In order to create a dream home or an attractive prospect for potential buyers, property owners will need to set some time aside, put in some work—and, of course, money—and take some active steps.
Fix the superficial
This is, perhaps, one of the most obvious ‘easy wins’. While small defects aren’t likely to dramatically affect a property’s value, they can make it harder for it to sell at the best price. Common imperfections such as peeling paint, loose tiles, dripping taps, squeaking windows, cracks to ceilings and walls, mould and squeaky stairs can all put buyers off but can also be fixed by a few simple DIY jobs.
See also: Seven Smart Tips For a DIY Renovation
Kitchen makeover
If you’re going to invest in one room it should be the kitchen, as it’s the focal point of any home. We all spend a considerable amount of time in the kitchen whether that is cooking, watching TV, hosting dinner parties or just having a cup of tea. Make sure to purchase equipment and appliances that are as up-to-date as possible and install good lighting and flooring that looks neat and is easy to clean. Whether you choose a stylish designer or open plan kitchen is up to you, but keep in mind that interior trends do tend to change every few years.
Bathroom makeover
The bathroom is another very important room, second only to the kitchen, which has the potential for adding value to a property. An extra washroom can enhance a property’s livability—all while acting as a trusty investment for a potential future sale. When looking to upgrade your bathroom, make sure to install the best quality offerings in terms of tiling, taps, towel rails and showers. The secret is to keep it simple—features such as glass doors and under floor heating are what will give this room its true value.
See also: Essentials For Home DIY
Loft conversion
This can prove to be much more cost-effective way of adding value to your home when compared to a home extension, but careful planning will be needed. Minimally disruptive—as most of the major work can be done from the outside—a loft conversion is probably the easiest way to fit an extra bedroom and bathroom in your property. A few things to keep in mind: make sure access to the loft is simple and that this conversion fits the rest of the house in terms of style and design. You will likely have to strengthen the floor joists, so ensure you leave enough ceiling height to comfortably stand in.
Structure first
Before you embark on any kind of home improvement project, you must dedicate some time to making sure your property is structurally safe and sound. Fixing issues like a leaking roof, an unstable chimneystack, a collapsed floor, insect infestations, cracks to walls and rising damp will ultimately make it easier—and safer—for other refurbishment works to take place in the future. A structurally sound home will also fare much better in the property market.
Work on first impressions
It’s hard to shake off negative first impressions and this rings true for the real estate industry too. Sometimes, buyers will have decided to scratch a particular property off their list before even getting out of their car due to poorly maintained and unattractive exteriors. Radical changes are likely to need planning permission—as well as a seasoned architect or tradesperson—to carry out. Simpler jobs such as repainting doors and windows, adding a house number, purchasing growing plants, replacing an old garage door and repointing brickwork can all go a long way in enhancing a property’s appearance, appeal and—by default—adding value to your home.
Basement conversion
Opting to go down this road will prove to be expensive and time-consuming. A basement conversion will require specialists and will also change the structure of your property—you will also face having to move out of your home for some time. Having said that, choosing to extend your home by going underground has the potential to more than double its worth in square feet—the real value here is adding extra space. As this is a major extension project it has to be considered carefully with all its pros and cons.
If you have enjoyed reading this article on adding value to your home, click here to read more on Celebrity Angels about creating more space in your home.
