Regardless of whether you are planning to put it up for sale in the long run or not, it is imperative that you continue to look for ways to increase not only its aesthetic value but its monetary value as well. In this regard, you would not only be assured of an optimally functioning home but one you can potentially sell without so much of a hitch in the future. However, most homeowners put off the idea of improving their homes for later seeing as this would just be another item on their expenses.
To most, owning a home would be enough while the improvements could be saved for much later. All of this is well and good if indeed there are plans to remodel, improve or renovate, but what happens when you never save up for those? Do you leave your home in the same state it was bought? If you are operating on a strict budget, there are still ways of increasing your home’s value. In fact, regardless of what budget you have, you can always accommodate a minor renovation or improvement here and there--regardless of whether you live in a condo Makati or elsewhere. Skeptical? Here are some of the ways you can successfully do it:
1.) Spend an hour with a pro
Invite a professional with an expertise in real estate investments or interior designing. If you have realtors who are dear friends or relatives of yours, they would do it for you free of charge. In fact, many realtors will give you this one time free service as a courtesy. However, bear in mind that a designer will probably require you to pay a consultation fee. Their advices would prove to be useful however as even the minor cosmetic changes they would tell you would already have a significant impact in improving the way your home looks and feels.
2.) Inspect your home
Not every home requires a cosmetic change and not every improvement is purely for aesthetics. Inspect your home thoroughly and ensure that those need your immediate attention will get taken care of first. Deteriorating roofs, bug infestations, electrical systems that are outdated—these are things that would require your immediate attention. In this regard, it is best if you hired an inspector to thoroughly inspect your home—including those areas you do not normally see. It is up to them to discover those unseen problems that could negatively impact your home’s value and advise you to repair them as soon as possible. Remember, if you keep putting them off, the more expensive their repairs will be.
3.) Paint your rooms
Cost-effective and straightforward, painting your homes may probably be the best and simplest home improvement there is. Moreover, painting your homes do not necessarily have to be expensive either, and they can instantly make your homes look updated and clean—a sure sign of value. Keep in mind that in selecting paint controls, neutrals tend to appeal to more people while vibrant and bright ones tend to put most people off. If you wish to make your homes more desirable, this should be at the forefront of your mind when choosing paint colors.
4.) Find inspiration
Of course, if your budget cannot accommodate the services of an interior designer, you might as well consider the alternative of finding inspiration in magazines and books. Alternatively, you can also peruse websites such as Pinterest for design ideas and save them for later. Moreover, check out TV shows for ideas you wish to try and then start creating your to-do list. Remember to keep it simple and realistic. You are on a budget after all, and you do not want to upset and disappoint yourself by planning grand scale renovation you cannot even afford.
5.) Cut energy costs
What you spend each month on utility bills may seem like a given, and at a glance, it may seem like a fixed amount. However, upon closer inspection, you would notice that this amount varies month to month—depending on how much energy you use. To maximize the energy efficiency of your home, ask your utility company for a free energy audit of your home. This will save you so much more money which could be potentially useful to other home updates.