What adds the most value to a house through renovating?
Adding value to your home by renovating has got to be one of the better examples of killing two birds with one stone. Not only are you adding extra features that you get to enjoy, but if you move home at some point, you’ve increased the property value so in theory all of those renovation costs will get paid for by the next owner.
Play your cards right and anything that can add value will make your property more easy to sell. It’s a win, win, win!
This post shows you some of the best ways add value to your home.
Installing/updating double glazing
Our double glazing was a proper state when we moved in. We shared all about our new UPVC bay window installation. Two full bay windows needed to be updated alongside most of the other windows in the house. A full new set of double glazed windows is one of the biggest outlays for a home owner so a property full of old plastic and glass could really put off a prospective buyer. If you find it hard to justify the cost, you might be swayed by hearing that some double glazing firms offer 0% finance, payable over a 2 year period - definitely a no-brainer.
If budget is still an issue and your UPVC is in fairly good condition, you could always think about simply replacing the glass; a much more affordable option.
Extending into the loft
Smaller houses suddenly become a lot bigger as soon as a loft extension has been completed, and if you’ve got an en-suite too you’ve got potential to add even more value since a semi self-contained area is much more useful for guests, Airbnbs, and rental properties.
Some houses for example, 3 bed semi-detached houses are quite often not true 3 beds. There is normally a small room at the front which is only useful for a cot or a small office/box room. Many prospective buyer families will therefore need to extend at some stage. Even if you do not plan to extend into the loft, if you are making other changes that require the installation of steel beams, it is a good idea to ensure that the steel beams would support a future loft extension. And if you’re looking for loft conversion ideas then this blog has lots of information to help.
Kitchen diner knockthrough
Although we would definitely agree that galley kitchens can still be made into functional and beautiful spaces, these days the open plan kitchen diner layout is definitely the most popular format. Most potential buyers would be pleased to see that kitchen diner knockthrough has been completed and willing to pay a premium for it. Definitely check out post on open plan kitchen designs for inspiration.
Decking and lighting in the back garden
With post lockdown life getting people out into their gardens like never before, and with UK summers becoming increasingly warmer, a comfortable outside area is becoming much more sought after. We saw this stunning setup and it gave us instant garden goals!
IMage: Unique Home STAYS
Adding a garage
If you have the space to build a new garage on your property then taking the plunge could be a shrewd move; enhancing the chances of a good house valuation report. Additionally, many car owners would much prefer to keep their car in a garage for safety and reduced insurance premiums so this is going to be a tick in a box for many prospective buyers.
Image Nucrete
Garden room/outside playroom for kids
Now that working from home is much more common, a garden room with electrics could be a really good move to boost the value of your property. Being able to set up an office and/or getting away from it all for some focus time would be at the top of many buyer’s requirements lists. Alternatively, a playroom for the kids gives them a place to be, leaving the main home a little more serene, shall we say! Both great options to increase the value of a home.
Image: Bakers Timber Buildings
Adding a drive
With on-street parking at a premium these days, no one really wants to come home to find that they have to park 2 streets away, leaving their car unattended. Creating a driveway where the front garden used to be is a surefire way to make your property value rise due to the convenience factor of the both the parking and reduced garden tending.
Just make sure that it is done with the relevant planning permission for your area. Of course, it’s worth bearing in mind the loss of green space and increased flood risk that comes with these changes and so this should only be considered where the status quo is a real inconvenience.
Image: Marshalls
Converting part of a master bedroom into an en suite
UK homes are, on average, fairly small. En suite bathrooms are particularly uncommon attribute of the majority of properties. But if you have the space, adding one really does increase the value of a property.
Installing central heating/new boiler
When we moved into our 1930s semi, we had to go about doing a full central heating installation throughout. We even had to install gas since the old lady who owned it previously was afraid of it and never got it installed when the option came up during the 1940’s. Nowadays however, most properties have central heating, gas and a boiler but clearly there are properties that still do not have up to date installations and so installing one would certainly add value.
Next steps for your renovation
Do you want to get to grips with your renovation costs & create your dream home within budget? Join our How to Renovate a House online course + Reno Club community to make a head-start on planning your renovation.
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