The 5 Best Home Improvements to Add Value to your Home

Written by Posted On Tuesday, 23 May 2017 00:59

What’s the best way to add value to your home?

Recent years have seen a steady increase in house prices. But the housing market can be fickle and unpredictable. It’s easy to get caught in the trap of believing that this upward trend will continue indefinitely. Yet even the best economic forecasters cannot predict how the market will perform over the next few years.

If you’re thinking of investing in home improvements it pays to choose wisely. Certain additions and renovations will improve the value of your home more than others. Check out our top 5 recommendations here.

 

1. Convert the loft

Not only does a loft conversion add value to your home but it increases your living space. Creating an extra bedroom and/or a bathroom relieves the pressure on the rest of your house and can add up to 20% to the property’s value.

Usually planning permission will not be needed, but be sure to get building regulation approval. This will ensure the loft meets certain specifications including sufficient sound insulation, structural strength and a safe escape in the event of a fire.

Large and airy loft spaces can be converted quickly and cheaply, by using the existing space. You will need to reinforce the floor joists. This will raise the floor level, but if the distance between the floor and ceiling height is still over 2.2m, you can convert the loft space without too much building work. Adding windows and a suitable staircase will be the major cost.

If your current loft space is not big enough to convert, you will need to build out from the roof. This involves building a dormer which will create additional floor and head space.

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2. Replace the kitchen

If your budget only stretches to renovating one room in the house, make sure it’s the kitchen. Over recent years the trend towards open plan and semi-open plan living has seen the kitchen firmly establish itself as the heart of the home. A large kitchen/diner is top of most buyers ‘must have’ list.

Try to ensure the money you spend is relative to the overall value of your home. An £80,000 kitchen in a £250,000 home makes as little sense as a £7,000 kitchen in a £2m mansion.

Whatever the size of your space, modern kitchen designers have the knowledge and expertise to ensure your new kitchen adds the maximum value to your home. Space saving devices such as pull out spice racks and larders, magic corners, pan and bin drawers, will all help to create an appealing sleek and contemporary style.

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3. Add an extension or conservatory

The government has relaxed the rules on planning permission regarding extensions. If the extension is less than 3m beyond the rear of the house, or 4m in the case of detached houses and bungalows, planning permission is no longer required.

There are still restrictions on the height of the extension, the type of building materials used (which must be sympathetic to the existing building) and the level of thermal efficiency.

On the other hand, a conservatory does not need to comply with thermal performance guidelines, nor do the building materials need to match the rest of the house. This makes a conservatory far more cost effective than an extension. With the development of more contemporary glass structures, a conservatory can offer a stylish and cost effective solution to extending your living space.

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4. Install energy efficient windows

With ever increasing fuel prices, energy efficient windows will both save you money and help to protect the planet.

Don’t be put off by traditional white UPVC glazing. Modern technology and production techniques now mean that the type and style available includes everything from black Crittall style panes to sliding sashes and casement styles.

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5. Add a second bathroom

Many home buyers now expect at least two bathrooms in a decent sized family home. If you have a small box bedroom that is ripe for conversion to a second bathroom, it makes good investment sense. Alternatively, look for underused spaces in your home and think about installing a small ensuite within one of the larger bedrooms.

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