Improve Your Home's Value

H e l l o!

Up on the blog today we are featuring a guest article by Karl Kennedy.  Kennedy is going to address interior design ideas and some not interior design ideas on how to improve your home's value.

Homeowners are constantly thinking of new ways to grow and improve their current property. It’s understandable and warranted, especially if you’re trying to sell your home for profit in the future. It’s also easy to appreciate home upgrades if you want to improve the overall aesthetic of your surroundings.  But, where do you start? Do you begin by banging out the generic upgrades, like repainting walls and cleaning up your curb appeal? Or, do you have a little bit of fun and install a firepit or convert your cellar into a more livable space?

We think it’s safe to say that the generic home improvements are easy enough to think of, so we’ll avoid discussion on those topics today. Instead, we’re going to bring some interesting and fun upgrade ideas to the table, and give you some creative options to take action on. If you keep reading, maybe you’ll find a thing or two that interests you!

Irrigation System

Everyone loves a beautiful lawn, but no one realizes the amount of work that goes into keeping one. That’s why we want to bring up the fact that an irrigation system would come in handy, getting rid of dry grass and hydrating all areas on the property.  These outdoor systems are made so that you don’t even have to think about greenery upkeep in the least.

Photo Cred:  HomeTalk

Smart Technology

As we progress into the 21st century, we’re looking to implement smart home improvements to make our current homes look super appealing in a buyers’ market. Smart choices point to smart technologies, including but not limited to thermostats, lights, alarms, security cameras, and door locks.  There’s something special about having the ability to control mechanisms in the house when you’re not home, and that’s exactly what smart technologies are good for.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

Patio

If you’re looking to install an awesome gathering area outside the house, look no further. Heed our suggestion and get to work on a patio upgrade. Expanding the seating area on the patio can be included in the improvement, too.

You can go one of two ways here. Focus on a metal or glass table surrounded by chairs for optimum seating and eating arrangements. Or, get comfy cushions or outdoor sofas to lounge with family and friends. Maybe even choose to set up a spot for a grill and/or TV.

Photo Cred:  Architectural Digest

Basement

Transitioning the lower level of your home from basement to living area is quite a time-consuming process, but it’s totally worth it in the end. You technically don’t have to focus on making it a living room or an additional bedroom; you can also lean towards creating additional storage space if you’re out of it with the current floor plan you have.

The best part about improving your basement is that, more often than not, you will not need planning permissions to edit the interior. Planning permissions are primarily used when structural changes are taking place. As long as you already have electric, gas, and water (if applicable) in the basement, all you have to do is build around it and you have some additional living space.  You can coordinate the interior design with the upper level or go in a different direction all together with your decor.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest 

Fire Pit

Installing a fire pit outdoors is definitely a home value booster; this people pleaser will help bring sales in when you’re ready to sell the place, and in the meantime, you’ll definitely enjoy the addition.

Plus, fire pits do make it easier to have outdoor gatherings almost year-round - the chilly fall months welcome the use of a fire pit, and some s’mores, of course.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

Home Theater

Home theaters are all the rave today; they’re much comfier and cozier for movie watching, especially when being compared to that of a public movie theater. Think about it, you’re able to cuddle up in any loungewear you prefer, eat all the snacks you want and drink all the drinks you desire for more than half off a theater's price! It’s a win-win scenario.

To get yourself started, gather supplies like a projector, receiver, and media player. The rest will fall into place once you begin putting the setup together. Always remember, if the process is a tad confusing, don’t hesitate to call a professional in. Once it’s perfect, you’ll cozy up in the theater all the time.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

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In addition to being a Philadelphia Multifamily Interior Designer,  I also design boutique hotels, fitness centers, office spaces, residential development projects, other commercial spaces such as office and retail spaces, and the senior living community throughout the tri state area.  We work here in Philadelphia, the main line, and even Nationally!