How to add value to your home

11 Aug 2022

There’s always much talk – and not to mention endless TV shows – about how to add value to your property. Many things can be changed to up the price of a home.  But there are a few things which consistently top the rankings as ways to pump the price. Here are some of our favourites.
 
Loft conversion to add a bedroom
Experts say that an extra bedroom can add up to 15% to the value of your home, particularly if it’s a loft conversion with a bathroom. Options include from a roof light conversion, which needs the least amount of work and, therefore, is the most cost-effective, to a more expensive mansard conversion. In the latter, one or both slopes of the roof are replaced with steeper sides and an almost flat roof. You should chat with your local planning authority as there are rules to which you need to adhere.
 
The kerb and garden factor
A deck, patio or a summer house can upgrade a garden into an extension of your home, and is likely to add to the property’s value. First impressions count so give your home some so-called ‘kerb appeal’ with a lick of paint, a new door and ironmongery. Make sure it’s all as tidy as possible.
 
Reimagine your windows
Updating your window treatments is an effective way to transform your home's style. With so many options now available, there is a value-adding solution for every room of the house. Whether you're contemplating curtains, blinds or shutters – or considering awnings and smart motorisation – there are a raft of ways you can revise your windows. To add extra warmth and style, use shutters or timber venetian blinds. Or if you're looking to add a luxurious finish to rooms, opt for a timeless block-out curtain in a rich material.
 
Update flooring
Having carpets professionally cleaned can make a huge amount of difference to the look and smell of a home. If floorboards or tiles are displaying too much wear and tear, have them re-sanded, which opens up a raft of options as you could have them lime washed, stained, painted or simply resealed.
 
Invest in solar panels
Solar panels are a great investment, especially in today’s eco-conscious world and when energy prices are soaring seemingly out of control, because there is a huge amount of energy that we can get from the sun and turn into free electricity at home. Remember the roof must be structurally safe enough to take not only the weight of the panels but also wind lift.