There are a lot of big ways to increase the value of your home, including major renovations, replacing old windows, and sprucing up the exterior. Most of these take a lot of time and money to start. But there are also a lot of things you can do right away to increase the value of your home without spending a fortune. If you’re thinking of selling, or you just want to get organized, put these tasks on your to-do list.

1. Wash all of the windows – inside and out. Clean, sparkling windows that let in natural light make a huge difference. A dingy window makes the room look darker and that’s the last thing you want. While you’re at it be sure to also clean all the mirrors. Since mirrors reflect light and make rooms look bigger you want them free of marks.

2. Clean all the kitchen appliances until they shine. Gleaming appliances (no matter what the finish) tend to look new, even if they’re several years old. And don’t forget to clean the insides as well. People do open them!

3. Clean all of the places that normally get overlooked, including the laundry room, furnace room, and even unfinished basements. Clear them out as much as possible and remove dirt and grime as much as you can. These things are normally overlooked so the cleanliness will indicate to potential buyers that the home has been well taken care of.

4. If you have hardwood floors that are a little bit squeaky sprinkle some baby powder in the cracks between the floorboards. Allow it to settle between the boards and then wipe away the rest. The powder acts as a lubricant and helps to eliminate minor squeaks.

5. Give the entire place a fresh coat of paint. Painting can sometimes be a pain, but a fresh coat in a neutral color will look clean and appeal to more people. Dingy walls can make an entire place look neglected so it’s worth it to make the effort.

6. Tighten any loose hardware. This means cabinet pulls, doorknobs, and even switch plates and electrical covers. Loose hardware can indicate to people (even subconsciously) that things have not been well taken care of. Don’t give anyone a reason to think so.

7. Repair any cracks on the walls or ceilings as much as possible. While you don’t want to mask any real problems, you do want to remove any evidence of previous problems.

8. If the home has any dampness at all run a dehumidifier. A dry, fresh-smelling room emphasizes the good condition of the home.

Remember, consistent, general maintenance is one of the best ways to maintain (and sometimes increase) the value of your home, so don’t wait until you’re selling to fix all these little issues.

Photo courtesy of Skit Inc.