We all have moments where frustrations bubble to the surface and you think that your home just isn’t working in the way it should.
Your assessment will be valid for a host of reasons. Perhaps your family has grown in size, or the demands of your lifestyle have changed, and you’ve not been able to spend time adapting your home to meet your needs.
Thoughts of finding a new, larger property will increase in their intensity, most likely in parallel with escalating frustration.
As local agents, we’ve seen many clients grapple with the competing desires to climb the property ladder but live within their financial means.
Owners with young families are particularly prone to this situation. Ultimately, you know you’ll have to find a new home, and it’s just a matter of obtaining the finance to get the ball rolling.
This can take some time, as we all know. So, as you build towards purchasing a larger property, it’s a good idea to make some changes that will make your current home more tolerable for you, and appealing to prospective buyers when the time comes.
Below are four ways you can adapt your home at minimal cost to meet these twin goals.
Home office – Buyers are increasingly asking for homes that have dedicated areas in which they can work. We’ve got the pandemic to thank for this, of course but it is becoming a critical feature for professionals who are seeking a new home.
Set aside a small portion of your home but don’t convert a bedroom. If you do, I’d suggest switching it back when the time arrives to begin a sales campaign. Many buyers judge the fundamental value of a home on the number of bedrooms.
Instead, look at sectioning off a quiet area of the home. You might consider taking up some garage space, installing a workstation in the corner of the living room, or making use of a nook that’s not really being used much.
Exercise area – Finding somewhere to stretch and maybe lift some weights can be important for your wellbeing. Whether you choose to take up space in a spare bedroom, the garage, or you can find a sheltered area outside, the creation of an exercise area can make a difference to how you regard your home.
It’s often a good idea to install a TV screen in your exercise area so you can follow online classes for yoga, dancing or general fitness activities. Exercise machines that fold away, and a weights station, are valuable inclusions.
Install shelving so you have a handy store of towels and keep a laundry basket nearby to throw away sweaty clothes and used towels. Keep the area free of clutter as this will encourage you to maintain your keep-fit regime.
Your refuge – Being able to create a small, private space away from the hustle and bustle of family life can bolster your spirits. It can be a reading nook with a quality chair and reading light with atmosphere created by a couple of bookshelves or even a small peaceful corner of the where you can meditate.
Moments of peace and tranquillity are good for the soul, and this area will also be attractive to prospective buyers who value their own privacy and quiet time.
Enjoy the outdoors – Lovely seating areas in your front and back garden can make a wonderful difference to how buyers regard your home. Dedicated areas to enjoy a barbeque, or have a quiet cup of coffee, will give you a new and enjoyable perspective on your home.
The secret is to find a sheltered area to place a table and chairs. It also helps if you keep the garden in good repair and tidy away the clutter of children’s toys and garden tools. A few pots of colourful annuals or fruit trees or an outdoor umbrella will add to the atmosphere.