Home improvements can be an excellent way to increase the value of your property, whether you are looking to sell your home or merely increase its market value. However, determining which enhancements will provide the most value can be challenging. In this article, we will look at 10 home improvements, ranging from simple fixes that you can do yourself to more extensive improvements that require the assistance of a professional.
From adding a bedroom in a loft conversion to boosting curb appeal, we will explore some of the ways you can increase the value of your property. We’ll also discuss the importance of ensuring your building is structurally sound, updating kitchens and bathrooms, adding a new driveway, and upgrading heating, lighting, and introducing new technology.
These improvements can raise the value of your property and give you an advantage over other properties on the market by making your home more appealing and desirable to potential buyers. This will increase the likelihood that it will sell fast and for a higher price.
Planning Permission
Obtaining planning permission and building regulations for an extension or loft conversion is one of the most effective techniques to raise the value of your property. Even if you don’t intend on undertaking the building work, the approval can make it more appealing to purchasers wishing to increase their living space.
This can be a significant selling point for potential buyers because it allows them to move forward with the build process without going through the time-consuming and unpredictable process of applying for planning permission. Additionally, planning permission and building regulations can provide buyers with the peace of mind, knowing that the local authorities have approved the addition.
Adding a Bedroom
If you decide to go ahead with the building work, adding a bedroom in a loft conversion is a great way to add value to your home. A loft conversion can also be a great option if you want to add a bedroom but lack the space to build an extension. This is a hugely popular option for many homeowners as it can add significant space to your property and make it more attractive to potential buyers with larger families or those working from home.
Curb Appeal
Another essential factor to consider when looking to add value to your home is curb appeal. This refers to your property’s overall look and how it appears to potential buyers when they first see it. This can be achieved by landscaping your garden, repainting the exterior of your home, or just making sure that your property is well-maintained and in good condition. By boosting curb appeal, you can increase the value of your property and make it more attractive to potential buyers passing by. In addition, a well-maintained home exterior will be perceived as well-maintained and cared for inside.
Structurally Sound
Making sure your property is structurally sound is one of the most important factors to consider when looking to add value to your property. This includes ensuring that the foundation, walls, and roof are in good condition and that no significant issues require attention. Ensuring that your property is structurally solid can boost its value and give buyers peace of mind, making your home more desirable.
Updating Your Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in a home, and it is frequently one of the first things prospective buyers look at when viewing a property. A new bathroom can significantly increase the value of your property and be a huge selling feature since it provides a sense of luxury and comfort.
Updating the bathroom can be done in various ways, including installing new sanitary ware, such as toilets and sinks, or replacing tiles and fixtures. Even entirely remodelling the bathroom can improve its appearance. This can include changing the layout, extending the bathroom, or adding new amenities like a spa-like shower or heated floors.
“Heart of the Home”
A kitchen is frequently referred to as the “heart of the home,” and it is one of the most important rooms in a house. A new kitchen can significantly increase the value of your property. Updates to a new kitchen can include a new layout, new cabinetry, worktops, appliances, and lighting fixtures. This can improve the room’s overall functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Refurbishing an existing kitchen can also be a great way to add value to your home. This can include replacing old and worn-out cabinetry, and adding new sanitary ware, such as a new sink or taps. Adding new worktops, such as granite or quartz, can also improve the overall look and feel of the kitchen. Upgrading appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers can also be a great way to improve the functionality and energy efficiency of the kitchen.
Driveway or Off-Road Parking
A driveway or off-road parking can considerably improve your property’s accessibility, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, improving its curb appeal and value. A new driveway can be made of various materials, including asphalt, concrete, or bricks, and it can be customised to complement the design of your home. It can also be improved with features like lighting and landscaping. Off-road parking is another excellent approach to increasing the value of your home. This could be a garage, a carport, or a place on the side or back of your home. In addition, off-road parking can create a sense of security and protection for vehicles, increasing the appeal of your home.
Heating, Lighting & Smart Technology
Updating your heating, radiators, and lighting system, and adding smart technologies to your home, can all contribute to its increased value. Replacing old, inefficient boilers and radiators with modern, more energy-efficient components can save heating costs while improving overall system performance. Installing new lighting fixtures, converting to LED lighting, and incorporating smart lighting control can enhance your house’s overall appearance and feel while lowering energy expenses.
Implementing smart technology into your heating, radiator, and lighting systems could significantly improve the efficiency and convenience of your property. Remote control, scheduling, and smart meters are examples of such capabilities. It may also respond to voice instructions and integrate with other smart home devices.
Upgrading Windows & Doors
Increased energy efficiency is one of the key benefits of upgrading your ageing windows and doors. New windows and doors can help you save money on energy while also improving the overall comfort and appearance of your property. This is especially important in the winter when new windows and doors can help keep warm air inside and the cold air outside.
Another critical aspect of replacing your windows and doors is security. For example, multi-point locking systems, reinforced frames, and laminated glass could be added to new windows and doors, boosting the security of your home, and deterring break-ins. Another advantage of replacing your windows and doors is improved aesthetics. New windows and doors are available in various styles, designs, and materials. This can include installing a bay window or French doors to your property, which can significantly boost its aesthetic appeal.
Redecorating & Refurbishing
Repainting the walls in a neutral colour is an excellent place to start when renovating your home and increasing its value. Accent walls can also be used to add visual appeal and a pop of colour to your home. Replacing your flooring is another ideal approach to modernise the look and feel of your house. This can include replacing old and worn-out carpets with hardwood or tile flooring, which can significantly improve your home’s overall aesthetic appeal.
There are numerous ways to increase the value of your property, ranging from structural improvements to simply upgrading the look and feel. By making your property more appealing and desirable to potential buyers, these 10 home improvement ideas can give you an advantage over other properties. As a result, they can raise the value of your property, making it stand out from other properties on the market and increasing its likelihood of selling quickly and for a higher price.
In addition, the benefits of these home improvements go beyond just increasing the value of your home. They can also significantly improve your quality of life and make your home more comfortable and enjoyable. Above all, weighing the costs and benefits of each improvement is essential to determine which ones are right for you and your home. With the right home improvements, you can turn your property into your dream home and increase its value simultaneously.
