Ten renovation ideas that can increase your home’s value

Taking care of basic maintenance tasks before you sell your home is a no-brainer, but a quick and not-too-costly renovation can add a lot of appeal for potential buyers, and may boost the final sale price.

1.Basics first Fix those little faults that you no longer notice – leaky taps, rusty gutters, broken window catches. They can make a huge difference to a buyer’s perception of value.

2.Landscape the garden A well-kept garden can create a low-maintenance feel before buyers even step inside.

3.Bring the outside in Opening living areas to the garden can be as simple as adding big bi-fold doors that create an inviting sense of flexibility.

4.Take the inside out The garden is a place to live: a barbecue area, deck, pergola or even a plunge pool all invite buyers to imagine their future lifestyle in your home.

5.Let the light in Brightening dark areas boosts a home’s appeal; you can install skylights quite economically, and swap solid doors in dark areas for glass-panelled ones.

6.Put some colour on it Fresh paint makes a home look ready to live in. Think carefully about colours, and maybe seek some interior design advice – although neutral colours present some people with a blank canvas, to others those spaces just seem bland.

7.A solid footing New carpets make a home feel new. Again, think carefully about colour. A step further? Look under the carpet – those timber floors will be lovely when sanded and sealed.

8.Green it Installing solar panels or a solar hot water system can add value for potential buyers, who will see future energy cost savings.

9.Bathroom fix A brand-new bathroom can cost a lot. Instead, think of replacing shower curtains with clear glass screens and installing new taps, a water-saving cistern and even a new toilet seat. Replace small tiles with big ones, and don’t forget to clean/renew the grout.

10.Add storage Buyers are looking for places to store their stuff – cupboards in the garage and in neutral spaces such as hallways are always welcome. A butler’s pantry in the kitchen is great, too.

Some simple and affordable renovation moves can make your home more desirable to buyers, potentially adding to the final sale price.