Our homes are often the most valuable asset we own. We generally take out a mortgage permitted based on our level of income, and if we’re lucky enough we’ll make our last mortgage payment some time in the next 40 years.

But circumstances can change, perhaps we need to upsize or downsize, and that means putting our home back on the market. If that’s the case, we should be making a few changes to not only make the property more appealing but also to increase it’s value so we can maximize the sale price.

If you’re searching for ways to increase the value of your home for a resale, then do your research in trends in the housing market. It will likely hold some key considerations for where you should invest to add value. For anything outside of your own expertise, there are independent contractors that fulfill just about every speciality.

Consider how much you want to invest to increase the value. Larger budgets will facilitate larger structural changes, like extending rooms, additional bathrooms and larger windows to radiate more natural light. But for those working on a smaller budget, there are plenty of options to give your home a refresh and increase it’s overall sale asking price.

Lighting can be used to not only make a property more aesthetically pleasing, it can also work alongside the current structure to improve the space in terms of usability and functionality. Small, cramped spaces can benefit from strategically placed lighting to give the illusion of more space. While focal points can be emphasized and energy costs reduced with the right materials being used.

There is a long list of benefits from making smart lighting decisions. Here we highlight a few which will bump up the value of your property, with very little financial investment.

Create Curb Appeal with Outdoor Lighting

Improve your property’s curb appeal by installing some outdoor lighting in various key areas around the outside of your home. Small lights on the ground around the parameter of the property, angled upwards to shine light onto the front of the property is an instant eye pleaser. While also giving the illusion of a larger property.

Motion sensors outside lighting addresses several key issues simultaneously. They provide lighting to improve security, visibility while also keeping energy costs down by eliminating lights being on for extended periods of times, unnecessarily.

Consider functionality when installing outdoor lighting and motion sensors to ensure they are placed in the right areas. Typical locations would be  along pathways, outside sheds, around laundry areas, outdoor seating and dark bushed spaces. These lights can really add some decorative flair too.

Kitchen Lighting

A kitchen is the epicenter of any home and often the most crucial room in determining which property to purchase. So it’s important to do your research in what factors are considered most important in terms of the kitchen for buyers in your area. Not only does this room need to fulfill the functional capabilities of a kitchen, but it should also be a place where families want to eat and spend time together.

Centrally-placed lighting should provide the overall soft lighting throughout the room. But don’t stop there, is the most basic of kitchen lighting, and if you want to get the most from the space, you should have several different lighting fixtures throughout the kitchen space. Focused lighting to accompany the central lights are generally installed above a food prep countertop, over the oven and additional under-cabinet lighting to add extra glow in highly-utilized areas. Soft lighting within glass-front cabinets can show off crystal glasses or antique crockery, while also adding some atmospheric lighting when the kitchen is not in use.

Decor Refresh

This is, by far, the easiest and most cost effective way to increase the value of your home. A simple decor refresh replaces old, dated accessories which make the internal of your property appear dull and lifeless. Although there are a considerable number of buyers who will have the imagination to envision their own style and decor in any potential new home, it’s best to assume they won’t. Do the work for them and show your property in its full glory.

In addition to a paint and floor refresh, lighting can be the next port of call for injecting some style into your home. Consider swapping standard light shades for stylish chandeliers. Large spaces such as the entrance, dining rooms, and lounges can really benefit from a key lighting feature. Depending on the style you opt for, you can really inject a specific look to your home – whether an elegant vintage style chandelier or a modern geometric design, this is a focal point which could really add a significant appeal to potential buyers.

Not sure how big to go? Calculate the size of each space and determine the best lighting fixture to install. Consult a local lighting consultant for expert tips on the perfect lighting fixtures for a specific space.

Tubular Skylights

Does your home have internal rooms that lack natural light? Solve this problem by installing tubular lighting. These are installed to guide natural light through the ceiling or walls to brighten an otherwise dark room. This relatively new design has addressed the issue of bringing natural light to internal rooms and is considered to be a somewhat stylish solution while also being extremely functional. Speak to your local contractor to explore the feasibility of this in your home, if it’s a viable option, it’s worth the investment.

Internal rooms tend to be the quietest due to their positioning inside a home, which can act as a perfect office space or closet. These skylights can create the perfect working or sleeping space maintaining the quietness of an internal room while also bring natural light into space. Accompany with some central lighting and office or bedside lamps and the diversity will enable several different functions inside a room that may not have been otherwise used.

Install LED Lighting

There isn’t really any valid excuse for not having LED lights throughout your home. The benefits are endless as it reduces your energy bills as well as doing your bit for the environment. According to energy.gov, estimates reduces consumptions from anywhere between 25-80%. More benefits are that they radiate a soft light, which is avoids any intimidating lighting while these LED bulbs also project less heat. That’s a welcomed benefit when you live in a warm climate.

Central Remote controlled lighting system anyone?

Relatively cheap to install but incredibly appealing. This is the accessory that adds a few more stars to your property’s “luxury status.”

Reduce the need for multiple different light switches dotted sporadically around each room. Use a centralized system enabling simple lighting controls throughout the property. Couple this will a centrally controlled sound systems for added va-va-voom.

This is a guest post from Steve Brielmaier, CEO & Founder of lampsusa.com. For more than 25 years, Steve has guided Lamps USA from traditional bricks & mortar stores through the transition to an e-commerce store. As well as maintain success and growth over the years, he has built a culture of putting the customer first throughout their processes. This has just earned Lamps USA a reward for being one of America’s Best Customer Service Businesses for 2019 by Newsweek. When Steve is not working he is usually running, golfing or spending time with his wife and three daughters in his Wisconsin home.