How To Add Value To Your Home | Tips For Improving The Value of a Property
It’s never too early to start thinking about how you can add value to your home. Whether you’re looking to sell it soon or not, several things will make your property more valuable and attractive for potential buyers. In this blog post, we’ll discuss tips for adding value to your home and giving it that wow factor to entice any prospective buyers.
How To Add Value To Your Home | Kerb Appeal
There are lots of things that can be done to add value to your home. There are some very cost-effective ideas and some more expensive ways to increase the value of your property. We will look at both during this post, starting with the cheapest and the most costly.
Cheapest Ways To Add To The Value Of Your Home
The most cost-effective, cheapest methods to consider when adding value to your home are almost always the quickest.
However, the most affordable ways can also help if you are looking for a short sale because by modernizing the decor or garden, you will be able to give your house that “WOW FACTOR” updated feel and add that kerb appeal.
Bear in mind if someone falls in love with your property, it will vastly increase your chance of achieving the sale price.
Think about your colour scheme and aim to make it flow from room to room.
A home with a cohesive colour scheme is always more appealing than one with clashing colours and dull decor. This is because you want to appeal to the majority of the market.
By having wacky colours, you will only narrow down the prospects of prospective buyers and your chance of selling.
Paint | Home Improvements
Paint your front door a bright colour to make it stand out from the rest of the house and make a statement.
Painting is cheap, and with a bit of elbow grease, you will be able to transform old and tired front door and interior walls or garden room into a bright, clean and welcoming living space, adding value.
There are lots of things you can paint in your home; below is a list of just some of the items,
Walls
Giving your walls a fresh lick of paint will provide you with that clean look to your house. It could even increase the natural light in your bedroom, for instance.
Doors
By changing the colour of your doors, you will make a massive difference to how your house looks from both inside and out.
Your front door must be considered as it is something everyone will see. You could use some very clever painting techniques, such as contrasting colours around the door frames to make your doors pop.
kitchen cabinets
The Kitchen is a focal point for any home and has an impact on your home’s value. You’ll be surprised at a drastic change and feel it can add by painting your kitchen cabinets.
Some companies will need professional respray your cabinets at a relatively small cost. This technique could add to the value of the property positively.
Make to choose a complementary colour scheme sure, especially if you have an open plan kitchen.
Stairs
Stairs can also be repainted; Pinterest is excellent for getting some ideas on what can be achieved, especially if you have an open mind. But, remember, first impressions count.
Furniture
Wooden furniture can be repainted and transformed to look new. You can even paint Closet Interiors to make them look and feel like they have more depth.
Don’t forget to spruce up any garden furniture or your garden room. Again consider your colour scheme and make the colours flow from the garden to the house.
Skirting / Covering
Giving you’re skirting a high gloss finish will make them look clean and fresh.
Mirrors
You can repaint mirrors and make them a focal point. There are lots of different types of paint, including clitter paints. You can even get more creative and buy some stencils to make a big statement.
Adding some mirrors in the correct places can also make the space inside your property seem more significant.
Radiators
Giving your radiators spruce up will instantly make them look better. There are some fantastic radiator paints on the market these days, and you can transform your radiators to look more modern.
Garden room / Shed
Along with your fence panels, these are the most important items in your garden. You can make your garden pop. There are so many themes and colour schemes you can choose from, and it’s hard to know where to start.
The list is endless, and you should try to use your creative eye and think outside the box.
Many places to look for inspiration, like the internet; Pinterest can give you fabulous ideas. Youtube is fantastic for instructional videos and how-to videos as well.
Zoopla has a great guide on how to paint your home like a pro
Clean | Home Improvements
Most importantly, you want to ensure that your property is clean. A dirty property will put people off and affect your home’s value. Then, if any buyers are interested, they are likely to offer below the ceiling price.
Carpet Cleaning
You can invest in professional carpet cleaning for your property, this is relatively cheap, and you will be shocked at the transformation. A carpet is such a big part of your interior space.
Get your oven, splashback and extractor fan cleaned. Most professional oven cleaning companies will be able to clean these items for below £100 professionally.
A good idea, especially if you want to create a clean feel to your property and have an open living plan.
Power Wash
You can power wash your garden slabs and driveways as a way to add to the cleanliness. A power washer will remove years of dirt and instantly upgrade any surface to a clean, fresh look.
Wash your windows
Make sure you have your double glazing windows cleaned. The cost of a local window cleaner is exceptionally cheap and will show your windows off in the best possible light.
