Creating a spare room that adds value to your home involves more than just providing a place for guests to sleep.
A well-designed guest room can enhance your home’s appeal and even increase your property’s value.
“If you do have the luxury of having a spare room in your house, it is important to maximise the use of this space by considering both its current and future value,” says Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
“While it could just be your storeroom and dumping ground for things that cannot fit into a wardrobe, a future buyer could view it as a bedroom for their children or a dedicated home office space,” he explains.
By keeping the future resale appeal of the room in mind, Goslett says that homeowners can make better decisions around how to renovate and make use of the extra space.
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“For example, built-in storage is always a value-add in a spare room. Whether it is used as a wardrobe, a linen cupboard, or just for stationary storage, having floor-to-ceiling built-in cupboard space would make the room more functional and appealing to future buyers,” says Goslett.
He adds that the spare bedroom can often get neglected if it isn’t being used regularly.
“It is important to keep the space well maintained and clean, even if it isn’t being used by the current homeowner. A space can easily deteriorate over time, which can lead to costly repairs if damages are missed or overlooked.”
When it is time to sell the home, it could be worthwhile to give the room a fresh coat of neutral paint and to have the space professionally staged to best showcase the room’s potential to buyers.
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“Speaking to a real estate professional can help the seller decide whether it’s better to stage the space as a bedroom or a home office, as this will depend on what most buyers are typically searching for in the area.”
As a final consideration, Goslett reminds homeowners that house prices are, in part, calculated based on the average price per square meter in the area.
“Every inch of your home has the potential to add value, so you do not want to have any space go to waste. If you are not sure how to properly showcase your home, lean on the advice of a RE/MAX agent.
“As local experts, they have a wealth of knowledge that can help sellers attract buyers and get the highest possible sales price,” he concludes.
