Industry insiders provide their top tips for adding value to the price of your house, whether you intended on selling soon or adding to the price point over time
Add water features
“Water features create a soothing ambience, making your property more desirable,” says Nisrine El Lababidi Moghraby, design director of Harf Noon Design Studio. “Aim to install one beside the entrance and in the back garden, if possible.”
Make an impact
“When renovating, invest in a powerful, central feature that makes a big impact, like the concrete cube we created for this emirates hills villa [pictured]. Next, you can ripple out supporting features at a lower cost,” says Sameer Siwani, MD and design principal, BE Consultants.
Add a fresh coat of paint
“Give your home some curb appeal by filling in any cracks to the exterior and giving it a fresh lick of paint – it’ll instantly make the house appear well looked after and, if it’s a terraced property, more impressive than the house next door,” says Martin Hibbit, managing director of Another Level.
Upgrade your bathroom
Upgraded bathrooms are always high up on the wish list. look for clever ways to make the space more useable. for smaller bathrooms, you could swap an inwards-opening door for sliding doors, for instance.
Check on your AC unit
“AC units working overtime, sandstorms and sudden downfalls can take a toll. Stay on top of upkeep by signing up for an Annual Maintenance Contract, to make sure any unexpected maintenance issues can be dealt with swiftly,” says Lukas Eigenmann, COO of Hitches & Glitches.
Make striking bathroom renovations
If your bathroom doesn’t need a full-on renovation, consider splashing out on some luxurious features, such as a large, deep basin sink and good quality tile that’ll give it an edge over the competition.
Opt for wood flooring
“Swap tiles for wood flooring for a touch of luxury,” says Nisrine. “There are options for all budgets to go over tiles, so there’s minimum disruption. You don’t need to apply it to the entire house. Simply upgrading the bedrooms is a mega bonus that’ll add lots of character.”
Check your thermostats
“It’s worth upgrading your thermostats,” says Martin. “Most run all the time rather than shutting down, so a newer version with this functionality will pass on savings to your DEWA bill, which is an attractive selling point for buyers and renters.”
Smart-shop your windows
Windows are another wise investment, both in terms of style and long-term savings on your energy bills,” says Sameer. “Opt for large format double glazed aluminium windows, which can be sourced locally. These are extremely economical, yet add huge value by creating large picture windows for clear vistas, on top of providing thermal comfort.”
Consider built-in appliances
A kitchen remodel can add real value to your home. Consider Investing in built-in appliances from the likes of Miele and Teka. It never fails to impress.
See more ideas for home interior ideas and kitchen and bathroom design inspiration here.