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Whether you plan to sell your house or improve it for more living comfort, investing in your home is always a smart choice. However, it is important to make the right adjustments that actually increase the value of your home. In this article, you will discover which improvements do just that. Also, don't forget to read the tips at the bottom, because the way you go about it is essential!
To start with: what is your house worth now?
Before you start making adjustments to your home, you probably want to know what your house is currently worth. Having an appraisal conducted is an option, but this can cost several hundred euros. Alternatively, you can request a free value report from us. On our page about house value, you can read how this works, and within one minute you will receive the report in your mailbox.
Based on your address, we gather all available data about your home. By comparing similar homes in your neighborhood that have recently been sold, we can estimate the current value of your house. Want to stay updated? Then you can choose to receive an update every two months about the current value. This can be useful for determining the right time to sell!
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7 adjustments to increase the value of the house at a glance
Not every adjustment has the same impact on the value of your house. In fact, some adjustments can even negatively affect the house value. If you really want to increase the value of your house, there are 9 adjustments you can focus on. Make sure you take the conditions into account and carry out the work carefully, so you can be sure you're on the right track.
Go directly to:
- Increase the living area
- Improve the insulation in the house
- Make other sustainability investments
- Convert the attic into extra living space
- Renovate the bathroom if it is heavily outdated
- Address overdue maintenance
- Increase the size of the plot
1. Increase the living area
The number of square meters is one of the most important factors that determine the value of your house. To add as much value as possible, it's wise not to focus solely on the square meters, but also on what the new space actually delivers. For example, can you create an extra bedroom with the extension? Or maybe build a garage, which provides more storage space?
An extension can, for instance, offer the possibility of a spacious kitchen, which appeals to many buyers. And placing dormers can transform the attic into a full-fledged extra living space, making the house more attractive and valuable.
2. Improve the insulation in the house
Good insulation is a smart way to save energy. By keeping warmth inside and cold outside, you use less energy to maintain your house at the right temperature. This can significantly reduce your energy bill, especially with today's rising energy prices. The basis of good insulation starts with double glazing and well-maintained window frames and doors.
Window frames and doors can be major draught spots. Moreover, these components are immediately noticed by potential buyers, which creates a positive first impression of your house. An additional advantage of double glazing is that it can also reduce noise pollution and improve the safety of your home, depending on the type of glass you choose.
If you start improving the insulation, you may be eligible for a subsidy. Read more about this ISDE subsidy.
Better energy label
If your basics are in order, you can further improve the insulation by addressing the roof insulation, floor insulation, and cavity wall insulation. The better your home is insulated, the better the energy label is. Your home is then immediately more attractive than comparable houses with a lower energy label. If you are planning to sell your home soon and don't have an energy label yet, you can easily apply for one with the government.
3. Make other sustainability investments
In addition to better insulation, there are many more sustainability investments that can increase the value of your home. A sustainable home is not only more attractive to potential buyers, but also results in lower energy costs. Solar panels are a smart choice to generate your own green energy. You reduce your dependence on energy suppliers and directly lower your electricity bill.
Moreover, you can recoup the investment in solar panels within a few years. If you generate more energy than you consume, you can even receive compensation by feeding the electricity back into the grid.
Installing a heat pump also contributes to increasing the value of your home. Heat pumps are much more energy-efficient than traditional boilers, which is not only good for the environment but also for your wallet. Additionally, boilers will soon need to be replaced due to stricter regulations, so with a heat pump, you are making your home future-proof.
4. Convert the attic into extra living space
Is your attic currently only used as storage space? Then you might have a hidden gem. By transforming your attic into a functional living space, such as an extra bedroom, office, or hobby room, you can significantly increase the usable area of your home. As you read in point 1, this significantly increases the value of your house.
Pay attention to the following points when converting the attic:
- Ensure good insulation to minimize energy loss and increase comfort.
- Ensure sufficient daylight, for example, by installing dormers or skylights.
- Ensure there is sufficient headroom, which you can achieve by placing dormers.
- Ensure good ventilation to guarantee healthy air quality.
- Ensure you comply with all building regulations and requirements.
When choosing a floor, consider possible noise disturbance for the floor below. Wooden floors tend to cause more noise disturbance than carpet. If you still want a wooden floor, you can choose to place sound insulation under the floor. This way, you reduce any disturbance for the people living, working, or sleeping underneath.
To make the most of the attic space, you can, for example, install built-in wardrobes or create a mezzanine for your bed. This way, you maximize the square meters in the space and increase the value of your home.
