While what passes as an economic recovery continues to roll on slowly, with the housing market bearing the brunt of the misery, homeowners are deciding to find remortgage deals and improve and expand their property instead of diving into a moribund market. It’s the best option at the moment as value is added to the property, ready for when the market finally improves, various conversions and extensions can really make your house feel more like a home.
1 Refresh the Kitchen space: A kitchen is perhaps the most used room in any household; cooking is a key aspect in the home and therefore the kitchen is considered to be a place where the average busy family comes together. Phil Spencer, presenter of Channel 4’s Location Location Location, highlights how the kitchen is in fact “the heart of the home” and for this reason is a room that represents personal flare and character. Phil highlights that the kitchen is in fact the first room that a prospective property buyer looks to change to show off their own individuality, so it is advised that you make your kitchen somewhat of a blank canvas if you are looking to make a quick sale. Therefore, don’t spend thousands of pounds on a quirky or ‘fashionable’ new kitchen, just in the hope to add value to your home, as you will be unlikely to receive a return on your expenditure.
Rather than fork out on a brand new kitchen, an alternative would be to freshen up the space, adding a fresh layer of paint to the walls (neutral colours are best) and replacing old cupboard doors can really uplift the room. If you feel your kitchen is outdated and grubby looking, then simply relaying some new flooring can make a huge difference. Laminated wooden flooring can be purchased cheaply nowadays and can make a huge difference to the smaller kitchen by making it look much more spacious.
2 Relay the flooring: One of the main contributors to a home appearing dull, dark and lifeless is its carpets, especially in communal living areas. All too soon can they become worn, damaged and stained in areas which are regularly used. By replacing the carpet in the entrance hall, porch or stairs for example, a house can instantly look more inviting to people seeing your home for the first time. Now, I understand that replacing carpet can be an expensive job, so how about some alternatives. Buying a nice rug which fits in with the style of your home can add extra comfort to a room, whilst also disguising a slightly warn carpet underneath.
A further alternative, as mentioned earlier, is to add laminate flooring. This is a perfect option for rooms or areas that experience a lot of usage, such as porches, hallways or living rooms, as they are so easy to clean. Being a much cheaper alternative to carpets, laminate flooring also stays looking newer for longer, guaranteeing you get the most of your money. It is also available in a multitude of styles, effects and colours so it is a flexible option for any room. Some people argue that laminate flooring can make a room look cold and almost sterile, so to minimize this effect, add a rug, or a runner. This will add a warmer and more inviting feel.
3 Build a garage: This is perhaps a misleading title; as most property’s that have room for a garage do in fact have one as standard. However, what is the point of having a garage that is unused? You’d be surprised at how many homes use their garage simply to store odds and sods that they no longer need (that’s what the loft is for!). So how about converting it into an additional room, perhaps an office or workplace? Say, for those who like a bit of DIY or for those who have jobs that require large workspace areas, such as artists and photographers. However, if your garage is actually causing the opposite problem and is too limited for your vehicle storage needs then consider extending it. There is a huge demand at the moment for houses with double garages due to an increased demand of owning a car. An extension could not only add value to your home, but it could attract some serious interest from prospective buyers.
4 Add a conservatory: Adding a conservatory can often make a huge difference to your living space. Not only does it add a versatile room which is often the focal point of many houses, but it is a light and airy space which is considered a great place to entertain visitors. Conservatory’s can be modern and classy or more traditional and cosy; either way they are a great way to add value to a property.
5 Eco Upgrades: The main focus in property development at the moment, is making homes more eco-friendly in order to promote greener living. Therefore, most new build projects are automatically built with solar panel energy installed, cavity wall and loft insulation and double glazed windows. Such changes are not only environmentally friendly, but they can significantly cut a property’s utility bills. By upgrading your property to a greener one, you ensure that your property remains current, whilst also saving yourself that extra bit of cash.
The most important thing to remember if you are hoping to add value to your property is to avoid expressing eccentric personal style throughout the building. Neutral colours on internal walls will always be favoured by potential buyers who are then provided with a blank canvas to express their own personal style. Similarly, when considering an extension, think about how the outside of your home will look, just as much as the inside will. For example, seamless brickwork will be a huge advantage, whereas adding, say, an extension using wood onto a pebble dashed home would not attract as many buyers. For any major home improvements, always check whether you need planning permission and always shop around for quotes from builders, your first quote may not be the best deal available.
We couldn’t fit every possible way to add value to your home, there are dozens of ways ranging from just buying a rug or two to having a loft conversion by finding decent remortgage deals. The smallest details should always be considered if adding value onto your house is the objective, consider anything and everything to squeeze maximum value out of your bricks and mortar!