Bring light into a dark home

A dark and dimly-lit home can be a deterrent to some buyers, but there are ways you can fix that before it becomes a problem. Here are a few, in order of complexity and expense.

The easiest, no-cost changes are simple housekeeping chores, so keep them in mind before holding an open home for potential buyers.

- Remove or pull back curtains to let the light stream in;
- Have windows sparkling clean;
- Reduce clutter and get rid of excess furniture;
- Trim away trees and shrubbery that shadow the house.

Inexpensive, weekend tasks that will make a difference include:
- Replacing older light fixtures with LEDs;
- Swapping out dark or old-fashioned furnishings for lighter-coloured materials;
- Hanging mirrors where they can reflect light from windows into a room or hallway.

Other light-bestowing changes to your home might cost more money and take longer to implement, but will make a huge difference to the way your home looks and feels. They could well save money over the long term by reducing electricity use, and even lift the value of your home.

- Install additional light fixtures, particularly in the kitchen or bathroom;
- Knock out an external wall and replace it with bi-fold doors or floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Install sun tunnels or skylights;
- Repaint rooms with colours that reflect light.
- Paint wooden window trims with a high-gloss paint, which will further reflect light.
- Replace a solid wooden front door with one that incorporates a glass panel to allow extra light to stream through the front of your home.

Bringing more natural light into the home not only helps lift mood and the general health of your family, but it should also reduce electricity costs and potentially add value when it comes time to sell.