Anyone that has invested in buying a home wants to maximise property value; people want their property to be worth more than when they purchased it. There are many ways to add value to a property ranging from the simple (keeping it clean and well maintained, painting it, improving its curb appeal and maintaining fixtures) to more expensive renovations and improvements. Following are some updates you can make to your property that, while moderately expensive, have the potential to add significantly more value than the amount spent:

• Add Architectural Detail – you can give areas of your house more appeal by changing elements such as the baseboards, crown molding or other architectural details.

• Change Flooring – if you have wood floors you can re-stain them or remove other floor materials that are covering them. You can also change flooring to tiles or other materials (such as slate or marble) to give a luxurious effect.

• Update Kitchens and Bathrooms – these areas of a home are where potential buyers focus when making purchasing decisions. Making small improvements (such as to cabinets, fittings or flooring) can spruce up these areas without having to undertake a complete renovation. You can also buy new appliances for a kitchen or new sinks or bathtubs for a bathroom to enhance their appeal.

• Renovate Kitchens or Bathrooms – this will require a complete renovation of these spaces and is a good approach when they have become old or outdated and small improvements are not sufficient to bring them up to date. You should consider the overall style you are aiming for while installing new flooring and tiling, new counter tops, changing lighting fixtures, adding new sinks and faucets, replacing bathtubs and shower cubicles and also consider potentially changing the entire layout of these rooms.

• Add Square Footage – if your property has a lower square footage than similar properties in your area you might consider adding an extension to increase the living space. You can also consider refurbishing attic, garage or basement space to add to the overall size of a home and add to the living space.

• Gut Renovate – when the cost of making improvements becomes high because of the scope of work required in most maximise property value, the best option may be to tear it down to its structural elements and update it with a more modern design and layout. You should always ensure that the improvements you are making will result in an increase in the sale price and be careful of over-improving a property such that the investment you make will not be returned.