If you’re planning to put your house up on the Kelowna real estate market, you’ve probably considered investing in renovations and upgrades to increase your property value.
Sean Skuter has viewed countless homes in Kelowna and the Okanagan as a real estate specialist. With his experience and expertise, we’ve compiled a list of 5 upgrades that will increase your property value.
- Paint
- Landscaping & Curb Appeal
- Energy Efficient
- Bathroom & Kitchen
- Floor Plan
1. Paint, Paint, Paint!
Paint is one of the simplest and cost-effective improvements. It’s an excellent way to upgrade a room, or the exterior of your home. A fresh paint job keeps your home looking it’s best and it protects your home’s surfaces from wear and tear.
Neutral colour schemes in high-quality paints offer the best protection and cleanest look. Neutral colours will appeal to homebuyers because it allows them to envision the space as their own.
2. Landscaping & Curb Appeal
The first thing homebuyers see is the outside of your house. Consider purchasing potted plants that are native to Kelowna.
Also investing time or money into lawn maintenance and landscaping, such as grooming hedges, trees and grass, will make your home more appealing to buyers.
There are a lot of homes on Kelowna’s real estate market, so making a big first impression is one the best ways to stand out. It will also show homebuyers that your neighbourhood is clean, friendly and safe.
3. Energy Efficient Kelowna Homes
Several local utility companies provide homeowners free energy audits, which can show you how to maximize the energy efficiency of your home. Contacting a company in Kelowna or the Okanagan before you put your house on Kelowna’s real estate market.
Energy efficient homes are on the rise for becoming major selling points. Properly sealed windows, LED lights, insulated water tank, and fixed leaky faucets are just a few simple improvements that will save you money and increase your property.
For more improvements and the benefits, read How Much Can You Really Save With Energy Efficient Improvements?
4. Make floor plans more functional
You don’t need to knock down walls and expand the size of your property to create more space in your home. Your current floor plan has the potential of visually appearing bigger and more open if it’s used well.
Consider how the furniture in each room is laid out, remove clutter and make the space work to your advantage.
If you have an unfinished basement, there’s a great potential for more space that will pay off. Creating additional living space that can be used as a separate suite, children’s play area, office space, laundry room, home gym, study, or entertainment space will attract a wider variety of homebuyers.
According to HomeAdvisor, homeowners can spend between $10,000 and $27,000 renovating their basement. It’s an expensive projects, but the added value and increase in interest will make it worth it.
5. Bathroom and Kitchen Upgrades
Modern, updated bathrooms and kitchens are at the top of most homeowners lists. Upgrading your kitchen and bathroom can make a significant difference in the value of your property.
There’s no need to completely gut your kitchen or bathrooms. Instead, consider smaller investments. The results of upgrading counters, flooring, fixtures, and appliances in your kitchen and bathroom will increase the value.
Applying a fresh coat of paint to your cabinets, walls and even your floors, and bathtub can make a huge impact. Updating cabinet fixtures, as well as taps, are another great way to modernize these rooms.
If you’re Buying or selling a home in the Okanagan, Contact Kelowna’s top real estate specialist, Sean Skuter.
Sean Skuter Realtor
RE/MAX Kelowna #100 – 1553 Harvey Avenue
Kelowna, British Columbia V1Y6G1
C: (250) 801-3654 O (250) 717-5000
E: sean@seanskuter.com