The goal of any property investment is to increase the value. There are low-cost ways to add value and there are more expensive and in-depth renovations that can be done. Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home or want to spruce it up inexpensively for your own enjoyment, we’ve got 10 good tips for you:

Tip 1: Inspect it

Not every home improvement is cosmetic. Hire an inspector to check out the areas of your home that you don’t normally see. They may discover hidden problems that could negatively impact your home’s value. Small problems (such as a hidden water leak) can become big, expensive problems quickly. The longer you put off repairs, the more expensive those repairs will be.

Tip 2: Cut energy costs

The amount of money you spend each month on energy costs may seem like a fixed amount, but many local utility companies provide free energy audits of their customers’ homes. They can show you how to maximize the energy efficiency of your home. An energy-efficient home will save you money now, which can be applied to other updates, and is a more valuable and marketable asset in the long run.

Tip 3: Improve the air quality inside your home

Air quality isn’t just about the conditions outdoors. If you have older carpets in your home, they might be hiding contaminants and allergens. The first step to determine if these need replacing is to hire a professional company to test your indoor air quality. If the results prove that your carpets should be replaced, choose environmentally friendly natural products like tile or laminate floors.

Tip 4: Paint the rooms – selectively

You will be amazed by the difference a fresh coat of paint can make. It can revive and brighten a tired space. Neutral colors are universally appealing. A fresh coat of paint is the quickest way to transform a room. But it probably doesn’t make sense to have your entire house repainted prior to putting it on the market.

Tip 5: Concentrate on the kitchen

If you are only going to improve one room, make it the kitchen. This has now become the showpiece area of the home. We don’t just cook in it, we do homework in it, we watch television in it and hold dinner parties there. Install equipment that is as up to date as possible, so it won’t look outmoded in 10 years.

Tip 6: Do the bathroom next

Buyers want to see that a home is clean and well-maintained, especially in the bathrooms. Even if you can’t afford a full remodel, small changes such as replacing dated wallpaper with a faux or textured finish will update the room without denting your wallet. Installing new bathroom fixtures will make the space look brighter and more appealing. Updating the mirror and lighting will improve the sensory experience.

Tip 7: Add a money-saving luxury

Speaking of water, here’s another way to tap into extra savings; install a water filtration system in your kitchen. Not only do these systems purify your water, they will also lower your grocery bills — no more bottled water. A water filtration system is an inexpensive addition, but it’s the sort of small luxury that homebuyers love.

Tip 8: Change/Add Windows or Doors

This is a valuable addition. Not only does it improve the aesthetics of the home, it also can reduce noise inside the home, help lower heating bills and cooling bills and increase natural light inside the home.  Skylights can also help brighten up spaces that may be lacking windows or natural light. Properly positioning windows and doors can also help highlight a beautiful view that your property may have.

Tip 9: Update Siding and Add Curb Appeal

If you are selling, you have to get buyers through the front door, which means you need to have the outside as spick and span as possible. As with your home’s interior, it’s also important to make minor repairs, such as replacing cracked siding boards or repointing brick walls. Landscaping makes a huge difference in the curb appeal of your home. A few strategically placed plants, outdoor lights or shutters can make your property more inviting.

Tip 10: Keep up with regular maintenance and repairs.

Walk around your home and make a list of all the little things that are broken or in need of repair. Individually, small repairs might not seem important, but if every room has just one thing wrong, those small things will add up to create the impression that your home has been neglected. Staying on top of maintenance today eliminates problems down the road should you decide to sell.

If you’re looking for ways to spruce up your home, browse the list of Remodeling And Renovations Services on the HUB.

Or if you are getting ready to sell your home, check out the list of Real Estate Services on the HUB.

Thanks for the info from * DiY Network and The Balance