As we hopefully and eventually emerge from the pandemic, there’s no better way to refresh the heart and mind than with a thorough house clean. Building Our House shares how you can revitalize your home and increase its value in the process.
Fresh Wall Painting
What better way to prepare your home for its grand reopening than with a fresh coat of paint? According to studies, re-painting your interior results in a 107% return on investment (ROI). But it’s not just the new lick that counts — it’s also the color. Neutral shades perform best as they allow the potential buyer to “imagine themselves living there.” Remember, with any changes you make, take before and after photos and keep receipts as proof of your alterations to help in increasing your home’s valuation.
Extreme Surface Cleaning
The CDC recommends cleaning surfaces daily during the pandemic. A good surface polishing could do wonders for the appearance of your home and help ensure that any lingering bacteria or viruses trapped on surfaces become a thing of the past. For an effective cleaning solution, add four teaspoons of bleach per quart of room temperature water and be sure to wipe dry surfaces after at least one minute.
Deep Fridge Cleansing
First-time buyers tend to prefer homes with appliances already installed. A nifty trick for increasing the attractiveness of your property (and for general cleanliness) is to make sure those appliances are sparkling clean, starting with your fridge. First, make sure it is completely empty, use warm water and washing up liquid to rinse inside. Then use a cloth to wipe dry and earbuds to get at those tight areas. Finally, leave a pot of bicarbonate soda to soak up any bad smells.
Garden Landscaping
If you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, landscaping is the fastest way to spruce up your outdoor area and can often affect your property’s curb appeal. There are plenty of changes you can make to a front yard without breaking the bank — consider scrubbing your tiles, fixing fences, installing a water feature (this can be much more cost-efficient than you’d expect), or even adding some lights. If you can spring for the help, consider hiring professionals to clean up your lawn. Simply search for lawn care services near me to connect with an affordable and reliable specialist.
Yard Sale Decluttering
An age-old classic, the yard (or garage) sale is an excellent way to free up space and earn some cash in the process. You’d be surprised at just how popular a method this is for decluttering. It’s estimated, on average, that 95,000 garage sales are listed on Craigslist each week. The first thing you’ll want to do is pick a date several months in advance so that you have time to identify what stays, what goes, and what you can carry out the lifting work at a pace of your choosing. Remember to get the word out through friends and family, with signs, or using ads online.
Vinegar Window Wiping
There’s no doubt clean windows are key to a happy-looking home. To avoid streaks and scratches, you’ll want to mix the right solution and find yourself a lint-free wipe. Experts suggest using one part distilled vinegar to 10 parts warm water. Remember to apply generously and wipe from a number of angles to avoid streaks. If you’re struggling for a good cloth, try one made with microfiber. They’re more porous, can be used dry, and are effective on grease.
Carpet Refresh
The Everest of all home cleaning: your living room carpet. Fuzzy floors do a great job of trapping dust, stains, and allergens and can be a massive pain to get right. To start with, you’ll want to use a vacuum with various attachments and from multiple directions. Once you get the surface to an acceptable level, you can switch to a carpet cleaner — make sure to check first that it doesn’t affect the dye. For a perfect finish, use a steamer, taking your time to ensure that a minimum of moisture is left in the carpet.
Depending on who’s doing it, preparing your home for the year ahead will either be a stressful or cathartic experience. Either way, it’s important to wipe away the traces (and memories) of coronavirus from your home.
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