In summary, there are a thousand home improvements and ways to add value to your house for cheap.
By just increasing the wow factor, you will vastly increase your chances of selling your house and selling it faster.
Your entire home needs to be clean, but I would concentrate on Kitchen, Bathroom, bedroom, garden and driveway.
Remember, a clean home is a happy home.
Declutter | Home Improvements
The last thing a local estate agent or prospective viewers want to see is clutter. Clutter will make your space appear smaller than it is. It will give the impression that there isn’t a lot of storage space.
Clutter can be anything from old toys or household appliances, clothes and even junk in the garage.
If you want to add value to your property and make the space look more prominent, it is best to keep clutter out of sight and out of mind when guests are over for a viewing.
It doesn’t cost you anything to declutter, only a bit of time. Even if you do not want to throw them away, it is best to remove them from your living space and store them with a friend.
Make sure you also declutter cupboards and storage spaces. You do not want potential buyers or estate agents opening up a cabinet for items to fall out.
A place for everything and everything in its place. Decluttering is a great way to add value to your home.
Fix Any Defects | Home Improvements
Minor problems and defects are often overlooked when considering adding value to your home, but they can have significant consequences.
Imagine showing someone around and a door handle or cupboard falling off. Buyers will get the impression that your house isn’t looked after and think what else in the place has been neglected.
Lighting | Home Improvements
Potential buyers will want to see a well lit home. Bear in mind that good lighting also helps with visibility, so having lamps turned on inside and out should be standard for any daytime visits from potential customers.
Invest in some energy-efficient bulbs and show your property off in the right light.
You can invest in under kitchen lighting for really cheap these days. These are usually battery powered lighting and will be less than the cost of a takeaway.
You can even go as far as to add these throughout your home behind cabinets or TV units.
First impressions count.
Garden Appeal | Home Improvements
A beautifully designed garden can add value. In addition, the park should feel like an extra space for entertaining.
It’s essential to trim borders, clear pathways and cut back any overgrown trees or bushes, especially if they block direct sunlight into your property.
A well-designed landscape will improve aesthetics and add value because it makes such an impressive addition!
We recommend you make a list and work out a budget to stick to.
A Lot can be done to add to your property’s value without spending too much money overall. Once you start seeing the results, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it years ago.
Expensive Ways To Add Value To Your Home
If you are looking to improve the value of your home drastically, then are certain things that can be done. Of course, these things are not cheap and will require an investment on your part.
However, I can say with the utmost certainty these things could add thousands to the value of your property. Especially good when you come to sell your home.
Loft Conversion
Investing in a loft conversion will most definitely add massive value to your property. Any home improvement that increases the square footage of your parcel will only increase the value of your home and help you sell, should you choose.
A loft conversion is a great way to add an extra room with an en suite bathroom. You will also need to consider things like central heating, windows when extending any loft etc.
It can be a minefield, which is why I would suggest paying a professional and doing your research on the company you choose.
Building Regulations
Seek professional guidance on these things. You do not want to go through the whole loft conversion process to pull up on some issue.
To do this, you will need an architect or house designer’s plans which I’d recommend getting done by a professional. You can then send these off for quotes from builders who have the experience.
Loft Conversions are expensive, but adding extra square footage, additional bedrooms and en suite bathrooms will only add value to your home in the long run.
Planning Permission
Obtaining planning permission before any home improvements are carried out will also put you in a good position with prospective buyers. Having planning permissions submitted and signed off may add value to your property.
It will be a plus and a unique selling point for any estate agent.
A home with planning permission for a Kitchen extension or a loft conversion will always be more sort after than a home without. This could ultimately get more potential buyers offering to purchase and could push up the total ceiling price.
New Bathroom
Another home improvement that will add value to your home is a new bathroom suite. The best rooms in a house to makeover are Kitchen and bathrooms. People who purchase property are looking for that kerb appeal.
For a bathroom, you will not likely need planning permission. New bathrooms suites will give a modern, updated feel to your house. Maybe you only have a bath and no shower.
Whatever you do with regards to the bathroom will undoubtedly entice buyers and increase your home’s value.
Central Heating
If your heating system is more than ten years old, it’s probably inefficient. However, as with most technology over the last decade, everything has changed. Today’s newer models offer you benefits that older models do not have.
Such as greater energy efficiency or improved comfort via features like programmable thermostats.