5. Renovate the bathroom or kitchen
Renovating the bathroom or kitchen can lead to a significant increase in value, but this is not always guaranteed. Especially in homes with a heavily outdated bathroom or kitchen, a renovation is often worth the investment. When renovating, choose designs that are not too taste-sensitive; a neutral and timeless kitchen and bathroom that match the style of your home are usually the safest choice.
Invest in a timeless bathroom and kitchen, and in high-quality built-in appliances. This appeals to a wide audience and can increase the selling price of your home.
If you already have a decent kitchen or bathroom, but it's not entirely to your taste, a complete renovation probably won't add much extra value. Instead, you can opt to replace bathroom furniture, kitchen doors and handles, or wrap the kitchen. This way, you give the spaces a fresh look without making a large investment.
6. Address overdue maintenance
A well-maintained home is worth more. It prevents future problems and prevents repair costs from escalating. Delaying maintenance can lead to bigger and more expensive-to-repair problems that come to light during a viewing, appraisal, or building inspection. This can negatively affect your home's selling price and bring additional costs.
By carrying out regular maintenance, you keep your home in top condition, which not only increases the value but also ensures an attractive first impression. Here are some maintenance tasks that can increase your home's value:
- Repair window frames and baseboards
- Remove mold in the bathroom
- Paint the exterior of your house
- Oil locks and tight hinges
- Replace worn gutters
In our article about renovating your house for sale, you can read about other things you can address both inside and outside to increase your home's value.
7. Increase the size of the plot
If you get the chance to buy a piece of land from the municipality that lies next to your plot, this can increase your home's value. The size of your garden plays a role in the value of your house. Especially if your garden was previously small, the extra piece of land can be a great improvement. The enlarged area not only offers more space to enjoy but also opportunities for future projects.
In the long term, you could build an extra office or garage in the garden, which can further increase your home's value in the long term.
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Tips for improving the house
To ensure that the adjustments you make actually increase value, it is helpful to keep the following tips in mind.
Tip 1: Avoid adjustments that are too taste-sensitive
Opt for a neutral base instead of striking colors and conflicting styles, such as a country kitchen in a modern house. Striking choices can come with risks. To still add your own style, you can enhance the neutral base with loose furniture and accessories. In the kitchen, you can wrap the cabinets and replace the handles to give a different look without affecting the value of the house.
Tip 2: Handle the jobs professionally
Are you considering doing certain improvements yourself to save costs? This can be a smart choice, but only if you execute the work well and professionally. Poor quality or sloppy finishing can even lower the value of your home. If you doubt whether you can handle the job yourself, it is wise to hire professionals. In the long run, this often yields more and results in a better outcome.
Tip 3: Preserve authentic details of the house
Do you have a house with authentic details, such as moldings, en-suite doors, or stained glass? Think carefully before removing these elements. While a more modern look might seem appealing, these original details are often the elements many people love. So try to preserve them as much as possible or find ways to bring them back into the house differently.
Tip 4: Preferably choose neutral colors
When adjusting your home, it is wise to choose neutral colors such as beige, white, and gray. These colors make your house appear lighter and more spacious, and they appeal to a wide audience. If you are not planning to sell your home anytime soon, you don't have to worry too much about this. A new coat of paint can be quickly applied if you later decide on a different color.
The benefits of implementing the adjustments
Raising the value of your house brings more benefits than just a higher selling price. It can increase your living enjoyment and even lead to lower energy bills. So you don't have to wait until you want to sell your house to make these improvements. Below you will find 9 adjustments that can increase the value of your home, provided you approach them correctly.
The advice in this article is general. If you plan to sell your home soon, it is wise to contact a real estate agent now. This professional can give you specific advice on which adjustments in your home will add the most value. This way you make choices that not only increase your selling price but also match the market in your region.
Do you need a real estate agent? Or would you like to receive a free value report about your property? With Mijn Verkoopmakelaar, it's all possible. Easily and quickly compare the best real estate agents in your area and benefit from competitive rates.
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Showcase your home at its best!
When it is time to sell your home, it's smart to read our tips for preparing your home for sale. Real estate agents can also assist you with this. They often provide valuable advice and sometimes offer home staging. This is especially recommended for homes that are heavily outdated or very taste-sensitive in design.
Home staging ensures that your home looks attractive to as wide an audience as possible, increasing the chances of a successful sale. In some cases, it can even be the solution for houses that prove difficult to sell. It creates a fresh and neutral look, allowing potential buyers to better imagine how they could live in the home themselves.
Tip: Are you looking for a real estate agent through our platform and would you like to make use of home staging? Mention this in the description of your application. In this way, agents who can assist you with this will respond, ensuring your home is optimally presented for sale.
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