The value of your home is what a prospective purchaser is prepared to pay for it. The key issue is whether the added value of any home improvement is for your enjoyment of your home or to increase its sale value.
It’s always worth bearing in mind the impact it will have on a future sale If carrying out home improvements. For example, if you’re considering a conservatory, question: is my garden big enough to take a conservatory? Cutting the size of your garden if it’s small already, means you will not add the value you’d thought but, may in fact reduce it. The choice is then personal enjoyment, versus adding value.
There are many improvements that can have the benefit of adding value to your home or make it more desirable and saleable.
Add Value with Home Improvements
- Double glazing is a worthwhile improvement because it reduces heating bills, makes your home more attractive externally and is warmer and cosier indoors. The same applies to a quality roof with loft insulation. Most perspective purchasers will expect this as a matter of course. When adding double glazing however it is worth considering the type of double glazing such as natural wood or PVC. Will PVC detract from the character of your home and therefore make it more difficult to sell? You can find out more about suppliers here.
- An extension provides extra space to enjoy as well as more square footage. You should normally expect to at least recoup the cost but consider any ceiling prices in your area. Question how much value may be added to your home against the cost of moving home. If you love the area and need more space adding an extension is often the obvious and cheapest choice. If you think you may move home in the near future bear the cost of these improvements in mind. More information here.
- Loft Conversions – often provide an extra bedroom with an en-suite bathroom or extra study space. They add more square footage to your home and are pretty much guaranteed to add value. Some building societies estimate that a loft conversion can add up to 21% to the value of your home. Again, keep in mind the ceiling price against the cost of the conversion.
- Interior Conversions. Creating extra living space by taking down a wall or remodelling internally is a good value solution. www.architect-yourhome.com provide services to suit all budgets.
- Kitchens and Bathrooms Make sure they look clean, tidy and welcoming. Tastes, design and fashions are subjective and change regularly. These rooms tend to be the first thing purchasers budget for and change to suit their own tastes, so if you are thinking about changing your kitchen and bathroom this may make your property more saleable but you may not recoup the full cost. Check out the Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms magazine for some good ideas.
- Interior and décor Interior design and décor go a long way toward raising the appeal and value of your home and is a cost-effective option in making your home more saleable. Repaint with neutral, light colours for guaranteed buyer appeal. Luxury looking curtains that you can either take with you or charge for are good value. Details such as expensive looking cupboard handles, bathroom taps and shower fittings, automatic garage doors or a patio all add a touch of quality that should increase the value of your home. More House Beautiful ideas here.
- Conservatories May need planning permission. It is said that these can add 5% to the value of your home. As ever, consider the size of your garden and ceiling prices in your area.