Having a cost-effective heating system for your home is a must, and to sell your home, you will need an energy performance certificate (EPC).
Buyers will likely offer the cost of a new system off the asking price.
Extra bedroom
Adding an extra bedroom will most definitely appeal to buyers and will increase the value of your home. However, it is essential to remember that it is only worth doing if you can achieve a decent size room.
Doing it to add an extra bedroom on paper will only put buyers off and be counterproductive.
What’s The Typical Cost Of Adding A Bedroom?
You will have different options to add a bedroom to your home, and they all come with very different price tags.
Cost To Convert Existing Space
The costs of turning an existing place into a bedroom are determined by the room’s present condition and location.
Let’s assume you’re closing off a bonus room in a home with an open floor plan. All you need is a non-load bearing internal wall, a door, and a built-in closet.
As well as any electrical improvements necessary, such as additional outlets or perhaps a central ceiling light for the newly created space.
The cost of adding a bedroom to an existing space is determined by two factors: what you’re doing with it and how much time, money and labour will be needed.
Then refinishing becomes necessary before connecting both sides smoothly, so they work correctly for everyone’s benefit – including yours!
Factors that influence this price are what it takes to get into your new space and how much grading needs to be done for the project before construction can even begin!
A bedroom extension is generally more expensive than other extensions because of its location on an already existing structure (i e requiring access).
You may also need proper foundation support, which may require different materials or equipment depending upon specific requirements set out by code regulations in each council where work must be performed.
Conservatory
Will A Conservatory Add Value To Your Home?
Adding a conservatory to your home will not only give you extra space but can also add value.
Choosing the right style and shape are important considerations that should be made when designing one for yourself or as part of an investment property strategy.
These factors affect how much value you’ll gain.
A conservatory can add around 7% in value to your home, though the proper level of importance it adds will significantly depend on how well you make use of them.
A good way for homeowners is by making sure their new space blends with everything else and reflects upon themselves through style choices.
Extension
How Much Value Will An Extension Add?
Adding an extension to your property is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Increasing the living space or square footage of your home is a sure-fire way of adding thousands to the value of your home.
The cost of an extension depends on the size and quality. Estate agents typically consider several bedrooms, bathrooms when quoting values to clients in Coventry; they also use floor area as a factor for computing rates.
Outside this capital city, you’ll find property averaging £900-£2000 per metre square (based upon research conducted by Nationwide). However, inside central locations where homes can reach up to 29 million pounds, the price is drastically more.
How Much Will An Extension Cost?
It’s essential to find the right builder when you need an extension. For example, you may want one that has access to your car or will create more living space inside.
The best way is to look through reviews from other customers similar to yours to ensure their work meets all standards.
The price range can vary depending on what type and size material is used, but MyBuilder estimates £1,100 -£1 400 per sqm (4×5). A 20sq m= £22-28k excl VAT
This means that a large extension could cost upwards of 64k.
You definitely will want to do your homework to see how much increase this home improvement will make.
Add A Garage
A garage can add as much as five per cent to the price of a typical home, with average house prices in Great Britain currently standing at £225,000 and with many buyers looking for garages.
When they purchase new homes or move upmarket. So it is worth considering having one installed on your property if you plan on selling soon!
Not only does this provide financial benefits like an extra ten grand (on top), but you will appeal to the broader market.
For example, some people won’t buy from sellers without off-street parking spaces because these features make them feel more secure about their investment decision.
This also means that there could be potential lost sales due to lack thereof.
A garage offers immense peace of mind for many people. However, few things are more frustrating than not finding a place near your house; street parking can be a nightmare.
Garages solve this problem by guaranteeing you’ll always have somewhere safe in which to park. In addition, a possible conversion on existing homes can be done with little cost – some homeowners even turn them into home gyms!
Before jumping in, a top estate agent will know all about these conversion types, so consider talking to a local estate agent.
Garage Conversion
A garage conversion is an excellent way for families needing more living space, and it’s often cheaper than extending your home. In addition, the build time can be as short as just weeks.
Meaning you have plenty of options on what to do with that big empty room!
Home Gyms, Offices and more await you in the garage whether you’ve felt the need for a home gym or office conversion.
There are many options available to suit your needs, with prices ranging from £5k upwards, but don’t forget that these conversions will increase your property value over time, which makes it well worth pursuing!
DO GARAGE CONVERSIONS ADD VALUE?
