Simple measures can make a house more attractive to the prospective buyer. We estimate that the Rs 62,500 spent on these can add Rs 2.45 lakh to the price tag.
1. Paint the walls
A
fresh coat of paint can work wonders for the value of your house. There is no
need to splurge on premium emulsion. Go for a basic distemper and choose
neutral shades. A light colour makes the house look bigger. Make sure that all
holes are filled with putty and any damage to the plaster is repaired.
Cost:
Rs 40,000
Increase
in value: Rs 1-2 lakh
2.
Check electrical equipment
Many
buyers are looking for a property in which they can move in very quickly.
Functional plug points and switches are very important. Ensure that the
electrical equipment is working and replace fused bulbs. It will light up your
chances of fetching a good price for your house.
Replace
switch plates & fused bulbs
Cost:
Rs 3,000
Increase
in value: Rs 25,000
3. Replace cracked floor tiles
A
damaged floor looks very unattractive. Replace broken tiles or get the floor
polished to give it a glossy look. Grinding and polishing a marble floor can
cost more.
Polishing
floors
Cost:
Rs 10,000
Increase
in value: Rs 25,000
4.
Fix leaky taps
Taps
with no water and non-functional washrooms tell buyers that they have to get a
lot of work done. Ensure that all faucets and wash rooms are functional.
Cost:
Rs 1,500
Increase
in value: Rs 5,000
5.
Clean everything
A
prospective buyer should not start coughing when he enters the house. Get the
entire place vacuumcleaned so that it is spick and span. No cobwebs or dusty
floors.
Cost:
Rs 500
Increase
in value: Rs 10,000
6.
Use plants
Brighten
up the place with potted plants. Even artificial plants can bring cheer to an
empty house. If there is a balcony or terrace, check that the railing is not
broken.
Cost:
Rs 500
Increase
in value: Rs 5,000
7.
Wash the exterior
Nothing
like a good shower to spruce things up. Spray water on the exterior walls and
in the courtyard to give the house a fresh feel. The only expense is your sweat
and time.
Cost:
Nil
Increase
in value: Rs 5,000
8.
Polish kitchen and cabinets
If
the woodwork in the kitchen is in a bad condition, get it varnished or
laminated. Spray pesticide to get rid of cockroaches and other insects.
Varnish
and laminate
Cost:
Rs 2,000
I
ncrease in value: Rs 10,000
9.
Fix the parking space
For
some, a fixed place to park their vehicles is more essential than an extra
bedroom. If you have an independent house, build a shed to cover the parking
area.
Cost:
Rs 5,000
Increase
in value: Rs 30,000
10. Disinfect the toilets
A
dirty, stinking bathroom can be a deal breaker. Ensure that all toilets are
clean, the drains are not blocked and there are deodorisers in the washroom.
Cost:
Nil
Increase
in value: Rs 15,000
11.
Wash the exterior
Nothing
like a good shower to spruce things up. Spray water on the exterior walls and
in the courtyard to give the house a fresh feel. The only expense is your sweat
and time.
Cost:
Nil
Increase
in value: Rs 5,000
12.
Keep some furniture
An
empty house is not as appealing as one with some furniture in it. It adds
warmth to the property. This is why sample flats are filled with furniture. A
small fridge with some refreshments can add more value.
Cost:
Nil
Increase
in value: Rs 15,000
Total
cost: Rs 62,500 Increase in value: Rs 2.45 lakh
