Updated:
21.3.2023
As house price turbulence continues, and inflation is on the rise, we wanted to dive into how homeowners can take back control over their home’s value without breaking the bank.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to improving your home’s potential, but a bit of effort and a small investment can go a long way.
So whether you’re a proud homeowner, savvy landlord or soon-to-be-seller, we’ve got you covered with four easy steps to build and maintain your home’s value — starting now.
In this article, we’ll uncover a list of jobs you can do, tradespeople you can hire, budgets you can expect and questions to get you started.
First impressions of your home usually start from the street view
1. External appeal
Kiwis appreciate having an outdoor area that we can be proud of, whether it’s to share with others, or for you and your family to enjoy over a summer barbecue.
When it comes to assessing you home’s value, first impressions always count, and they generally start from the street view, and in areas like the driveway, garden or deck.
Though we naturally spend more time indoors, investing in a well-presented back yard is a sure-fire way to not only improve quality of life by encouraging you to spend more time outside, but also by driving interest when it’s time to sell.
How-to boost your home’s value with external appeal
Jobs: Pressure washing driveways, decks, and pathways, repairing and repainting exterior, maintaining lawns, trimming hedges, and removing clutter from the backyard.
Trades: Gardeners, landscapers, builders, painters, exterior cleaners and removal services.
Budget: $-$$$
What to ask yourself:
- Can my driveway be cleared and water blasted?
- Are my lawns, gardens and hedges well maintained?
- Do paths need to be trimmed and water blasted?
- Is my home clear of clutter and obstructions?
- Does my roofing or cladding need repainting?
- Is my entryway clear and in good condition?
A decluttered interior creates a sense of space and relaxation just like in this Project Story
2. Internal appeal
Interior presentation improves your home’s value by providing a sense of comfort, relaxation and spaciousness.
Decluttering can help make your home feel more luxurious, and can improve the overall experience of being indoors for you, guests, tenants or prospective buyers.
If you have a limited budget and want to make an impact without altering the structural layout of your home, it’s great to start with focussing on the cosmetic elements of your home.
How-to boost your home’s value with internal appeal
Jobs: Decluttering, cleaning, repainting walls, ceilings, doors, window frames and skirtings, flooring or carpet maintenance, replacing lighting and fixtures, tiling, and interior decorating.
Trades: Painters, decorators, handymen, carpenters, carpet layers, flooring experts, cleaners, curtain and blind professionals, tilers, movers and removalists, and interior designers.
Budget: $-$$
What to ask yourself:
- Are my hallways or living areas cluttered?
- Is my wall paint or wallpaper bubbling or chipping?
- Are my carpets and flooring in poor condition?
- Is there enough storage space in my home?
- Is the lighting in my home optimal?
- Do my curtains need to be cleaned or rehung?
Guttering and spouting plays a major roll in your home’s value — read more
3. General maintenance and repairs
A well-maintained home is generally more comfortable to live in, as homeowners have peace of mind knowing that things are in good condition.
Regular maintenance can also help identify and address potential safety hazards such as faulty electrical wiring, leaky pipes, and structural issues. Being pro-active in your response can extend the life of your home’s systems and appliances, avoiding costly replacements and repairs in the long run.
General maintenance to boost your home’s value
Jobs: Guttering and spouting, plumbing, water pressure, repairing damages such as faucets or drainage pipes, electrical systems such as wall sockets, light bulbs and outdoor lighting, maintaining or replacing appliances, and cabinetry.
Trades: Electricians, plumbers, cabinet makers and joiners, appliance technicians, and door specialists.
Budget: $-$$
What to ask yourself:
- Is my guttering and spouting warped, cracked or rusted?
- Has my water pressure gotten worse over time?
- Are the electrical systems out of date? (More on this below)
- Do any of my appliances need maintenance?
- Do joinery or cabinetry need replacing?
Modern security systems add an extra layer of protection to your home
4. Home security
Home security is typically there to safeguard your household from break-ins or environmental disasters, and are a cost-effective way to improve your home’s value by protecting both people and belongings.
By moving to more modern home security systems, you’re not only creating more comfort for you, your family, or your tenants, but you’re also improving your appeal to potential buyers.
How to boost your home’s value with home security
Jobs: Installing alarms, fire alarms, latch gates, fences, doors, locks, keyless entry, remote gates, security cameras, and updating your existing security systems.
Trades: Electricians, fencing and gate professionals, fire service professionals, garage door specialists, locksmiths, and security specialists.
Budget: $-$$
What to ask yourself:
- Are my alarms and fire alarms functioning?
- Would a home surveillance camera give peace of mind?
- Would my home benefit from sensor lights?
- Are my doors and deadlocks reliable?
- Could a keyless entry provide more security?
- Are my windows secure?
- Are my remote or latch gates functioning?
This 1960’s build needed a full electrical wiring update — Chapter 7, Project Home
Bonus: Major improvements
If you feel as though your home’s value needs that bit more, you can think about undertaking a more extensive renovation if your budget and schedule allow it.
High-cost projects, like renovating a kitchen and bathroom or doing a roof-replacement, can pay off when it comes to your home’s value; and it may bring other major issues to light such as water damage.
Alternatively, you can check in with a building inspector who can assess your home’s condition from the roofing, heating and ventilation, electrical and plumbing systems, right down to the foundations and structural elements.
They will also check for any potential safety hazards which may devalue your home, such as earthquake damage, mould, asbestos, or pests.
How to improve your home’s value on a larger scale
Jobs: Rewiring your electrical systems, replumbing, reroofing, installing double glazing, ventilation, improving insulation, replacing or removing fireplaces, and removing major safety hazards.
Trades: Property inspectors and valuers, electricians, plumbers, glaziers, ventilation specialists, roofers, insulation specialists, and fireplace specialists.
Budget: $$-$$$
Ask yourself:
- Are my home systems in good condition?
- How old is my roof, and what condition is it in?
- Is my home insulated and ventilated?
- Are there any potential dangers or risks in my home?
A home that’s beaming with value will improve the living experience of its occupants
Key takeaways
To wrap up, here’s three things to remember when it comes to improving your home’s value.
These steps will not only boost the living experience of those who live in your home, but will also set your property up for success when it comes time to sell down the line.
