If you want to Sell, or Stay
Maintenance and renovation are proven ways to add value to your property, whether you plan to sell in the near future, or stay and pass it down to your children one day. Depending on your budget, and your vision, it is possible to transform your home completely, or just make gradual changes to maintain it’s value.
Transform your home and add significant value
It is possible to add significant value to your property if you carry out major works that will impact the quality of life for someone living there. Larger home improvement ideas include:
Build an extension
An extension adds space in terms of square footage, which is one metric that people use to value a property. Whether you opt to add an extra floor, or extend outwards on one floor or all, the extra space is highly likely to add extra value. Extensions are typically the most expensive of renovations though, so take advice from a surveyor or estate agent on whether you can reap back the cost immediately if you are looking to sell.
Add a conservatory
Adding a conservatory also adds extra space on the ground floor. If you didn’t want to go for a full extension, this could be an option and there are a range of shapes and sizes to choose from. Invest in some suitable chairs and decorations and potential buyers will see your property has something extra to offer that other properties they are viewing don’t have.
Convert your loft space
Loft spaces are often filled with old clutter that has been accumulated over the years, the Christmas decorations box as well as cobwebs and spiders! Loft conversions are trendy now and can add appeal to someone buying.
A loft could be converted into an extra bedroom, which is another metric used to value houses, or as a children’s playroom, a study space, a gym or even a family TV / games room.
Whatever you choose could be the deciding factor for anyone buying the house in the future.
Create an en-suite
If your main bedroom is large enough, consider stealing a bit for an en-suite. En-suite bathrooms can add appeal to buyers, even if the main room isn’t as large as before.
This idea is particularly suitable for family homes with just one bathroom as it offers extra facilities for everyone.
Fit a new kitchen or bathroom
Kitchens and bathrooms are known to add value to property, especially if yours is currently a little dated.
Consider stretching your budget on things like tiles, taps handles and other fittings that can make even an ordinary kitchen suite look more expensive.
It can be a hassle fitting a new kitchen or bathroom, as the room becomes temporarily unavailable for use during the period of renovation, however the results are worth it as potential buyers know they won’t need to do it for many years.
First Impressions
First impressions count, so often improving the outside of your home can be enough to win the hearts of potential buyers, or indeed just keep the value of your property high in the area.
Fit new windows and doors
New windows and doors can make a big improvement to the aesthetics of your home. They also improve security and insulation, which are typically high on people’s agenda when choosing a property.
Build a porch
A porch can be a great place to store shoes, coats and bags when entering the house and adds extra storage to your property, ensuring the rest of your home stays clean. Particularly good with kids coming and going from sports practice!
Improve your driveway and add parking
If you have a driveway then ensuring it is keep clean and tidy can help improve the first impressions.
If your property has a front garden but no driveway, consider chipping away some for a parking space. Parking can add value to your home, especially on a busy road, where parking is difficult, or expensive to invest in a permit.
Maintain the value with small improvements
If right now you don’t have the budget to make large improvements to your home, regularly making smaller alterations can help ensure the value of your property doesn’t fall.
Declutter your living space
Having a good declutter in your living space can make a big difference. Invest in storage solutions to hide away things like paperwork or things that aren’t used regularly.
It is good to be ruthless with items you no longer need or use, freeing up space and showing potential buyers that your property is not unmanageable.
Give it a lick of paint
Redecorating can add value to your home and shows you take care of your living space. Particularly when selling, buyers want to feel they can just move in without having to spend money or time in making adjustments. Stick to neutral colours and you should please everyone.
Get gardening
A garden ridden with weeds can deter potential buyers so if the sun is shining, get your hands dirty for the day and tidy up the garden. Invest in some garden furniture so potential buyers can envisage themselves sat outside on a warm evening with a Gin & Tonic!
Splash on some statement items
One or two expensive fittings can actually make a huge difference to someone’s impressions when buying a property.
Mirrors help create the impression of extra space and trendy lights, lamps, fittings, fireplaces or paintings help add value on the surface.
Funding your renovations
If you don’t have cash in the bank to fund your renovations there are a number of options.
Home loans can be useful to raise short-term finance, or alternatively, it may be possible for you to remortgage, releasing some of the equity in your home to plough back-in.
Speaking with a mortgage adviser who can outline your options will help give you ideas on what is possible to achieve.