Is your home due for some TLC?

Whether you’re looking to list now or in the future, making a variety of upgrades can help to increase the value of your home. Increasing the value will not only help your home to sell for more once on the market, but also make it more desirable for potential buyers. It can also help to ensure that it is more enjoyable, functional and aesthetically pleasing while you are still living there!

Let’s take a closer look at some of the best upgrades to increase the value of your home in 2022 and beyond!

The Best Interior Home Upgrades

While there are many changes that you can make to help increase the value of your home, let’s begin with how you can improve the interior.

Home Office

Do you have the need for a home office? With many working remotely and from home, the desire to have a functional home office space is extremely common among buyers - especially in 2022.

With a few small changes or layout improvements, you can add an office space to just about any home. Whether you’re planning to completely transform the den or create a shared space with your guest room, all you need is a little creativity to get started.

To help you get started, here are some of the basics that your office will need:

Desk
Chair
Lamp
Cabinet
Book case

To help create a more established space, consider mounting your cabinets and/or book cases directly to the wall and installing a more upscale lighting fixture.

2. Finished Basement

Finishing the basement is one of the best upgrades that you can make. While just about everyone wants to have a finished basement, many are deterred by the idea that they have to put in the hard work. By finishing the basement, you can take the hassle out of the picture for potential buyers, making your home more appealing and increasing the value at the same time.

The best part about finishing your basement is that you can make it as simple or extravagant as you would like. This clean slate allows you to personalize or neutralize the space as you see fit.

3. Open-Concept Floor Plans

Closed walls, tight spaces and narrow entryways. While in some spaces these elements may be complementary, in most cases we find that opening up the floor plan can help to create more space.

By adding more space through an open-concept floor plan, you can add both functionality and aesthetic to your home. Natural light can flow through freely, guests will have more room to move around and you can even enjoy a better furniture layout.

To create a more open-concept living space and floor plan, you may require assistance from a residential contractor or interior designer. The experts can help you determine which renovations are suitable for your home and guide you through the best layout changes to make.

4. Paint

So simple, yet so effective.

A fresh coat of paint should never go overlooked! By creating a more neutral palette throughout your home, you can help to create spaces that are more aesthetically pleasing. Neutral colours can also help potential buyers to better envision their lives within your home.

If you do opt for a splash of colour, consider a navy blue or sage green to maintain a natural and organic aesthetic. You may also want to consider opting for Pantone Colour of the Year, Very Peri 17-3938.

Here are some of our favourite paint options:

Sherwin Williams: Evergreen Fog
Benjamin Moore: October Mist
Sherwin Williams: Agreeable Gray
Farrow & Ball: Slipper Satin
Benjamin Moore: White Dove
Benjamin Moore: Edgecomb Gray

Which paint colour will you choose?

5. Update Fixtures

After all of the hard work you have done to upgrade a space and really make it your own, the last thing you want is for an outdated fixture to put a damper on things.

There are many fixture styles to choose from, such as an antique or vintage bronze, modern stainless steel or neutral matte black. You may begin with a more simple swap, such as cabinet handles and door knobs, or something more intricate such as a kitchen faucet.

The finishing touches can really bring your space together, making it more appealing, neutral and functional!

6. Energy-Efficiency

With a few simple changes, you can vastly improve the energy-efficiency of your home.

LED lighting
Low-flow toilets, faucets and shower heads
Smart temperature control
Insulating windows
Install Energy Star certified appliances

Not only can these changes help you to save more money while living there, but they can also help to boost the value of your home and make it more interesting to potential buyers.

The Best Exterior Home Upgrades

Now that the inside of your home is picture perfect, let’s see how you can transform the exterior, too!

1. Boost Curb Appeal

First impressions are very important, especially when it comes to your home. To help create a positive and lasting first impression for potential buyers, you may want to prioritise the curb appeal of your house.

Here are some ways that you can boost the curb appeal of your house:

Updating the house numbers and mailbox
Adding a fresh coat of paint to the siding or brick
Focusing on the garden and lawn care
Keeping the exterior clean and free of debris
Adding simple and neutral decor
Installing exterior lighting

Are you unsure of where to begin? Start by putting on your sneakers and heading out front to take a look at your house. Stand there for as long as you need and really soak it in. If there is anything that stands out to you that needs attention, start a list!

Another great way to get started is finding inspiration online or by taking a walk through your neighbourhood. Take a look at how other homeowners have created curb appeal and take elements from the ones that you really enjoy.

2. Upgrade Doors and Windows

Upgrading your doors and windows can offer a range of benefits. Not only can these improvements help to improve the appearance of your home, but also create a safer environment and even cut down on energy costs through premium insulation.

3. Add a Deck or Patio

What better way to add an extra living space to your home, than by maximizing on your backyard? If you have a patch of grass that is going unused or an outdated patio/deck area, you may want to consider giving your backyard some TLC.

An outdoor living space can be used to entertain guests, relax and unwind, or simply spend more time outside in nature. Those who are working from home can even head outside to their patio and get a little work done! The options are truly endless.

4. Pool and Hot Tub Combo

Create a versatile outdoor space that can be used 365 days a year, with help from a pool and/or hot tub installation. Cool off during the warm summer months or get cozy during a snowfall, all from the comfort of your own backyard.

To install a swimming pool and/or a hot tub, you will need to ensure that the backyard can accommodate these new water systems. Not only will you have to ensure that your backyard space is big enough, you will also need to ensure that it is both legal and safe.

Some areas require you to obtain a building permit or have a fence installed of a certain height. Check your local zoning laws first to ensure a smooth and enjoyable installation!

Are You Ready to Make a Change?

Is it time to sell your property and find something new? Contact Sonia Oliveira for help getting started. As your local real estate expert in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region, Sonia can help you best navigate the market with a range of services and make the right decision for your lifestyle.

For more information or help getting started, contact Sonia Oliveira today.

The Best Upgrades to Increase the Value of Your Home