Homeowners frequently ask me what they should do to make their homes more valuable.
To me, making a home valuable means making it work for the family; making it durable so it lasts; and making it more energy efficient so the homeowner pays less each month.
This might not always lead to a soaring selling price, but it will always lead to a happier homeowner. These kinds of fixes give you peace of mind -- something that is priceless.
Still, if you're planning to sell, here are some other tips that can increase value the right way.
No. 1: Don't curb curb appeal. Look at your property. Does it look shabby? Unsafe? Does the exterior of your home look like it needs some TLC, things like tuck-pointing, brick or stucco repairs?
When it comes to a house, if the outside looks bad, you can almost bet the inside won't be any better. The outside can usually tell you how much maintenance was put into the home overall.
Take care of entrances, including the garage and any side doors. Make sure entryways are safe, strong and secure -- that also means properly lit. Make any repairs to walkways, steps, the driveway, as well as your home's exterior. And don't forget to clean up the yard.
If there's pooling, you might need to contact a professional grader to re-grade the property. If there are overgrown trees and plants, hire a professional landscaper to trim them, or remove any shrubs that are directing water to the foundation.
No. 2: Fix roof problems. If your roof is leaking, get it fixed by a pro and show homebuyers the permits and warranties on the work. A good roofer will fix flashings, soffits, replace missing or sagging shingles and let you know if your chimney needs repairs. Some of these fixes aren't expensive but leaving them undone can scare away buyers.
No. 3: Clean up. You can't sell square footage people can't see. Buyers hate clutter, and the truth is it can affect indoor air quality. I once worked on a job where piles of stuff everywhere were blocking the vents around the home and causing serious condensation issues.
If you're selling, get rid of everything you don't need. Have a garage sale. It doesn't have to cost you a dime, and you might even make a few bucks.
No. 4: Repair walls. Simple fixes such as filling in holes, fixing baseboards, repairing trim and applying a fresh coat of paint, go a long way -- but do it right. If your home has electrical problems, fix those first. Once that's done, repair the drywall with products that are free of, or decrease, volatile organic compounds.
That can sweeten the deal for not that much more money. Adding that as a selling point as you're taking buyers through your home can help everyone breathe easier.
No. 5: Replace foggy windows. No homebuyer wants to see a foggy window; it's a sure sign something is wrong. The seal between the panes could be broken, or maybe it's a cheap window, or the framing around the window needs repairs. Any of these problems leads to heat loss. Or, maybe the home has ventilation issues.
Replacing windows can cost thousands of dollars, but it's one investment that pays off. If you use a pro, get guarantees and warranties on the work. Also, use your energy bills to prove your home is much more energy efficient.
Remember, buyers will change the lipstick and mascara of a home to suit their taste, but the structure and building envelope is what they are investing in. Granite countertops and hardwood flooring don't matter when there's a leak in the basement or a hole in the roof.
-- Postmedia Network Inc. 2014
Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information visit makeitright.ca.
