If you’ve recently become the proud owner of your own home, then you might already have a long list of changes you’d like to make. It might be that the building is in dire need of renovation, having been neglected for years. On the other hand, you might simply want to put your own stamp on the property.

Whatever your ambitions, it’s worth considering where your priorities lie. Certain home upgrades will yield more substantial returns if they’re put in immediately. If you’re intent on flipping the house, then this is an essential consideration. But even if you’re thinking about living in the house for the long-term, getting a sense of what will make the biggest difference to your quality of life is critical.

Painting

A splash of paint can have an enormous impact on the experience of walking through a room. You might pay a professional to take care of this for you; most homeowners, however, choose to go down the DIY route here. While you can pick any colour you like for any room, you should bear in mind that lighter, more neutral shades will generally result in better light distribution, and a higher selling price.

Rewiring

If you know that you’re going to have to yank up all of the floorboards and address the situation with the wiring in a few year’s time, then it makes sense to get it done sooner rather than later. That way, you’ll be able to put down carpets and furniture without fear that you’ll have to rearrange everything.

Appliances

Certain appliances pay for themselves in the long-term, because they run more efficiently than their predecessors. This might include electrical appliances like computer monitors, televisions and fridges, but it’s especially important when it comes to your boiler. If you’re replacing an older system, then bear in mind that newer electric boilers are set to become the norm in the not-too-distant future.

Replacing the Windows

If the seal has broken on your double-glazed windows, then you should consider upgrading them sooner rather than later. This will ensure that you’re able to get maximum benefit from the subsequent years of superior heat retention. As is the case with your appliances, the sooner you replace the windows, the sooner they’ll pay for themselves.

Replacing the Doors

Replacing both interior and exterior doors may vastly improve the look and feel of the home, as well as improving the sound insulation. Replacing your front door might also yield a substantial improvement in ‘kerb appeal’.