Whether you’re planning to sell your home in the next few months, or simply want to give your property a stylish makeover, knowing how to add value to your house will help to increase the asking price when (and if) it goes on the market.
But what are the easiest and most cost-effective ways to add value to your house? Here are our top 10 suggestions!
1) Extend your living space by building a conservatory
Building a conservatory is a great way to increase the value of your home, although it goes without saying that you’ll want to hire a trusted builder for the project. When planning which conservatory to go for, try and make sure the brickwork, windows, fixtures and fittings all complement your property.
Once you’re happy and the structure is finally complete, it’s up to you to make sure the interior décor flows through with the rest of your house, which not only extends the property but enhances your living space further.
2) Loft conversion
Adding a loft conversion automatically creates more livable space, in turn increasing the value of your house. Our biggest tip with loft conversion is to ensure that access to the loft room is as safe and as spacious as possible, and – if possible – have the doorway/stairs/ladder fit with the overall décor of your property.
3) Turn your garage into living space
Garages are potential goldmines when converted into living space. If you are considering a garage conversion, ensure the room is sealed from the outside elements and that heating and all the usual requirements for a living space are installed. Once the groundwork is complete, you can use your newly converted garage as a games room, office area or just everyday leisure area. This can boost the property value and, of course, will enhance the living experience of your home.
4) Redecorate your entire property
We all need a revamp from time to time and so does your home! Changing the theme of your property can enhance the look and feel of it. Even if you only change small elements, such as a light fitting here and a lick of paint there, it can really have a positive impact when coming to sell your property.
5) Add new windows to your property
When you buy a new pair of glasses, you want them to look right, fit in with current trends and, of course, make you look better! Well, if you buy a house, new windows provide the same desired effect. Not only will your house look like a different property, it will increase the overall value. You may find that purchasing new windows motivates you to style the surroundings of your property too, which will only add to the final value and ultimately could be the bargaining chip in a great final offer.
This point is especially important if your property is still rocking single-glazed windows.
6) Improve the kitchen
With families spending more time in the kitchen than in the living room, if you’re still rocking the latest units from the 70’s then a kitchen refit is a no-brainer. Our tip here is to go neutral as you can, and to – however hard it may be – to hold back your inner interior designer.
7) Knocking walls down
With the right advice, knocking down walls can change the whole dynamic of your house. In a world where space is the main catalyst for people searching for their next property, it could really boost the overall sale price. If, for example, you have a slightly smaller living room than kitchen, you may want to consider knocking down the adjoining wall to create a single open plan living space.
8) Refurbish the bathroom
Features such as underfloor heating, a heated towel rail, and maybe even an extravagant shower head can make a really big impact on house viewings. Alternatively, if you still have an avocado bathroom from the 70’s then it may be time for a complete renovation!
9) Spruce up the garden
Imagine the sun shining in your beautiful garden with modern decking, a new shed and perfect flowerbeds. That’s the kind of image many buyers dream of. By sprucing up your garden and clearing any clutter, you could add real value to your home. You can even create the illusion of space by adding a patio or decking, which could eventually double as the focal point for the whole garden.
10) Convert your basement
We know; it’s not America, and only a handful of people in the UK have basements. However, if you are one of the lucky ones then converting your basement could be the best investment you ever make. A gym, a games room, a swimming pool, a washing room… each has their own merit, but the real benefit here is showing off that your basement is a real asset to your property. Since it shares the same floorplan as your house then just think of all the extra living space!
