Renovate renovate renovate
A great way of adding value to a property is to build up, down or outwards creating more space. Look at options for loft conversions, conservatories, or even a basement. Another good idea is converting an unused garage space into another room.
Learn more about home improvements
Spare room showcase
Look at your target market and make sure you present any spare room in the property as a space they’d want to see – eg: office, nursery, gym.
Free parking
This is a very sought-after feature in urban areas. If you have a front garden, look at converting this into an off road parking space if possible.
Kitchen with a heart
Definitely the ‘heart’ of the home and many buyers will look favourably on this particular room being in good condition. Update appliances, work surfaces, tiling and flooring; if this room looks good, you’ll be standing in good stead.
Go open-plan
People are more interested in ‘space’ over the number of rooms, so if you have the cash, knock down some walls! If you can’t afford this option, then try and create the illusion of space – try putting mirrors in small spaces to create a ‘roomier’ feel.
Spare room showcase
Look at your target market and make sure you present any spare room in the property as a space they’d want to see – eg: office, nursery, gym.
Free parking
This is a very sought-after feature in urban areas. If you have a front garden, look at converting this into an off road parking space if possible.
Storage strength
People look for this when buying, so make sure you point these areas out to prospective buyers.
Find out more about the importance of home improvements
Cosmetic makeover
Make sure the house is in good condition (at least as good as the house next door!) A lick of paint to the exterior, or inside rooms, can make a huge difference to the overall feel of the property. Also cleaning dirty windows and unblocking gutters can give the place a bit of a manicure. Ask yourself: why would someone pay top dollar for a house that’s falling apart?
Clever timekeeping
When was the house built? Try and keep fixtures and features in keeping with this. For example, should the windows be wooden-framed, or sash? Could you have the front door replaced with something more solid or traditional? Or perhaps there’s an original fireplace that’s been covered up? Buyers often look favourably on original features that offer a bit of character to a property.
Bring the outside in
If you have outdoor space, make sure you really show it off. Think about fitting glass doors in a room that leads to the garden, so you can showcase it almost as though it were another room to the house; it’ll also offer a greater feeling of space. Make sure you have a tidy garden too – mow the lawn and make sure everything is in good condition. Think about installing some decking, it doesn’t have to be an expensive job and the payoff could add up to two per cent onto the house value.
