07 Oct HOW TO ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME

 
When considering improvements to your home, your biggest investment, choose wisely so that you maximise your return on the capital outlay.
Here are some ideas on how to add value to your home:

• Attic conversions increase square footage to your home and are the least disruptive.  Avoid flat roof dormers, as these are dormant repairs, waiting for renewal in 10 years time.  Do not forget to include an en-suite shower, as this is a common saving, but a downside if missing, when you come to sell.
• An extension will add value, whether it be a single storey kitchen/breakfast room extension, or a two storey extension with an extra bedroom and en-suite.  Ensure the garden is not drastically reduced by any extension.
• A garage or outhouse conversion, to form a playroom or home office, will be a welcome additional room to a buyer.  Ensure that you have a large timber shed, to cater for storing tools and garden equipment.
• Dining rooms are less important today. Open plan living with kitchen/family room and dining, being one large family space, is the current fashion.  Removing walls can be an inexpensive option to create space, but take professional advice, as walls can be load bearing.  Consult a Chartered Surveyor.
• Adding an en-suite to a bedroom, from a former landing storeroom or large built-in wardrobe, will enhance the value.
• If you are fortunate in having a basement cellar, converting this is a great way of enhancing the value.
• Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, so it is always worthwhile spending that little extra, to get the ‘state of the art’ fitments to showcase your home.  Use granite worktops and replacement kitchen doors, to improve its appearance.  Bathrooms can be remodelled economically with a white suite, having ‘his & hers’ basins, if space allows.  Chrome fitments and a top of the range power shower, will make a favourable return.
• Older houses do not have a central heating system.  Installing one, will improve the value and its saleability.
• Internal floor finishes are important and today carpets are less fashionable, in certain areas of the home.  Consider hard floors, such as ceramic tiles, or natural woods for ground floor rooms, tiles for bathrooms and toilets, using fitted carpets only for the stairs and bedrooms.
• Installing maintenance free, double glazed windows, will not only add value to your home and reduce energy bills, but will increase the overall comfort of the property.
• Endeavour to increase natural light to your home, to entice would be buyers, by installing skylights to landings and kitchen extensions. 
• Gardens are important and a selling point.  The garden should be neatly presented and well stocked with colourful bedding plants, striped lawns and a timber deck or natural slate patio, ideal for that summer day barbecue.