy of Dan’s Workshop
