04.03.05 The 1st Key for Adding Value to Your Home

1. Identify what You and Your Family Members Value in a Home

Early in our marriage, I realised that one of the things that my husband needed was a cosy and welcoming bedroom, with a sofa where he could sit comfortably and read his bible and other literature, without disturbance.

I would like to guess that the Shunamite woman could have noticed some cues when Elisha dropped by for lunch on his visits to Shunem. During their conversations, she could have picked some information about the kind of living space that the Man of God may have needed.

A value-adding home maker ensures that she has up-to-date information regarding what her family members value and need.

Therefore, before making any physical or structural changes to your house, it is important to identify the kind of home that you and your family members want. What do they value in a home-setting? The answers to this question are indispensably crucial since a home is more than just the building. People say that ‘home is where your heart is’.

Usually, people look for peace, cleanliness, calmness, spaciousness, restfulness and well-organised rather than cluttered spaces to mention a few. A home should feel warm, welcoming and cosy. If you can afford it, the space should be big enough so as to give a luxury feel rather than appearing squeezed.

Many people prefer spaces that allow natural light into the rooms. In fact, scientists assert that such light promotes mental health.

Do you prefer a quiet neighborhood where you can meditate, read and catch up with yourself or are you happier in a loud and busy environment?

Create an open layout where you can easily watch your children play, if you have any; and monitor what is happening in your kitchen and other places where your input is frequently required. The setting should promote the bonding of family members, for example, watching television together or sitting on the lawn in the evenings.

Consider the views that you could enjoy. It is refreshing to see your flowers and other greenery even when you are inside the house, so you may need to drop and enlarge your windows.

The space you create will also be determined by the key activities that you involve yourself in. For instance, are you working from home? Do you operate an income generating activity there? Will you need to help your children with their homework? Do not forget to create a personal prayer closet if space allows.

Also, consider if you will be keeping any pets such as dogs, cats, aquariums and the like.

Another thing to consider is your social networking activities. Do you enjoy entertaining or inviting friends over? Could you be hosting a bible study or cell-group meeting for example? Do you have plans for visitors who could be staying overnight?

Think long term. If you have any children, how will you use the facility after they leave the nest? How will you keep your house maintained in case it is overly large?

Are you an outdoor person or do you prefer staying indoors? Would you prefer to live in the city or out in the countryside.

All in all, the qualitative value that your home offers to you and your family is very important; and must therefore be considered if you want to add value to your home.