10 Home Additions You’ll Never Regret

Whether you’re looking to sell, or you’re creating your forever home, you may be thinking about doing some DIY this spring. Are you eager to add value to a property, or desperate to make your dream home a reality? If you’re looking for inspiration, here are ten home additions you’ll never regret.

1. A beautiful garden

Do you dream of spending hazy days surrounded by wildflowers and birdsong? Are you counting down the days until summer arrives and you can invite friends around for a barbecue and a cocktail? If you’ve currently got a paved yard, or you’re struggling to see through thigh-high grass, sorting out the garden is a must. Creating an attractive outdoor space will not only make your property more appealing to potential buyers. It will also boost the value of your home. If you’re staying put, it’s worth investing time and money in your backyard. Search for inspiration online and shop around to recreate looks you like for less.

If you’re moving on, create a versatile, open space, which will allow buyers to put their individual stamp on the design. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a difference. Clear out any rubbish, wipe down garden furniture and mow the lawns. Tidy up flower beds and add some welcoming touches, such as candles, outdoor bean bags and pot plants.

2. A spacious kitchen

If you surveyed a group of house buyers, you would find that most people prioritise the kitchen over any other room. Are you putting your house on the market? Or are you keen to create a larger, open plan kitchen for your own enjoyment? If so, it’s well worth considering some building work. Often, in smaller houses, where rooms are sectioned off, it is possible to knock through. Ask some builders to come around and have a look. Discuss some ideas with them and get quotes. Don’t go with the first builder you see. You can often save a lot of money, and discover new ideas and design concepts, by getting lots of opinions.

If it is possible to flatten some walls and create a larger space, you can often adopt a more versatile approach to the room. What used to be just a kitchen could become a TV room or a work space. Use adaptable furniture and clever storage to increase your options and create definition.

3. A loft conversion

If you have a loft, which is currently not in use, converting it is one of the simplest ways to add value to your home. You will also to be able to make use of additional living space. The cost of loft conversions varies hugely, but you will almost certainly profit from doing the renovation. Popular uses for loft space include spare bedrooms, teenage flats and play rooms. If you have hobbies or interests, you could also devote this newly acquired space to them. Set up a design studio or a music room and enjoy your own little sanctuary.

4. A  basement room

If you lack space in your main reception rooms, converting a basement or cellar could hold the key to your design dreams. Basement spaces are excellent for large modern kitchen-diners. They can also be used to create a separate living space for visitors or an elderly relative or teenage child, for example. If you’re blessed with enough space, you could always indulge yourself with a games room, library or recording studio. If you’re thinking about having your basement renovated, contact some local builders. Organise some viewings and ask about prices and design options. You will need expert help with some of the work. However, if you’re willing to do some of the less heavy-duty tasks yourself, you could save time and money.

5. A study

Many people now work from home on a frequent basis, and a study is a great addition to any home. Creating a separate work area will enable you to enjoy a healthy work-life balance at home, and ensure you can concentrate during the day. An office space is also useful for teenagers studying for exams and tests. If you have limited space, you can always double up an office and a spare room.

6. A home gym

Most people complain that they don’t have enough time to exercise. This is where a home gym comes in handy. You don’t need to go crazy and spend loads of money. Simply investing in a couple of machines and some weights will enable you to workout in the comfort of your own home. After the initial investment, you will find that you soon recoup your money on your gym equipment by saving on membership fees. If you’re not very good at getting motivated, you could also put a big screen up in your home gym and do some online or DVD workouts. Invite some friends over and work out together to make it more enjoyable.

7. A private pier

Are you lucky enough to live on a lake or close to a river? Do you spend much of your spare time cruising along the water and enjoying the views? If so, nothing will make your home stand out from the crowd life a private pier. Invite the family over for a weekend at the lake house, or host a summer barbecue for friends. Take the boat out and show off your brand new custom-made pier. For inspiration and ideas, why not browse the Internet and view Summerset Marine piers? You can match the pier to the style of your home and gardens. Traditional wooden piers are an ideal companion for whitewashed decking and picket fences.

8. A snug

Have you ever had one of those days when you feel like hibernating and escaping the horrible weather and pressures of work? If this is a familiar feeling, why not create a cosy, peaceful retreat in your home? A snug is a fantastic use for small spaces, which have limited use. Lay down some floor cushions, keep the walls light and add some scented candles. Add a shelf and fill it with books and magazines. Next time you crave solitude or silence, head straight for your snug and let all your troubles float away. If you lack space indoors, but you have plenty of room outside, you could also consider creating a hideaway at the bottom of the garden. Popular uses of garden rooms include music studios, man-caves and quiet work spaces.

9. A conservatory

A conservatory is a fabulous way of bringing the outside in and creating extra space downstairs. These light, bright rooms are the perfect base for gardening, reading or drinking tea and catching up. You can choose from a range of different designs and styles, and you can change the use of your room. One day, your conservatory could be an inspirational work space. The next, it could be a relaxing spot to enjoy the views of the blossoming garden. Adding a conservatory will not only enhance the visual appeal of your home. It will also boost its value. If you’re thinking of adding a conservatory, look through brochures and visit showrooms to get some ideas. Arrange for some different company representatives to have a look around your garden. They will be able to make recommendations based on your budget, and the size and shape of your garden.

10. A paved driveway

A drive is not just visually attractive. It also makes your home much more appealing to potential buyers. Off-road parking is often available at a premium in urban areas. If you have a small front garden, which you’re not desperate to maintain, paving your driveway could be a sensible move. Parking is particularly lucrative for young families and professionals, who commute to work on a daily basis. In some inner city areas, a parking space could increase the value of your home significantly. If you have space for parking, but you don’t use it, you could consider renting it out to boost your income.

If you have a drive and a garage, you may wish to consider converting the garage into an extra reception room. You could use it as a study, a formal dining room or a children’s playroom.

When it comes to home improvements, it’s always worth looking at your options. Even if you think you already have a perfect home, there may be some alterations or additions you can make to add value and enhance your enjoyment. Your home should evolve with you and be an extension of your personality. Don’t be afraid to carry out renovation work or change styles or colours to suit your ever-changing tastes or your family situation. Do your research to find suitably qualified professionals and competitive prices. Look online for inspiration and create spaces, which reflect your family life and the way you like to spend time together. If you’re moving on to pastures new, look for investment opportunities and make the most of your home’s potential. If you’re working towards a vision, be patient, and you’ll get there in no time.