Most homeowners believe they need to perform significant work to add serious value to their home. Not so. Home updates can add massive value without a huge increase in your budget. Homes that feel tired can be turned into ‘designer’ homes with some simple changes that make sense from a livability perspective and, often, from a resale value perspective too.
It’s all about figuring out the best value for your update dollar with a focus on livability but also adding that all-important “wow” factor that will attract prospective buyers. These updates might not be the ones you initially think of and often focus on the details rather than the bigger picture (but more on that later).
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Hardware Makes the Home
The single most overlooked detail of any home is hardware. Cabinet handles, drawer pulls, and door hardware are like the jewelry of your home. It’s true; the details matter. Yet so many homes wear outdated ‘builder-grade’ hardware that can only be described as ugly or, at best, simple.
Replacing dated drawer handles with quality alternatives in modern finishes can elevate any kitchen, bathroom, or other home feature such as built-in cupboards. The difference is so profound that family and friends will assume you’ve renovated the entire house when all you’ve done is focused on the details.
You handle hardware multiple times every day, opening drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and throughout the home. When the experience is made worse with dated or ugly hardware, it’s another reminder that your home might need updating.
Take time to focus on choosing quality hardware pieces that fit well with your existing cabinetry without being boring. Consider finishes such as brushed brass that adds additional warmth to white cabinetry in kitchens or matt black contrasts against light timber finishes. Quality hardware elements stand the test of time and won’t become outdated with design trends.
Lighting Really Is Everything
Nothing dates a home more than ugly lighting. Retro brass chandeliers from the 1990s or basic builder-grade pendant lights can ruin even the most stunning renovations. The good news is lighting updates don’t require extensive electrical work or create interruptions in your everyday life (unlike big renovations!).
Replacing old pendant lights with designer options (think modern kitchen island pendants) sends the message that your entire space has been updated. Halogen down lights can be replaced with LED replacements that save energy or even just replacing old light switches with modern iterations that elevate lighting without being turned on.
Revamp Your Walls With a Paint Job
Of course, painting is an obvious update, but it’s also the best value update from a cost perspective. While it might seem clever to just give everything a fresh coat of paint in the same colors you used previously (because it’s easy), don’t forget that paint can dramatically change a room for the better when used wisely.
Consider using modern paint colors such as neutral colors with various undertones, off-whites with subtle hints of gray, beige, and even accent walls in bolder colors to elevate spaces and make them feel fresher. As an added bonus, using low-sheen (non-glossy) finish paints tend to hide imperfections better and create an expensive appearance.
Remember to paint all doors and trim within your home rather than just focusing on the main features needing an upgrade. This creates continuity in all areas and makes them feel well thought out versus hurried.
Update Bathrooms Cleverly on a Budget
Bathrooms are notoriously tricky when it comes to updating without spending a lot of money; however, there’s a myriad of clever updates you can make here that create that fresh designer feel without requiring a full bathroom renovation (which can come with significant costs).
Invest in new bathroom fixtures (tapware) that come in contemporary finishes such as black matte or even gunsmoke finishes that change the entire appearance of these often drab bathrooms. The same goes for mirrors – no one wants an outdated mirror in their bathroom.
Then ensure your lighting is on point and that if you do have tiling within your home, investing time and even a small amount of money into re-grouting the tiles can make a massive difference in creating a fresh feeling bathroom.
All old silicone seals can be replaced with white seals around taps and showers too – this makes old spaces feel new again! Finally, finishing touches always make a difference such as towel rails, toilet roll holders, and hooks for towels on compatible walls (ensure they match in finish).
Living Spaces
Avoid any treatments that have become outdated such as curtains. Roller blinds are still all the rage and if you go for versions made from natural materials such as linen or bamboo, not only do they create a stunning look but are also timeless.
Hang these at the right height for a professional finish rather than an amateurish feel. And don’t forget that little front of house updates also help create positive expectations – consider updating your front door color if it is fading, displaying modern house numbers, and investing time into landscaping around your doorstep.
The Power of Perceived Value
What’s remarkable about many of these updates is that they play as much on perceived value and psychology as they do on tangible improvements. Buyers see quality details and fresh finishes and assume there’s much more behind these updates.
It’s almost the opposite of broken window theory. Rather than assuming everything else is poor if an area is not focused on – when details are right the assumption is made everything else will be too!
Focus on Updates That Benefit You (as Well as Buyers)
The best updates are those you will enjoy while living in your home but also those potential buyers will appreciate too.
Focus on fewer quality updates rather than spreading budgets across many elements that simply need maintenance focus. Ultimately, the value-adding update features are those you can replace over time without stressing yourself.
Take it slowly – don’t expect miracles overnight. The best evidence of improvements made might be felt rather than seen at first – you’re creating a space far more pleasant to live in long term rather than simply wowing visitors who come to your home for the first time!
The good news is you don’t need excess money or time to focus on these clever alterations or improvements. Sometimes the difference between dated and designer is simply focusing on all of the details – not just aspects people notice but also ignoring over time!
