6 Surefire Ways to add Value to Your Home
If you are looking to work your way up the property ladder to eventually buy your dream home, the key is to maximising the value where you already live. It’s not only about cosmetic enhancements, but structural repair and insulation, too! Here are six ways to add value to your home so that when you sell, you can look for a bigger and better property.
Fix structural problems
Before you even think about any cosmetic improvements or luxury renovations, you need to make sure that your house is structurally sound. Cosmetic fixes may fool a potential buyer, but they are unlikely to get past a surveyor or valuer and could damage any sale. Examples of structural problems are; a leaking roof; rising damp; bowing walls; missing or broken roof tiles; unstable chimney stack.
Unfortunately, as these are some of the most important renovations you can do to your home, they are also bound to be some of the most expensive. However, by ensuring your house is safe, you are saving having to spend money further down the line.
Convert the loft
Assuming that a loft conversion will add more accommodation to your home than it will take away, then converting your loft is a sound investment. First, check that your roof space can be converted effectively; is there enough head space? Is the roof structure okay? Remember that you will need to get planning permission before adding dormer windows to your loft and converting it. To do this, you will need to submit the correct documents – you can find information on planning maps here – to your local government authority.
Add central heating
Adding or updating your central heating system will always add more value to your home than it costs to do as it is considered an essential by anyone looking to buy your property and mortgage valuers. On average, the cost of a plumber to add central heating to a three bedroom home is £3-4000. Of course, if you are going to upgrade your heating system, then it is worth making sure that the house has proper insulation so that the heat stays in, that windows are repaired and that there are little to no drafts.
Replace the windows
New double glazed windows add considerable value to a house, and in the lower end of the property market, are an essential no matter the style. This is because double glazed PVCu windows keep in the heat and keep out the noise.
At the upper end of the market though, style is a very big deal and original, period windows can put a premium on a property right up. Providing that they are still intact, of course. If you live in this type of property, consider only replacing windows which are beyond repair, don’t go with the style of the house or where you can bring more light into the house.
Makeover your kitchen
An attractive kitchen which is hygienic and well kept is a big house seller and adds loads of value to a home. Before you go ahead and replace your kitchen, however, take a good look at the space and work out best to utilise it, or even if you want to move it to a completely different part of the house.
If you don’t have the time or budget to do a complete kitchen overhaul, then try to invest some time into revamping what you already have. Most kitchens are structurally sound, and even if cupboard doors are hanging off and things are peeling, the bones are likely to still be in good condition. If the units are in good working order, how about changing the doors and adding new handles?
Ensuring that there is adequate lighting in a kitchen is also a must, and a single pendant light can easily be switched for spotlights. Under cabinet lighting is also easy and inexpensive to install and can add a touch of luxe to an otherwise drab room!
Redesign the garden
Outside space has real value when buying and selling a house, and a well-designed one adds even more! If you can afford it, hire a designer to help you decide what you should do with the space. If this is far out of your budget, however, there are many books available which can give you tips on landscaping.
Be sure that your garden has privacy in the form of fences, hedges, and trees. Note that you can raise a fence height to two metres before needing planning permission and structures within the garden, such as pagodas, can be up to four metres high without needing planning, even if they are up against your boundary.