Is renovating my home a good idea? This is the question when it comes to putting your home up for sale.
If you want to end up buying the home of your dreams, you must know how to maximise the market value of your actual property. Here are a few of the best ways to add value to your home. All figures are quoted solely for statistical purposes and you shouldn’t take them as guaranteed.
1. Turn Your Garage Into an Extra Room
Potential Property Value Increase: 15%
If you don’t use your garage to house your car, you may as well convert it into an extra room. To start with, you ought to check whether your garage is suitable for becoming a living space and whether you need approval from your local authorities. More often than not, converting a garage is considered a permitted development, so you won’t need additional paperwork. Nonetheless, it’s a good idea to check with your local planning authority before starting any works.
2. Integrate a Side Return Extension Into the Kitchen
Potential Property Value Increase: 15%
A side return is a common feature of semi-detached or terraced houses. It consists of a narrow alley running alongside the kitchen. You can extend your kitchen by integrating this side return into it, thus gaining valuable space while also improving the layout of your property. A single-storey side return extension is usually considered as permitted development. Nonetheless, ensure that you check the limits and conditions of this permission, such as height and width restrictions.
3. Increase Living Space By Adding a Conservatory
Potential Property Value Increase: up to 10%
A fully glazed conservatory will bring nature closer to you by merging your indoor space with the outdoor. Before you start, consider researching the different conservatory styles and layouts to find the one that best suits your lifestyle and your property.
Since glass will be the largest surface of your conservatory, choose it very carefully. Double glazing is a must, as required by building regulations. However, there is a wide array of glazing options to choose from such as self cleaning glass and solar control glass. Once more, choose the option that best complements your home and your lifestyle. The frame is also important, as you’ll have to choose between the different materials and qualities available. If needed, consider asking experts for advice.
4. Go for a New Bathroom
Potential Property Value Increase: 3-5%
There’s no doubt about the fact that a new bathroom will add value to your home. However, it can be an expensive update. The good news is that you can make this improvement on a budget, provided that you make the most reasonable choices in terms of layout and materials.
To keep the cost within your budget limits, keep the existing layout. Moving sanitaryware is expensive, as it requires complex plumbing work and a load of materials. Updating your shower enclosure is much easier and less costly, so go for it by all means. When making your choice, keep in mind that framed enclosures are usually cheaper than frameless ones. Similarly, concealed shower models are more expensive than exposed ones, due to the additional work required to conceal them within the wall.
Furthermore, floor-mounted sanitary ware is cheaper than wall-hung models. You can also save money by buying a bathroom suite rather than individual elements. Last but not least, keep tabs on seasonal sales. Buying last year’s model of sanitaryware will allow you to keep your costs down.
5. Go for an Open-Plan Living Area
Potential Property Value Increase: 3-5%
You can make your home appear more spacious without having to build an extension by eliminating the separation wall between your kitchen and your living room. If you have the skills, you can do this by yourself. In case the wall is load bearing, you’ll have to ask an expert builder for advice, as knocking it down may lead to a disaster. Companies like Fourwalls will offer help with drawing up a floor plan, too. If you can’t eliminate this wall, consider a side or rear extension. This may cost you a lot in terms of money and time, but it will give you enough living space while also increasing the market value of your home.
