Top 10 Ways To Add Value To Your Property
30th January 2017There are plenty of ways of adding value to your property. Whether you need the extra space or trying to appeal to potential buyers, there are several ways, depending on budget and space available, in which to do this.
Here, expert property consultant Tony Freeman, recommends ten ways of adding value:
An extension
A well-built and finished extension, either one or two storey, will certainly add value to your property. It is difficult to say exactly how much value it will add as this will depend on variants such as the size of the extension, how many rooms have been added and the value of other properties on the street. Whether sympathetic to a period home or one that contrasts, an extension can be enjoyed by you as the owner for many years, or for future dwellers.
Converting the loft space
This is one of the easiest ways to get an extra bedroom or bathroom, although it can get a little messy, most of the work can be done from the outside of the building.
The key elements to remember when adding a usable loft space is that the height is sufficient to stand up in and the floor joists have been strengthened. Lighting is important and you can choose from a dormer window or skylight. It often depends on building controls. Remember building regulations approval is required to convert a loft or attic into a living space.
Improve the kitchen
The kitchen is the hub of the home – we eat dinner, do children’s homework, watch TV, host dinner parties and birthday parties there. By creating a practical and aesthetically pleasing workspace and living area it will no doubt attract buyers. The money you spend on your kitchen should be in keeping with the rest of the house, don’t over or under spend as you could lose out when it comes to selling.
Bathroom
As the old saying goes, kitchens and bathrooms sell house. Investing in a simple, clean and modern white suite doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Even by adding some new taps, a heated chrome towel rail and ditching the curtain in favour of a glass screen, will all add immediate value.
Convert / remove the garage
The majority of garages sit unused, full of junk and clutter. Removing the garage will create a bigger garden space for children to play in or you could turn it into a living space, such as a home office.
Pave over the front garden
If you live in a built up urban area where parking is at a premium, off-road parking is going to attract more interest than a similar property in the area without parking. If space and planning permission allows, spending money on off-road parking will only ever add value.
Refurbish the front door
If every house on the street looks smart but your front door looks scruffy it will devalue the street. First impressions count and it won’t break the bank to sand and paint, add a new doorknob or replacing house numbers.
Remove walls and open up spaces
If a wall isn’t load bearing and by removing it between two small, dark rooms to create one larger, brighter room – then do it! It’s much better and more practical to have a large, bright and usable space than two cramped and unusable spaces.
Budget
Before embarking on any home improvements always work out your budget and make sure you have allowed a contingency for hidden extras. As a rule of thumb, 10 to 15 per cent of the overall budget should be for contingency.
Always look for items in the sales and on second hand websites. Often bargains can be found and with a little TLC can look as good as new. Fireplaces are a great example of this.
If you are contemplating an extension, or alteration to the outside aesthetic of the house it is always best to err on the side of caution and contact your local council in case there are any restrictions, for example, if you live in a conservation area.