A garage conversion could add up to 20 per cent of the value of your house, so if cost-effectiveness sounds like an appealing idea – with potential benefits such as increased property values and more minor planning complications thrown in.
New Kitchen
Adding a new kitchen will add around 10% to the value of the property in the UK. However, it will depend on many factors, including how expensive you choose to go and what add ons you include with your new Kitchen.
Anytime you are thinking about updating your kitchen, make sure to ask yourself if it’s worth the investment. If your current space is clean and neutral, then spending money on something like a brand new one may not increase its value for homeowners.
If you already have their kitchens perfect in terms of design style preference as well as function.
Kitchen renovations are a great way to liven up any kitchen. Very often, minor changes such as repainting or replacing unit doors can have an immediate and profound effect on the look of your cooking space.
In addition, updates like new tiles and better lighting offer fresh tones, making it easier for you to work in low-light situations.
It is essential to spend wisely on your new Kitchen. The investment will be worth it if you do so in proportion with the value of your home and after considering how much funds are available for improvements.
A Kitchen could add 8percent to your house. However, do not go beyond what’s necessary, given there may come the point where any additional work had failed to add anything extra desirable about selling property.
Let alone guarantee an increase from before renovations were carried out!
In addition, talking through options beforehand could help us understand different thresholds more clearly – don’t hesitate to ask one of our valuation experts today.
When it comes to remodelling your kitchen, you need a plan. Using the available budget quickly will allow for maximum functionality aesthetically pleasing without breaking the bank or over-taxing yourself with work on unnecessary projects.
Like installing new cabinets when they don’t match what’s already there!
When starting any home renovation project, such as changing outdated appliances or adding fixtures like range hoods, know which ones are most important to provide clear guidance about how much time/money needs to invest into certain aspects versus others before moving ahead.
New Bathroom
A bathroom renovation is a great way to increase the value of your home, and it will also improve any living space.
With a project like this, some things should be considered before starting, Such as going into an existing room or adding side panelling for new functionality like storage closets.
A lot of people want their homes to look their best. However, not all renovations add equally towards increasing property worth-some may decrease value mainly due to the overall design style.
A bathroom renovation is the most popular of all home improvements, according to some reports.
The data also suggests that returns on both midrange and upscale remodel are increasing-which could mean you should consider undertaking one if your goal is to speed up sales!
Renovating can make an excellent investment as long as buyers know what type(s)of renovations will best appeal to their target audience.
Sometimes it pays to think about if you need a complete upgrade; many things can be done on a budget.
You don’t have to break the bank or spend hours on your bathroom renovation.
However, suppose you’re looking for an easy way out. Many renovations can be done without too much effort, but they won’t provide a substantial return on investment (ROI) in terms of monetary value.
They can, however, make your bathrooms more appealing to potential buyers.
Add New Taps And Fixtures
Just as old fixtures can instantly date a room, new ones allow you to update your space. In addition, simply switching out things like taps and showerheads doesn’t have to be super expensive.
Fixtures are often an easy way of making over bathrooms without committing fullscale renovation – make sure that whichever option(s) you go with complements your design.
Try not to make things clash against one another. Always keep to your colour theme or overall design.
If you want a bathroom as perfect for your style as it is practical, consider upgrading sinks and units.
You can buy vanity kits with all of the elements needed in one package or put together an individual cabinet yourself – make sure to keep potential buyers’ needs at heart when choosing materials!
A Lick Of Paint
Painting your bathroom can be a quick and easy way for you to update its look. A new coat of paint will give it an instant facelift, especially if the previous colour has started showing wear-and-tear.
A fresh coat might also help improve airflow since today’s high gloss surfaces trap moisture, leading to mould growth. Painting could even serve as something between complete renovations by giving tired old tiles another chance at life.
Be Careful Not To “over” Improve
The absolute most crucial thing to consider with any renovation, no matter what the costs involved are, is it worth it?
“Be aware of the risk involved when you go above and beyond what is typical for your style of home.
Over-improvements are typically improvements that homeowners complete, but most buyers don’t want these extras. Extras like these can come at a high cost. They will not necessarily be worth the return on investment (ROI).
In Conclusion
After reading this article, you should better understand how to add value to your home. We hope that our tips were helpful and look forward to helping you with any future real estate needs.
If you’re interested in a property valuation or learning more about what we can offer or would like us to help sell your current property, please don’t hesitate to contact Matthew James Property Services today!
Read our previous blog: Our Guide To Buying A House.
