Believe it or not, now’s the time to start thinking about renovating. Whether you’re getting your home ready to sell come spring or simply making some improvements, many of you will be updating your living spaces in the months ahead. But when it comes to adding value to your home, there are certain rooms that are often overlooked. Making these areas as functional and inviting as the rest of your home can have big pay-off long-term. Here are eight spaces that deserve a second look.
Bryan Baeumler is one of HGTV Canada’s go-to contractors and the host of Bryan Inc., House of Bryan and Leave it to Bryan.
The Entryway
The entryway is often a neglected space, but it’s truly what makes the first impression when someone walks through your front door. Invest in built-in cabinetry, or at least keep the area tidy and functional if you’re looking to sell. This is also a great space for families to renovate, helping to keep everyone’s items organized.
Take note: Here are The 12 Most Polarizing Design Debates You’ll Have During a Reno.
Storage Space
We all need storage! So having a space that’s well laid out and easily accessible will not only relieve the stress of retrieving your stuff, but can assist in selling your home. Much like a garage, having storage space with innovative solutions is always a desirable design feature.
Need more tips? Here are 12 Genius Ways to Double Your Closet Space.
Hallways
We often view hallways as a path to another room, and while that’s true, treat them as if they’re their own distinct space. Having functional, well-decorated hallways will make your home feel warm and well-loved. If you aren’t able to renovate, simply adding artwork and photos to the walls will make a big difference.
Home Office
It’s becoming more and more common for people to work from home, so having a dedicated office space can be a huge selling feature. It’s worth your time and money to make it as welcoming as possible, including all the latest technologies your budget will afford.
Need more design inspiration? See Inside the Home Office of One of Canada’s Most Up-and-Coming Designers.
Laundry Room
The laundry room is becoming an increasingly important space in homes across the country. Updating this room by making it functional and pleasant to be inside is another way to show prospective buyers you’ve taken care of the property. We spend so much of our time washing, drying and folding clothes, so we might as well do it comfortably!
Basement
If you have a space dedicated to your children’s play, then consider upgrading it. These rooms are often left in a state of disrepair due to the way our kids have treated them, but updating the space will be a good selling feature, and it might make your children respect it a little more, too! Here’s a look at the basement playroom Sarah and I created for clients on the new season of Bryan Inc..
Basement Bathroom
Basements are an important space in North American homes, and if you have a bathroom in yours, it can pay off to have it updated. It’s important to make your home as functional as possible, and having an extra bathroom downstairs (like the one pictured from Bryan Inc. here) will be a big plus for either your family or a potential buyer.
Furnace Room
Ensuring your home’s furnace and all other related components are in working order is key. So keeping this room clean and functional is paramount. This will show prospective buyers that you look after your home, right down to the bones. Buyers like to know that they’re purchasing a dwelling that’s been treated with care, and a well-maintained furnace room can certainly bolster this trust.
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